Question
I’m newly diagnosed and on treatment. Can I have a long life?
5 April 2012. Related: All topics, Life expectancy, Newly diagnosed.
I have just being diagnosed HIV positive. My CD4 count is under 200. I just started medication. Can I still have a long life?
Answer
I’m very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but very happy to hear that you are on treatment.
Having HIV is never easy but it is important for you to know that with today’s drugs, HIV is a treatable and manageable infection. HIV treatment can give you a near normal life expectancy and a good quality of life.
Nobody can say what the exact life expectancy in a situation like this are, as there are too many factors that can play a role. How long anyone lives depends on things you can change (smoking, exercise, medication) and thing you can’t (genetics and bad luck).
This link has more information about life expectancy, based on a study published in Lancet in July 2008.
Can I ask whether you are receiving any support currently? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. Also you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.
These two links to ‘Introduction to combination therapy’ and ‘Guide to side effects’ have lots of information if you are new to treatment.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Hey. I’m in the same boat I just started mine and my CD4 is low. You’ll have a long normal life don’t worry. It’s true there’s a lot that factors into that like having unhealthy habits. You have to do whats good for your body now. Make sure to exercise and eat all your food groups and remember to smile. My grandma always told me to smile no matter what happens because it helps in the smallest way and if you let it it will grow. I’m worried if the meds I’m taking will help. What if I get sick again, but I have good friends that support me and that’s also important is to have good support but honestly it’s not bad and I’ll fight this till the end. In life we can be killed by any number on things on any given day. This diagnosis has made me really see things for what they are. Beautiful things like enjoying nature and going outdoors with friends to have some awesome times. Just stay positive things will be alright. You still have time to change things I guarantee you just keep strong your not in this alone by any means.