97

 Posted by on May 7, 2012 at 12:02 pm
May 072012
 
97

97. That’s my latest CD4+ count, less than half the count from six weeks ago.

That’s it. I have tried as many alternative treatments as I can think of to reverse the decline. I will be starting my third round of pharmaceutical ARVs as soon as I can get a prescription and fill it.

This decision has been a long time coming, and in hindsight, I probably should have restarted a few months ago. There’s nothing magical about 97, or being below 100, but it’s as good a breaking point as any. I’ve long argued that there are two things to keep in mind about CD4 counts: one is the long-term trend; the other is single- or low double-digit counts.

New webcam for youtube videos

 Posted by on July 15, 2009 at 12:21 am
Jul 152009
 

I just posted a new video on youtube, discussing the LOTTI study I blogged about yesterday. Video is a new medium for me and I had such a positive response from my first video that I hope it helps get this message of hope out to more people.  This second video has far higher quality, […more]

LOTTI: Take a vacation from AIDS drugs

 Posted by on July 13, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Jul 132009
 
LOTTI: Take a vacation from AIDS drugs

The LOTTI study, based in Italy, found that patients taking highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) for HIV/AIDS who took a “vacation” from drug treatment fared as well as those who remained on their drugs continuously.
This study offers a desperately needed offer of hope for those in treatment who cannot tolerate the AIDS drugs’ toxicity, or who want to avoid know side effects such as disfigurement and organ failure.