How to keep numbers steady once beginning medication

Vitamins

Answers from Dr. Kaiser

Question:

I was diagnosed HIV(+) in August. 2001 with a viral load of 12,000
copies/ml and a CD4 count of 270. I am feeling fine and these numbers have remained pretty much the same since then. When should I begin medications and is there anything I can do to keep these numbers steady? I'm nervous about starting meds but not opposed. My doctor will not let me get belw 200 without definitely starting . Any advice for this time before I start?

Dr. Kaiser replies:

While your viral load is relatively low at 12,000 copies/ml, your CD4 count is below the threshold of that of a normal immune system (300 cells/ml). In this situation you have two choices.
1) Start antiviral therapy now. With a low viral load you should be able to get to undetectable very quickly and your CD4 count will rise above 300.
2) Start an agressive program of natural therapies as described in my book, Healing HIV: How to Rebuild Your Immune System, including my vitamin program 2x/day, a healthy diet, hormone balancing, exercise for muscle building, and getting checked for intestinal parasites and other GI infections. In fact, to maximize your gains, you should do all of these things whether you start antiviral medications or not.

Many of my patients have been able to avoid or postpone indefintely the use of antiviral medications by following the above recommendations. CD4 counts between 200-300 often climb well above 300 when this program is instituted in an aggressive fashion. I am always available for telephone consultations should you need personalized assistance in getting the program started. Good luck!

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