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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.

What Does Your Blood Work Mean To You?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Geneva, IL

With our Health experiencing various things throughout the year, our blood work mirrors that at times. What do your fluctuating numbers in your blood test mean to you?

November 9, 2021
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A myHIVteam Member

I have blood work done once per year including seeing (virtual) my HIV specialist also once per year.
When we go over my numbers it seems to blur in the back of my mind knowing that if anything is out of normal then the doctor will snap me out of the blur and tell me what the next step is in bringing things back into perspective where we want to be. If the chance comes around and my numbers are not where they need to be it is only because of 1 reason it dropped and it is because I missed several doses during any given month that can be several months in the year before I even get more blood work done.
Knowing this, I usually get back on track being constantly reminded by my HERO medication dispenser which becomes an incessant nag about my meds.
I don't feel sick when I do this, blood work still remains undetectable enough to give me the reassurance of everything is OKAY.
My annual visit has been moved up to January 2022 and my doctor will resume flying to Maui to care for his clients on this island. It has been 2 years since actually seeing my Doc in person.
I am really wanting to get the monthly injection even though I know it might not be for everyone but at least I can ask. Maybe he will prescribe the one pill a day instead, who knows?
Whatever my numbers end up being does not cause issue with me living with HIV for 36 years and only taking the meds the past 26 years. It is what it is for my case.
The biggest thing for me is this MyHIVTeam family of like minded people from all over the world who can relate and not reject.
Love and Aloha to everyone who got to read this and those who haven't.

November 9, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

my CD4 is usually around 2800.

July 26, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

That everything else, kidneys, liver etc…are healthy and working as they should.

November 17, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

GFR is always my main concern, otherwise labs twice a year ! CD4 always around 400 to 600 !

November 10, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

I don't stress out over minor fluctuations in blood lab results. That is normal. However, I always review and compare results to the previous, and if there are any major differences my doctor and I will discuss that. I keep a close eye on certain tests in addition to the CD4, cd8 and viral load. Specifically, in my case, I watch my glucose, testosterone, lipids and GFR. I maintain a spreadsheet of all my lab results going back to the 90s for comparison and identification of trends.

November 10, 2021 (edited)

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