Your Ideas for the HIV Treatment Blog

Earlier this year, the treatment information program launched this HIV treatment blog. Since then we have posted 27 new topics and there have been about 41 comments made to these topics. Over 1600 hits have been made on the blog (blog has been seen 1600 times). We try to post topics that are relevant to those people with HIV and need your ideas for 2008. What do you want to see discussed on this blog? What do you think about this blog? Why do you go on this blog? Let us know as we try to decide what to do in 2008. In the meantime, we wish you a happy New Year and look for us in 2008

B12 Low in HIV-positive folks!

Are you getting checked for your B12 levels? Many persons with HIV have low B12 levels in their blood. B12 is important because it helps to maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. It can be found in food products with high protein such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products. B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing numbness, burning or tingling feeling in the toes, feet, hands or arms), decreased ability to think clearly, and even anemia. Persons with HIV with low B12 levels may feel very tired and have low energy. You should ask your doctor to check your blood levels. If you have low B12 levels, you should get B12 supplements. Have you experienced low B12? Have you tried any other complementary health products to increase your energy? What other health issues are you faced with?

AIDS Vaccine

What is happening with the AIDS vaccine? There have been over 38 million people infected with HIV worldwide in the last 26 years and yet there hasn’t been an HIV vaccine created. Recently, yet another AIDS vaccine study was stopped when it was discovered that in was not effective in preventing HIV infection. There were actually more people infected with HIV in the vaccine study compared to those who were not in the vaccine study. The virus mutates (changes shape) so quickly that it has been difficult to find the right vaccine. Despite this latest setback, scientists are still working on the development of an AIDS vaccine, however one wonders how much longer do we have to wait? What do you think about all of this?

Sleeping Problems?

Do you suffer from sleep problems? We hear about lots of people having trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and unable to sleep. This is defined as insomnia. This could be a side effect of certain HIV medications at least in the initial stages when you are first starting on HIV meds. Some people need to take so called sleeping pills to battle insomnia, however there’s debate as to whether this is beneficial. Other ways may include drinking hot milk or chamomile tea before bedtime, and to limit caffeine and sugar, especially in the evening hours. So how do you deal with sleeping disorders?

Depression

Do you suffer from Depression? Do you know if it is caused by HIV, your medications or you? Depression is very common amongst HIV-positive individuals and can arise for a number of reasons. Decreased interest in daily activities, tiredness and fatigue, trouble sleeping or too much sleep, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness and guilt are some of the symptoms of depression. Some people need to take antidepressants to manage their depression. What do you know about depression and how do you cope? Next Wednesday, November 14th, the BCPWA treatment information program will host a community forum on this topic. It will be presented by a local psychiatrist. By attending, you will learn more about depression and HIV. Check out our website for more information about this event.

New Drug Developments

There’s lots of activity going on in development of HIV medications. During the month of October 2007, there have been two new drugs approved in Canada and one new drug approved in the United States. Atripla is now available in Canada. It becomes the first once-daily single tablet formulation (contains Sustiva, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine all in one pill). Maraviroc, also approved in Canada, is a new entry inhibitor. Raltegravir, an integrase inhibitor, has gained approval in the U.S. and is expected to be given approval in Canada soon. This is all good news, giving those who are developing drug resistance hope for the future. What are your thoughts on new drug developments? Have you had experience with any of these new drugs through clinical trials?

Treatment Fatigue

Do you ever think about stopping HIV medications? In the current issue of the living+ magazine, there’s an article about treatment fatigue. Some people with HIV are just plain tired of taking their medications and chose to stop. Is this a way of ignoring your HIV? There has been data showing that those who take drug holidays may have an increased risk for cancer. Treatment fatigue may be a sign of the times just like condom fatigue. Based on the empowerment model, BCPWA continues to hold the position that any HIV-positive person has the right to refuse treatment, even it that places the person’s life at risk. What are your thoughts on your HIV meds? Are you getting tired of them? How do you manage?