I do not want to start taking ARVS
Dec 02, 2007
MANY people who are put on ART in third world countries do not respond well because they start the treatment when their immune system is critically damaged. The CD4 count measures damage done to the immune system by HIV and sometimes these cells can increase even when people are not on ARVs.
Dear doctor,
I lost my husband in 1995 due to HIV. In the same year, I tested HIV-positive, but did not go for treatment since I was not sick. In 2005, I developed herpes zoster, which was treated. I went for a CD4 count and it was 247-cells/ml, but since I had no other problem, I never bothered. In 2006, I had another CD4 count and it was 600-cells/ml. The last CD4 count done last month was 207-cells/ml. My doctor wants me to start on ARVs, but I am afraid. Isn’t it possible for my CD4 count to rise again without ARVs? Please help.
Grace
Dear Grace,
MANY people who are put on ART in third world countries do not respond well because they start the treatment when their immune system is critically damaged. The CD4 count measures damage done to the immune system by HIV and sometimes these cells can increase even when people are not on ARVs.
This happens if people are under good care with the provision of the basic care package for people living with HIV/AIDS. The package comprises septrin prophylaxis, provision of safe water and observing proper hygiene, sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets and being on good nutrition.
However, even with these, studies show that all people who have HIV eventually progress to AIDS and need to be put on ARVs at some point in time.
Since your CD4 count is below the 250-cells/ ml recommended for starting on ARVs, you should heed your doctor’s advice.
You should also carry out baseline tests like liver function tests, renal function tests and full blood count to ensure that your liver and kidneys are in good condition before you start taking ARVs.
You need to develop the habit of discussing your fears with your doctor and accepting that his/her recommendations are good. This is very important in HIV/AIDS care since it is lifelong illness. Avoid waiting until you are very sick to seek help.
Send your question on HIV to Health Editor, The New Vision. P. O. Box 9815, Kampala or health&beauty@ newvision.co.ug
I lost my husband in 1995 due to HIV. In the same year, I tested HIV-positive, but did not go for treatment since I was not sick. In 2005, I developed herpes zoster, which was treated. I went for a CD4 count and it was 247-cells/ml, but since I had no other problem, I never bothered. In 2006, I had another CD4 count and it was 600-cells/ml. The last CD4 count done last month was 207-cells/ml. My doctor wants me to start on ARVs, but I am afraid. Isn’t it possible for my CD4 count to rise again without ARVs? Please help.
Grace
Dear Grace,
MANY people who are put on ART in third world countries do not respond well because they start the treatment when their immune system is critically damaged. The CD4 count measures damage done to the immune system by HIV and sometimes these cells can increase even when people are not on ARVs.
This happens if people are under good care with the provision of the basic care package for people living with HIV/AIDS. The package comprises septrin prophylaxis, provision of safe water and observing proper hygiene, sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets and being on good nutrition.
However, even with these, studies show that all people who have HIV eventually progress to AIDS and need to be put on ARVs at some point in time.
Since your CD4 count is below the 250-cells/ ml recommended for starting on ARVs, you should heed your doctor’s advice.
You should also carry out baseline tests like liver function tests, renal function tests and full blood count to ensure that your liver and kidneys are in good condition before you start taking ARVs.
You need to develop the habit of discussing your fears with your doctor and accepting that his/her recommendations are good. This is very important in HIV/AIDS care since it is lifelong illness. Avoid waiting until you are very sick to seek help.
Send your question on HIV to Health Editor, The New Vision. P. O. Box 9815, Kampala or health&beauty@ newvision.co.ug