I found out a year ago I was HIV-positive and by taking the vitamins my doc prescribed, my T-cells have been over 400 ever since. How much higher can my count go, and what kind of numbers does a non-infected person have?

I'd like to get to 600 it's my goal. Any advice?

A normal T-cell count is 588-1202, and most non-HIV-infected patients will have T cells in that range. If your HIV infection is only a year old or so you may have a T-cell count that stays in the 400s for years. It may go higher.

If we knew of any ways to make the CD4 cell count go higher without starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) we'd be very happy. Eating well, exercising, not exposing yourself to more virus, all these things are good for you but there are no known ways to effectively boost this part of your immune system (many health food articles to the contrary).

If you've been HIV positive for years before actually getting diagnosed it may be that your T-cells will not remain at 400 but may sink a bit and you'd be recommended to take ART.

Without medication it is unusual for the T-cells to go up on their own. But when your T cells drop below 350 you should (in most cases) be started on ART and then they may well rise to over 600.

I hope that answers your questions.

HIV and hemorrhoids...

I am HIV positive and on treatment and I have an external hemorrhoid. Can I go to the hospital for surgery? I have protected sex but whenever I sleep with a man I feel ashamed. Thank you.

If you have an external hemorrhoid there is no reason not to have it removed because you have HIV. People with HIV who are on treatment heal after surgery. That said, if the hemorrhoid isn't bothering you (with pain or bleeding) and your partners aren't complaining, it may be best to leave it alone.

Even though a doctor removes it, it may not heal perfectly smooth. And please don't ever be embarrassed or afraid to see a doctor because you have HIV. Your questions and concerns are valid and deserve medical attention.