*Note... Viral Load assays available today are far more sensitive than what is suggested here.

The math behind calculating Viral load can seem complex, but its actually quite simple
once a "baseline" has been established. We as patients have a tendency to freak out when
our viral load increases by even a few thousand copies. The above chart demonstrates how
viral load is calculated. It is in our best interest to familiarize ourselves with and keep a
record of these numbers.
    To give an example;
        Look at the page where my lab work is shown. On 8/10/98 my Viral Load was 18,666.
(thats 18,666 particles of virus per one milliliter of my blood). I took a break from from the
drugs because I had become so "non-compliant", partly because of my job, partly because
I had become lazy. We tend to take for granted that once a regimen is working, we no longer have to discipline ourselves to take the dang pills on time EVERY time. (Im rambling)....
        Notice that on 11/13/98 my Viral Load had increased to 41,111. Simply divide the previous number [18,666] by the newest number, [41,111]. The resulting number is about .45 "log". Often times the physician may not see this as clinically significant. Viral Load (as well as t-cell count) can vary depending upon various factors.. i.e. margin of error regarding the test itself; maybe the patient was recently ill, stressed out, whatever.
    Discuss any increase with your physician (hopefully he/she will listen) and dont make any hasty decisions. Remember that an unwarranted change in drug regimens can limit the arsenal available to you in the future. There may be a newer, better drug coming down the pike and the choice you make can affect how potent future regimens may be. My opinion is that the more drugs you are naive to (never taken before) the better. There are many schools of thought on this subject, but always remember it is ultimately YOUR choice. Trying a regimen that is difficult, if not impossible to comply with, is a waste of ammunition in the war.....

Off to the lab

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"Ignorance is your worst enemy"