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.
Ask the Experts about Fatigue and Anemia
preventing wasting/gaining weight
Apr 21, 2006
HI Doc,
My T cells are 580(cd4s at 14%) and my vl is 10,000. I've just started taking meds(Sustiva and Epzicom). Two pills a day at night. How can I sure up some quality muscle to help stave off wasting. I'm 6'2" and 180#s. I think that I should be around 220#s. I go to the gym, but my gains are very very slow. I know this may sound vain, but I don't want to look sick.(I don't want to look like a muscled Chealsea boy either). Is there anything (steroidal) that I should be taking without doing further damage to my health? I am slightly anemic and my testosterone levels are kind of low.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello,
You don't want to look like a muscled Chelsea boy???? Why the hell not? They are hot, hot, hot!
Here's what I would suggest:
1. Optimize your nutrition. See an HIV-knowledgeable nutritionist, if possible, for an evaluation and specific recommendations.
2. Optimize your workout program. Consider getting a personal trainer.
3. Check your free testosterone level and compare it to age-matched controls. If you are low, testosterone supplementation with one of the topical testosterone-replacement therapies (AndroGel, Testim, etc.) would be warranted.
4. Talk to your HIV specialist about your anemia. Why are you anemic? Find the underlying cause and treat that.
5. Reconsider that muscled Chelsea-boy look. Do you have any idea how much sex those guys get???
Stay well, Tarzan.
Dr. Bob
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.
