My HIV Lab Results Reveal BIG Changes in my Health!

Raif Derrazi

3,090 views • 2 days ago

Video Summary

This video details a person's recent lab results, sharing their journey with HIV and focusing on health markers. Key findings include an undetectable viral load, a CD4 count of 616 (significantly improved from their diagnosis), and a notable improvement in cholesterol levels, dropping from high to within the ideal range. The creator attributes these positive changes, in part, to a renewed focus on fitness and diet, including regular exercise and sauna use, and a supplement regimen.

An interesting observation is the rise in CD4 T-cell counts after incorporating propolis into their diet, which they learned about from an article suggesting it helps increase these cells. The video also touches on a low white blood cell count, believed to be a temporary effect from a recent illness, and discusses creatine supplementation and its impact on creatinine levels, reassuring viewers that it doesn't necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction. Finally, the creator shares optimal Vitamin D levels, which they believe may be influenced by controlled sun exposure and D3 plus K2 supplementation.

Short Highlights

Viral load remains undetectable, a consistent result since 2012, with occasional minor blips.
CD4 T-cell count is 616, a significant improvement and within the normal range, potentially influenced by propolis supplementation.
Cholesterol levels have dramatically improved: Total cholesterol dropped from 222 to 190, and LDL from 141 to 113, attributed to diet and fitness.
Glucose levels are now within the reference range, even without fasting, a marked improvement from pre-diabetes levels noted previously.
Vitamin D levels are optimal at 52, potentially due to controlled sun exposure and Vitamin D3 plus K2 supplementation.

Key Details

HIV Viral Load and CD4 Count [01:26]

The HIV-1 RNA quantitative PCR test, or viral load test, shows an undetectable result, which has been the case consistently since 2012, with only a few instances of minor viral blips.
These blips do not signify a loss of untransmittability.
The CD4 subset panel shows an absolute CD4 cell count of 616, which is considered great and within the reference range of 490-1740.
This is a significant improvement from a CD4 count of 169 at diagnosis with AIDS.
For years, the count hovered in the 400s, which was frustrating but later learned to be typical for individuals diagnosed with AIDS, with an average rise of about 300.
In the last few years, after adding propolis, a supplement studied for its potential to increase CD4 T-cells, the counts have consistently been in the 600s, showing an average increase of 200.
The percent CD4 count has also risen from the low to mid-30s to 44% over the last year.

"I know some of you get really worked up about viral blips. Not to worry if it's just a one and done. It's not a big deal."

Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Lipid Panel [05:18]

The white blood cell count was 3.3, below the reference range of 3.8 to 10.8, potentially due to a recent viral or bacterial infection, as the individual was sick in the past month. This is not a cause for immediate stress and will be monitored.
Comparing lipid panels from February and October shows significant improvements.
Total cholesterol dropped from 222 to 190 (within the ideal range of below 200).
LDL cholesterol decreased from 141 to 113 (still high but a substantial drop, with a reference range below 130).
Non-HDL cholesterol decreased from 161 to 132 (close to the reference range of less than 130).
HDL cholesterol slightly decreased from 61 to 58 but remains within the healthy range.
Triglycerides went down from 96 to 87.
These improvements are attributed to renewed focus on fitness and diet.

"And so that was this was probably the result that was the most exciting for me."

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and Creatinine [08:18]

In February, glucose was 101, just above the reference range and consistent with pre-diabetes, prompting concern and action.
In October, despite not fasting before the test (having eaten breakfast), glucose was within the reference range, indicating significant progress attributed to fitness and diet.
Creatinine levels have consistently remained within the healthy range since 2012.
The creator takes creatine 3-5 times a week and explains that while creatine supplementation can cause creatinine levels to spike, it does not necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction.
A doctor's advice is that further in-depth testing is needed to determine actual kidney function if creatinine levels rise.
Creatine is highlighted as a highly studied, inexpensive supplement that individuals focused on physical health should consider, with physician observation.
Advocacy for oneself with healthcare providers regarding supplement use, especially for those with HIV, is encouraged.

"What my doctor told me is that creatinine is an indicator of kidney function, but it doesn't necessarily mean that your kidney isn't functioning well if your creatinine level spikes."

Vitamin D and Fitness Routine [13:30]

Vitamin D levels were tested for the first time and found to be 52, which is optimal (reference range 30-100). Levels below 20 are deficient, 20-29 insufficient, and 30+ optimal.
This optimal level is potentially due to a combination of controlled indoor and outdoor tanning and daily supplementation with Vitamin D3 plus K2 (1,000 IUs).
The creator acknowledges the risks of UV exposure but balances them with perceived benefits like mood enhancement and vitamin D production.
The fitness routine involves four to five-plus sessions per week, starting with 30 minutes of incline treadmill cardio, followed by hypertrophy strength training (10-12 reps).
Cardio involves starting at a 18° incline and 2.8 mph, decreasing incline by 3° and increasing speed by 0.2 mph every 4-5 minutes, burning around 400 calories.
A new gym has a sauna, which is used for two 10-minute sessions with a 5-minute break in between, contributing to muscle recovery, stress relief, and overall well-being.