I started Combivir and Sustiva and after learning when to take them to control the early morning drugged feeling I experienced little to no side affects. After some research and listening to other friends I, after 3 mo, took myself of my meds. I am not opposed to taking meds. Any words of wisdom of when starting is recommend would be greatly appreciated. Words on when to start are easy to come by.
Wisdom is harder.
There is no right answer for everyone, no matter what the science says. In general, we have never shown that there is any benefit to starting with T cells of over 500, unless something else is going on - a sky high viral load, low platelets, etc. Immune recovery seems to be very good in most people who start with T cells in the 350 or up range. The viral load, in part, tells you how fast the T cells are likely to drop. In your case, pretty slowly for now.