Expert: Codie Sprinkle - 11/29/2006

Question
my boyfriend has recently been diagnosed with HIV, and went yesterday to get his bloodwork results.. he found out his t cells are at 59.. and i am very worried about that.. he is for the most part very healthy, strong, and active.. he does have anal warts right now that have been active for about 3 months, and will be having surgery next week for that..  i have read that people with t cell count under 200 is considered to have aids, and i was just wondering if that is true..  he is just now starting medication, and his doctor was optimistic about his treatment..  just worried to death because he is such an amazing man..  thank you..

Answer
Just remember you need to be strong and be there for him, he is really going to need that.  Even though we live in a new age people can still be cruel.  It isn't good that his T cells are so low BUT his doctor is optimisic and you should be too.  HIV attacks the T cells, and they play a lot on your immune system keeping it healthy and fighting viruses.  Maybe you should ask his doctor about vitamins (Vitamin C helps your immune system).  I am not sure this will help things go smoother but you never know.  Attitude plays a lot on your immune system too, try and help him keep a healthy attitude.  I have HPV and although its not as scary as HIV it causes cancer and its still an STD which means I know the emotional damage that an STD can cause and how mean people can be.  Be there for him, he is really going to need it, and remember new progress is being made mostly through stem cell research.  You never know when a cure might pop up.  =) Good luck and I wish you two the best.