As part of the Treatment Information Program at BC Persons With AIDS, this week’s blog is to invite you to an upcoming, informal discussion of HIV research, taking place during PRIDE.
Wednesday, July 29th from 8 to 10am.
HIV Research Cafés bridge the worlds of community and academia through casual and respectful plain language conversations about HIV research articles which we send to you in advance. Read as much or as little as your time, energy and interest permits.
It’s like friends gathering over breakfast to chat. No group presentations mentioning HIV, no talking heads, no signs saying “HIV Research”, no minutes and no recordings. Open to all interested.
We’d love to hear your input and questions regarding sex, or sex as an HIV positive individual. Do you have a hard time discussing your HIV status with your potential partners, or what other concerns may you have? Please drop us a note as they are monitored daily. Until next week…be well!
This Breakfast is by registration only!
Register with Glen Eatly at the following: cafeguest@bcpwa.org .
An event hosted by the Community Based Research Program housed at BC Persons With AIDS Society.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Treatment Side-effects; Skin Disorders
Individuals with HIV can develop minor skin complications when they start HAART. The most common reaction is a rash, or dry patches anywhere on the body. These problems will usually resolve themselves after your body gets used to the treatment medications.
However, there are a couple of things to keep and eye out for:
If the rash is accompanied by a fever, nausea or coughing, speak with your doctor; go to emergency if symptoms rapidly worsen, or if you have difficulty breathing.
After starting HAART, as our immune system becomes reconstituted (stronger), flare-ups of skin disorders are common, with eosinophilic folliculitis being one of the most common issues.
As dry skin can also be a problem, topical creams containing oatmeal, calendula (marigold), silicone or Vaseline should all help. Apply at least once daily, particularly after you shower.
Do you have any questions about treatment side-effects? Please drop us a note. Until next week...be well!
However, there are a couple of things to keep and eye out for:
If the rash is accompanied by a fever, nausea or coughing, speak with your doctor; go to emergency if symptoms rapidly worsen, or if you have difficulty breathing.
After starting HAART, as our immune system becomes reconstituted (stronger), flare-ups of skin disorders are common, with eosinophilic folliculitis being one of the most common issues.
As dry skin can also be a problem, topical creams containing oatmeal, calendula (marigold), silicone or Vaseline should all help. Apply at least once daily, particularly after you shower.
Do you have any questions about treatment side-effects? Please drop us a note. Until next week...be well!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Treatment Side-effects: Sleep Disorders
Sleep is an essential process needed by the body as “down time” in order to rest and repair from the day. With person’s with HIV, side-effects of treatment may create sleeping disorders. If you are not able to get regular, good quality sleep, either in the long or short term, your ability to think, speak and concentrate will be reduced. You can become more irritable and have slower reactions, and your memory and judgment will be affected.
Try these few tips first to try and improve your sleeping, if the problem persists, please contact your health care provider.
Take a hot bath before bed
Have a cup of herbal (chamomille) tea or warm milk
Make your room a quiet and comfortable refuge; only use it for sleeping in
Try to get some exercise every day
Get into a routine where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
As I mentioned, if sleeping disorders persist, you should contact your doctor as he will be able to help. What are your tips for helping to get to, or to stay asleep? We always love to hear from you. Until next week…be well!
Try these few tips first to try and improve your sleeping, if the problem persists, please contact your health care provider.
Take a hot bath before bed
Have a cup of herbal (chamomille) tea or warm milk
Make your room a quiet and comfortable refuge; only use it for sleeping in
Try to get some exercise every day
Get into a routine where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
As I mentioned, if sleeping disorders persist, you should contact your doctor as he will be able to help. What are your tips for helping to get to, or to stay asleep? We always love to hear from you. Until next week…be well!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Treatment Side-effects; Nausea
Most antiretrovirals, as well as many other drugs used to treat infections in those of us with HIV, list nausea and vomiting as some of the most-likely side-effects. Besides making it difficult to go “out and about”, nausea and vomiting can in the long-term cause serious problems such as dehydration and malnutrition. Here are a few tips for dealing with nausea:
-Eat small, more frequent meals
-Avoid greasy, fat, fried or spicy foods
-Herbal teas, especially peppermint, chamomile and ginger will help
-Over-the-counter drugs such as dimenhydrinate (gravol)
-Don’t lie flat for at least an hour after eating or drinking
-Eat cold food, warm food can worsen nausea
What works for you in decreasing nausea and vomiting, or is it not an issue for you? Until next week…be well!
