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?

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?

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.

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.