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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why Would My Cd4 Go Up But My Viral Load Go Up? Confused.

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
TEXAS, TX

So I tested positive Oct.2023 vl 60k. Cd4 385.Hiv strain was not resistant to any meds. Started Bictarvy and 6weeks later <20 cd4 598
Then 3m later vl 28 cd4 467 . Now recent bloodwork cd4 498 vl 350. Interesting thing is that the vl bloodwork didn't come up on my chart. Had to call. Still don't see it posted. Havent missed a dose.Could this be a mistake? I have a zoom tomorrow w ID doc. No other issues really w bloodwork or health..just some arthritis. Work out, eat healthy, sleeping. Just… read more

June 6, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members reassured someone worried about their viral load rising from 28 to 350 despite consistent medication, emphasizing that the dramatic... Read more

Members reassured someone worried about their viral load rising from 28 to 350 despite consistent medication, emphasizing that the dramatic drop from 60,000 to a few hundred is the real success story and that small fluctuations are normal as the body adjusts to treatment. Several members shared practical insights, including that different lab companies use different testing methods which can affect results, that under 200 is considered undetectable by CDC standards, and that doctors typically only worry about consistently rising spikes rather than isolated changes. A recurring theme was patience and perspective, with encouragement to focus on the big picture of excellent progress rather than getting caught up in temporary numbers, especially during the stressful time of expecting a baby with a negative partner.

A myHIVteam Member

You are still doing great @A myHIVteam Member. The differences in those numbers are negligible. It takes awhile for things to settle out with the virus on medication. In the meantime, the real issue is that you dropped from 60K to a few hundred. That is success. Don't get hung up on small changes in labs. The big picture is that you are doing fine. Be Happy 🤠. Be Well ❤️.

June 6, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

You and your wife will have long lives together to make up for any "downtime". @A myHIVteam Member❤️

June 7, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Thanks buddy

June 7, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Hang in there

June 7, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

<20.. undetectable. Just finished a zoom w ID doc. He thinks could be archived resistance or Malabsorption since I'm a thin body condition. Will recheck labs in a month( vl and genotype/ resistance. I thought this would be easy since I responded so quickly. Guess not.

June 7, 2024

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