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Ask the Experts about Fatigue and Anemia
Anemia/Fatigue
May 28, 2006
Hello,
I am hiv+ for 10 years, I always took my meds and never discussed them with my doctor, and never had any side effects.
At the moment I am on Kaletra and Truvada for only two months, and since I started them I feel anemic and weak, blacking out and no enrgy at all.
my doctor told me that I was not anemic but had a very low blood sugar.
I am very confused and I am not sure if this are side effects of my meds.
I missed my meds few times and every time I did I felt that my energy was coming back.
I asked my doctor if I should stop my meds, but she decided not that she wanted me to continue on meds untill I would have a zero viral load. first. and I am afraid if I do continue them that they will bring me faster to my end faster than to have a zero viro load.
what should I do?
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello,
Without more information it is difficult for me to provide you with specific advice.
Certainly "feeling anemic" and actually being anemic are two very different things. It appears from your doctor's assessment that you do not actually have anemia. Certainly feeling "weak" and "blacking out" are not normal. I don't really buy that "low blood sugar" diagnosis. Are your new medications the cause of your symptoms? Perhaps, but there are many other potential causes as well.
It does not seem to me that you have a very close or communicative relationship with your HIV/AIDS specialist. I would suggest you make an appointment to discuss your symptoms and concerns. If your doctor is not willing to work with you on this problem, get a second opinion or find a specialist with whom you can work more cooperatively, OK?
Good luck!
Dr. Bob
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