-Eat small, more frequent meals
-Avoid greasy, fat, fried or spicy foods
-Herbal teas, especially peppermint, chamomile and ginger will help
-Over-the-counter drugs such as dimenhydrinate (gravol)
-Don’t lie flat for at least an hour after eating or drinking
-Eat cold food, warm food can worsen nausea
What works for you in decreasing nausea and vomiting, or is it not an issue for you? Until next week…be well!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Treatment Side-effects: Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common side-effects of HAART, and has a huge impact on our ability to go about our days. The good news is that this side-effect does respond to treatment and can usually be managed.
Diarrhea is an increase in the water content, frequency, and volume of bowel movements. It can become a serious problem if left untreated, leading to dehydration and nutritional problems. If diarrhea has just become a problem, it may become serious, please check with your doctor if it does not clear up within a few days.
If Diarrhea is a problem, there are various ways of trying to clear it up. Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) may help, or prescription medications will usually do the job as well.
Another way to attack the problem is through your diet. Stay away from coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as well as spicy or fried food. The BRAT diet really helps, it consists of Banana’s, Rice, Apple juice and Toast or tea.
Do you experience many side-effects that are attributed to treatment? How do you manage them? If you have any questions regarding side-effects, please ask and we’ll do our best to answer. Until next week, be well!
Diarrhea is an increase in the water content, frequency, and volume of bowel movements. It can become a serious problem if left untreated, leading to dehydration and nutritional problems. If diarrhea has just become a problem, it may become serious, please check with your doctor if it does not clear up within a few days.
If Diarrhea is a problem, there are various ways of trying to clear it up. Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) may help, or prescription medications will usually do the job as well.
Another way to attack the problem is through your diet. Stay away from coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as well as spicy or fried food. The BRAT diet really helps, it consists of Banana’s, Rice, Apple juice and Toast or tea.
Do you experience many side-effects that are attributed to treatment? How do you manage them? If you have any questions regarding side-effects, please ask and we’ll do our best to answer. Until next week, be well!
Monday, June 8, 2009
HIV and Swine Flu (H1N1)
What is Swine flu and is its occurrence relevant to individuals with HIV? Swine flu is only a new strain of the flu virus that has yet to have been in contact with humans. As we have never been exposed to this flu, we do not have any antibodies to it which makes us a little more vulnerable.
Generally taking the same pre-cautions which we usually use, should avoid contracting this flu. The singular most important thing that we can do is hand washing. Other precautions involve of course staying away from those infected, and if the flu is showing up in your area, avoiding crowded places if possible.
If you develop any flu symptoms and you suspect it could be swine flu, DO NOT go to your doctor’s office as this may contribute to the spread. Instead, call your doctor and they will tell you what to do.
How has the Swine flu outbreak affected you? Are you staying in more, or avoiding busier places? How about your tips to help avoid infection? Be well.
Generally taking the same pre-cautions which we usually use, should avoid contracting this flu. The singular most important thing that we can do is hand washing. Other precautions involve of course staying away from those infected, and if the flu is showing up in your area, avoiding crowded places if possible.
If you develop any flu symptoms and you suspect it could be swine flu, DO NOT go to your doctor’s office as this may contribute to the spread. Instead, call your doctor and they will tell you what to do.
How has the Swine flu outbreak affected you? Are you staying in more, or avoiding busier places? How about your tips to help avoid infection? Be well.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Smoking Is Even More Dangerous To Individuals With HIV Than Those Without
If you have HIV and are a smoker, you now have another reason to quit. In recent research done by Syed Kadri at Ohio State University Medical Centre, patients with HIV were found to be twice as likely to experience a decrease in lung function.
The immediate effects of quitting smoking are:
*Within 8 hours, carbon monoxide levels drop in your body and oxygen levels in your blood increases.
*After 2 days, your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.
*Within 2 weeks to 3 months, your lungs work better making it easier to breathe.
*After 1 to 9 months, coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath improve.
An excellent resource for those who would like to quit, as well as for those who don’t, is the Canadian Cancer Society
How do you feel about being positive and continuing to smoke? Is more information or support needed to assist you break the habit? Be well!
The immediate effects of quitting smoking are:
*Within 8 hours, carbon monoxide levels drop in your body and oxygen levels in your blood increases.
*After 2 days, your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.
*Within 2 weeks to 3 months, your lungs work better making it easier to breathe.
*After 1 to 9 months, coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath improve.
An excellent resource for those who would like to quit, as well as for those who don’t, is the Canadian Cancer Society
How do you feel about being positive and continuing to smoke? Is more information or support needed to assist you break the habit? Be well!
