Question
Can I wait 2 weeks to see my doc? My first CD4 count came back at 266.
30 May 2007. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
Hello…
I am HIV-positive… I’ve just found out and I got my blood work done…I had shingles about a month before I knew I had HIV, which is why I got tested.
My CD4 count is 266 cells/mm3, but do not have my viral load yet due to the recent holidays here (memorial day).
I made an appointment with a doctor to start meds but he is on vacation…I am worried because my appointment is in two weeks.
Should I be concerned about having to wait so long to see the doctor? I am perfectly healthy now.
Thanks for your help…
Answer
Hi
Do you know whether you are likely to have been recently infected or whether you may have been HIV-positive for many years?
Either way, waiting two weeks will be fine.
A CD4 count of over 200 cells/mm3 means that you are not in any immediate risk of HIV-related symptoms.
In the US, people are usually recommended to start treatment between a count of 200 and 350, and sometimes before CD4 counts falls below 350.
Because you are newly diagnosed, it would be better to spend the next few weeks finding out about treatment – for example take a look at the i-Base Introduction to combination therapy.
If you were only recently infected (ie if you had a negative test within the last year or two) then your CD4 count could still be returning to a higher normal level without treatment.
If you are likely to have been HIV-positive for several years, it is more likely that you will consider starting treatment over the next few months.
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