Bones and HIV. Do you have that aching feeling?

As people living with HIV take medications over time, a growing list of conditions has become a concern for those who try to manage their overall health. One of the concerns is painful, aching bones. As the body is weakened by HIV the increase in pain can be difficult to live with. Bone is living tissue and is in constant change during your life. People with HIV face more bone loss than HIV-negative people of the same sex and age. Increased risk for developing thin bones (osteoporosis) and bone damage such as fractures are just some of the problems. Supplements can help support your body’s ability to stop and reverse bone loss. It is suggested to refer to your doctor for information on the need for bone-building nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and vitamins C and D. What do you do to ensure healthy bones? Please share your thoughts.

HIV and METH. A deadly game. Are you playing it?

Methamphetamine, or Crystal, is a synthetic stimulant that is similar in chemistry to adrenaline, a central nervous system hormone that stimulates the body's responses. The drug is used recreationally for sexual enhancement and stimulation, to initiate more sex and to prolong the encounters. Methamphetamine (Meth) and HIV do not mix well together. Meth suppresses killer T cells, causes hypertension, chest pain, increased heart rate, abrasions in the mouth and rectum, damages blood vessels in the heart and brain and more importantly reduces effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy, thus increasing viral replication. Meth use and HIV infection might significantly alter the size of a person's brain structure and lead to cognitive function impairments such as difficulties learning or processing information. Younger Meth users who are HIV+ were more affected in some areas of the brain than older Meth users who are HIV+. Meth and HIV also causes personality changes, paranoia, anorexia, weight loss, irritability, memory problems, depression, sleep disorders and physical aggression. Are you playing with Meth and your health? Do you experience any of these problems? What are your thoughts?

Nutrition & HIV. Are you maintaining the balance?

Good nutrition is very important for people with HIV. However, this can be a problem for many PHA’s. When your body fights HIV, it uses more energy and you need to eat more than normal. You need to increase the amount of food you eat and maintain your lean body weight. A moderate exercise program will help your body turn your food into muscle. Having extra muscle weight will help you fight HIV. Make sure you eat plenty of protein and starches, with moderate amounts of fat and plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods. Supplements can help you maintain your body weight and get the vitamins and minerals you need. Drinking enough liquids is very important when you are on HAART and can help reduce some side effects like dry mouth and constipation. What are your thoughts? Are you having a difficult time eating? Do you have any information on nutrition to share with others?

Women & HIV. What Are The Challenges Women Face on Treatment?

After more than 25 years and 25 million deaths, the world has yet to realize that HIV isn't just a man's problem. HIV has quietly become the third most-deadly disease for women, after heart disease and cancer. The single most significant fact that separates female PHA’s from male PHA’s is that more than 60% of women are caring for at least one child under the age of 16. Female PHA’s are also different from male PHA’s physically, psychosocially and emotionally. There is now information that states female PHA’s develop AIDS at a lower viral load than men, and in fact at a viral load below the recommended level for treatment with HAART, which makes it extremely important to treat early. The most noticeable side effects from HAART have been metabolic -- the so-called fat-redistribution syndromes, which in a woman translates to significantly enlarged breasts and abdomen. Menstrual irregularities, like amenorrhea (no menstrual periods), polymenorrhea (periods come too often) and oligomenorrhea (periods don't come often enough). Sexual function changes: decreased sexual interest, delayed or difficult orgasm. Obese women over 40 are more likely to develop lactic acidosis, which has been linked to mitochondrial toxicity due to reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Have you experienced similar or different side effects? Tell us your thoughts.

Human Growth Hormones + HIV Meds = Healthier Living?

Human growth hormone could reduce fat deposits caused by HIV treatment. Low doses of human growth hormone can reverse some of the abnormal fat distribution and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, caused by HIV treatment. 40% of males and 16% of females who take antiretroviral drugs develop visceral fat in the stomach, neck and cheeks, which is associated with higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. A Harvard Medical School doctor said the hormone produced good results but would have to be used carefully to avoid inducing diabetes. The hormone could increase the risk of side effects in people who have early stages of diabetes. Previous studies using higher levels of the hormone produced "unacceptable" side effects, including tissue swelling and joint pain. Another AIDS expert suggested that although there were fewer side effects with lower doses, the results of the study were "disappointing" and states hormone injections at best have limited use for treating fat abnormalities associated with HIV. Can this be the threshold for more positive results toward healthier living with HAART? What are your thoughts?

Have we won the AIDS battle? Are the years of fighting over?

Doctors have presented information which may end the painful years we know as AIDS. New HIV treatment guidelines issued at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico urge starting ARV therapy sooner. The goal is to achieve maximum suppression of the HIV/AIDS virus, with minimal toxicity, and maximum simplicity. Initiation of ARV therapy in PHA’s within the 200 to 350 CD4 cell count range should be strongly considered. Recommendations? Start ARV therapy in PHA’s that have less than 200 CD4 cell count. Doctors are encouraged to evaluate the whole patient, not just the status of HIV disease, but all coexisting conditions. What are the key areas of ARV management? When to start therapy, choice of HAART regimen, PHA monitoring and how best to approach treatment options. The hope is that the AIDS virus will be completely contained as ‘undetectable’ in the body of the PHA. Is it that simple? Can we finally conquer the AIDS virus? What are your thoughts?

Hep C and HIV coinfection in B.C. Is it out of control? An epidemic?

Hepatitis C and HIV coinfection is a reality growing out of control in British Columbia. Hep C (HCV) makes the HIV disease worse. HCV is transmitted through infected blood. HCV damages the liver. About 15% to 30% of people clear HCV from their bodies without treatment. The other 70% to 85% develop chronic infection, and the virus stays in their body unless it is successfully treated. For PHA’s, HCV can be more serious and make it harder to take ARVs. HCV and HIV coinfection slows down the rate of increase in CD4 cell counts during HIV treatment. A doctor who treats patients with HCV is criticizing the B.C. government for denying lifesaving treatment in what he terms a full-blown epidemic. “At best, I can say it is indifference to an epidemic of huge proportion. It is one of the most serious epidemics we are facing in our community today." B.C. Health Minister George Abbott disagrees. "I don't think its fair to say it's an epidemic," Abbott said. "Certainly Hep C is a very big challenge — that is why we are expending about $100 million annually in identifying preventing and treating Hep C when it occurs." Do you think B.C. is doing enough? Should we do more? What are your thoughts?