Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Can We Cure HIV Using Stem Cells?

You are HIV+. The virus is undetectable from the use of HAART. Is it possible to cure HIV from the body? Physicians from Germany appear to have done so. They describe a 40-year-old man—an American working in Berlin—whose HIV had been under good control for several years using a typical cocktail of drugs known as HAART. Then he developed acute leukemia. In an attempt to cure the leukemia, he underwent a course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant. The patient's stem cell transplant was a success. Furthermore, now off HAART for almost two years, the patient shows no detectable signs of HIV in his blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, intestines, or brain. This patient represents a functional cure. Is this the future of HIV therapy? Are stem cells the answer to HIV/AIDS? Are we finally at the door to a cure? What are your thoughts? What do you think of this?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Raw or Wrapped? Is Barebacking a Concern?

You are HIV+ and Undetectable. Are you jeopardizing your health because you think it’s ok to play raw? Unsafe sex isn't worth the risk. You are risking your health. For PHA’s unsafe sex places both individuals at risk for a wide array of STDs. STDs can behave differently in PHA’s. Hepatitis, Syphilis, HPV and many others can have far more serious consequences for PHA’s than for those with intact immune systems. HIV reinfection (dual infection, superinfection) can also occur early in the course of infection. Safe sex does protect against many blood-borne infections that are major causes of life-threatening diseases and death in people with HIV. What do you think? Is it condom fatigue or wishful thinking? How are you playing?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

HIV+ In Today's World. So Many Possibilities!

You are HIV+. Taking your medications has stabilized your health. But has living with HIV stopped you from living a full life? Has your world become a smaller place because of instability or your needs not being met? Is anyone listening? Do you require more than just medical appointments, doctors and meds? HIV treatment includes living with the virus and awareness to mental/physical needs. Is it time to be ‘pro-active’ in your own life? There are many resources available to you for assistance and guidance as a PHA in today's world. Connecting with peers may be a way to open your life to new avenues while continuing the fight to remain healthy. What are some positive steps you are taking to remain active? Is there something we can help you with? Perhaps you can share ideas that have helped you.