I had 14 t-cells when I started medication in 1994. It took almost 10 years for my t-cells to get above 50. I got shingles several times and lost vision in one eye from CMV retenitis because of low t-cells during that period. After getting above 50, my t-cells took off steadily and now I have more than 1,300. I believe that the newer medications help people recover t-cells faster than my experience.

I was a VL of 384,000 and CD4 of "7." VL now, 7 months later, is still hovering around 200, and CD4 around 250. I am also still on Bactrim, as I assume you are. You're not in this alone, and I am thrilled to be able to reach out! Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to chat.

My CD4 count has been as low as 2. That was 13 years ago. Now my CD4 count is over 400 and I'm undetectable. Each individual is different physically and mentally. Time is required for your health to improve. One day your HIV status may become secondary to you as it has with me. I think we were all fearful about our lives and futures when we learned of our diagnoses. Who wouldn't be? I just continue to follow suggestions from my doctors.

Opportunistic infections and health problems will come up no matter how healthy or unhealthy we are and also whether our immune systems are compromised or not. When my CD4 count was very low I was prescribed antibiotics. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I was able to stop taking them. You may do much better than me!

You're not paranoid inpatient yes you are. You're looking for instant results that's not going to happen. As far as your cd4's. Your body has been through a lot of stress. It will take a while it could be up to a year to get the body strong again it's not going to be instantly. It sounds like to me your doctor is giving you preventive care for sickness. Your doctor is correct he's doing exactly what he should be doing with your circumstances. Take your medicine like you should. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor. He needs to know everything that is going on with your body and mostly be patient it's going to take some time good luck

I'm not trying to be negative at all here, but my question really is, don't you trust your doctor? If I didn't believe what my doctor was telling me, or if I doubted it and couldn't find resolution, I'd see a different doctor. I've been lucky enough to completely understand my doctors both for HIV and cancer, and they've been able to communicate very well with me when I have questions/concerns. You and your doctor are a team, so take your part in decisions seriously. Be well guy, hope for the best for you =)