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July 9, 2014 Visit the Forums Read Past Email Newsletters Change/Update Subscription
To the person who wrote last week about trying to commit suicide: I think that you are right that we are suffering a sort of post-traumatic stress disorder, both from the past and from the present we live. This is not a question, just insight on how some of us are not doing well out here and not knowing how to do a thing about it.Nelson Vergel responds in the “Aging With HIV” forum
I just tested positive for HIV, and I smoke one or two cigarettes a day, as well as some weed and the occasional electric cigar. How much will continuing like this worsen my situation or hurt my CD4 count?David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., responds in the “Substance Use and HIV” forum
Do you have any good guess as to when those injectable once-per-month medications I’ve read about will be available to treat HIV?Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D., responds in the “Choosing Your Meds” forum
I was on Atripla for four years — viral load undetectable, no drug resistance, CD4 count of 600 — but switched to Stribild last week upon my doctor’s suggestion. I am having very hard time adjusting to it. Are my symptoms normal — and even if they are, would it be OK to switch back to Atripla so quickly?Keith Henry, M.D., responds in the “Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment” forum
I’ve been on Stribild for over four months and haven’t missed a dose, but I’m scared that I’m going to miss one at some point. If I do, will it make me resistant?Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D., responds in the “Choosing Your Meds” forum
I have been HIV positive for 30 years, and have had great results with my meds. But my total cholesterol is over 225 (LDL 150) and my triglycerides are close to 300. I have horrible side effects when using statins. At what point should I consider switching HIV meds to lower cholesterol?Keith Henry, M.D., responds in the “Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment” forum
When I started to take my antiretrovirals seven months ago, I developed very itchy pimple-like bumps on my scalp, face, neck, and all the way down to my legs. I always wear long sleeves or a jacket because I’m too shy too show off my arms. My doctor says it will go away, but I need help managing this now!Keith Henry, M.D., responds in the “Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment” forum
I’ve been on HIV treatment for two years, and have also been prescribed antibiotics throughout that time. My CD4 count is 230 and climbing slowly. However, I have heard many times that antibiotics should not be “overused” — does that go for us HIV-positive people as well?Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D., responds in the “Choosing Your Meds” forum
TheBody.com‘s sister site, HealthCentral, is honoring that fight against stigma with a photo contest that gives you a chance to make a statement — and potentially win some cash in the process.
The “Live Bold, Live Now” Photo Contest invites people who are living with a significant health issue to share their story by July 11; public voting will determine the winners of a $500 first prize, $250 second prize and $100 third prize.
Several HIV-positive people have already submitted their stories. Visit the photo contest entry post on HealthCentral’s Facebook page to see them, and to submit your own story!
Not even 24 hours ago I found out a very dear friend of mine is HIV positive. Is there anything I should know? Other than shock I don’t see him any differently, but I just want to be educated in any way possible to be there for him.David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., responds in the “Mental Health and HIV” forum
I disagree with the theory that people living with HIV are already “functionally cured” if they are on antiretroviral therapy. If that’s true, then why must we disclose our status even if we are undetectable and practically unable to transmit the virus?Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D., responds in the “Choosing Your Meds” forum
While I was volunteering for a study, I would consistently get viral load results back that were “less than 20.” Most recently, though, my viral load was 56. My doctor doesn’t seem concerned, but does suddenly becoming “detectable” mean I’m becoming resistant to my meds?Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C., responds in the “Understanding Your Labs” forum
I was diagnosed in June 2011 with CD4 count of 43. Since starting treatment, my CD4 slowly climbed to around 260, where it has hovered. Why won’t it keep climbing?Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C., responds in the “Understanding Your Labs” forum
I’m HIV positive, but since I started meds I’ve always had an undetectable viral load. I’m also circumcised and have no other STDs. I’m wondering: What is the real percentage chance of transmitting HIV to my female partner if we don’t use condoms?Shannon R. Southall responds in the “Safe Sex and HIV Prevention” forum
I was abroad on vacation when my condom broke during sex with a stranger. Doctors prescribed me post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) consisting of Truvada and Kaletra, but due to drug access problems with the Truvada, they said it’d be fine to just take the Kaletra alone if I need to. Are they right?Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D., responds in the “Choosing Your Meds” forum
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