Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Gerald Pierone in this Forum is made possible by BioForm Medical, Inc.
Ask the Experts about Facial Wasting
I want my weight back
May 3, 2008
I have been treated with Combivir + Sustiva 600 almost inmediately after testing positive for HIV in 2004. During these 4 years my viral load went from 135000 to undetactable and CD4 from 500 to 850. The problem is that my weight went from 175 pounds to 153 with butt, leg, arms and face skinnier than ever plus a not-so-cute belly and love handles. I'm 33 years old and I try to excersise regularly, but i cant seem to gain my weight back or get rid of fat accumulation around my waist. Any suggestions?
Monchi
Response from Dr. Pierone
The first question is whether you need to be on antiretroviral treatment at all based on normal CD4+ lymphocyte count and clear evidence of medication related side effects.
At the very least, switching the AZT for Viread would help prevent further body shape changes. You should have testosterone levels checked and may benefit from anabolic steroids based on what sounds like significant muscle loss as well as fat loss.
For the facial lipoatrophy, treatment with a facial filler like Radiesse and Sculptra is an option which can help with facial appearance.
Thanks for posting and best of luck!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
