HIV/AIDS & kidney problems

Kidney problems can occur amongst HIV-positive individuals and that some HIV medications may cause kidney-related side effects. Recent research shows that HIV treatments can help improve the health of kidneys in people with low CD4 counts. The results of this study showed that there are improvements in kidney function in people who started HIV medications with a CD4 count below 200, and whose viral load falls below 400 when they started HIV treatment. Researchers are implying that HIV may cause kidney problems for people with weak immune systems even before starting treatment. Do you think this is true? Are kidney problems caused by HIV medication side effects or is it HIV itself? What is your experience?

HIV Drugs and Heart Conditions

Do you take abacavir? At the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections abacavir and DDI were associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Do you take abacavir and are you worried about this? Do you have any questions? The researchers who conducted this study believe that its findings have the greatest implications for those persons with HIV who may already have diabetes, a family history of heart disease or those who smoke. Now that more HIV-positive people are getting older, there is an increased the risk for cardiovascular problems.

HIV/AIDS & hospital stays

When was the last time you stayed at a hospital? Did you have a good or bad experience? In the current issue of the living+ magazine, there is an article on how to make your hospital stay a more pleasant one. This involves knowing what to expect, what to bring with you when going to the hospital and knowing how to advocate for your rights. Let us know your experiences and what questions you may have about hospital stays.

Smoking Room at BCPWA

Did you know that the smoking room at British Columbia Persons With AIDS Society lounge may close on March 31, 2008? A new regulation in the BC Provincial Tobacco Sales Act may force BCPWA to close the smoking room. At the Society’s Annual General Meeting a few years ago, the majority of the membership voted in favour of keeping the smoking room, so the Board of Directors has written a letter to the Ministry asking for an exemption to this new regulation. We will have to see how the government responds. There are statistics that show that 60-80% of persons living with HIV smoke, which is significantly higher than the general population at 20-30%. There are pros and cons to closing the smoking room. What do you think about this? Do you think the smoking room should close? What do you think the smoking room should be used for?

BCPWA Complementary Health Fund

Are you using the BCPWA complementary health fund (CHF)? It’s a unique service for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. What complementary health products have helped you address your HIV or AIDS symptoms or related conditions? In the new issue of living+ magazine, our society Chair has written an editorial about the complementary health fund and the fact that it hasn’t been used to its full capacity by eligible HIV-positive members of the Society. There are many medications and services that are not covered by private and public insurance plans, so the Society’s complementary health fund subsidizes things such as traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage and even gym memberships. As we all know, there are numerous side effects associated with HIV medications, so complementary and alternative medicine can benefit. Are you taking advantage of the complementary health fund? What do you use it for? Do you know how to access it? Share your experiences and thoughts with us on this blog

Treatment Access Denied?

Would you like to learn more about how government policies and systems affect your access to drugs and other therapies? Do you want to better understand government cost containment strategies, and if they put your health at risk? Do you think BC should cover the cost of treatments for facial lipoatrophy for those who can’t afford it? There’s a workshop and panel discussion on treatment access issues in BC for persons with HIV/AIDS on February 7th at the Best Western Chateau Granville (in Vancouver) starting at 9:30 am. It’s free to attend and is hosted by the Canadian Treatment Action Council along with several other community groups. Let us know what your concerns are about healthcare in BC

Bacteria Strain Hits Gay Men

Have you heard about the new bacteria strain affecting gay men? Last week, researchers in San Francisco and Boston reported upon a new highly drug-resistant strain of flesh-eating MRSA bacteria spreading among gay men. The bacteria is easily shared through anal intercourse, and can also be spread through casual skin-to-skin contact and touching contaminated surfaces. The infections can cause skin ulcers and abscesses, and are difficult to treat because the bacteria is resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat earlier strains. If you notice anything unusual with how you are feeling or with your skin, you should check with your doctor. Let us know if you have any questions about this new bacteria.