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.
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quality of life
Jul 3, 2001
Hey Doc
Does treatment of mild anemia really improve the quality of one's life? My nurse practitioner say's no -- only if the anemia is so severe that I need a blood transfusion. I'm not sure she even knows what treatment is available other than transfusions. My Trizivir is working OK except I'm really tired. Lab work shows hemoblobin dropping out of normal range. If I had more energy life would be easier. Is there anything I can have my nurse practitioner read about this? Should I change my cocktail? VL just went nondetec. Thanks for being such a wonderful reasource. Wish you lived here -- I'd be your patient in a New York minute.
party pooper
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Response from Dr. Frascino
Hey Party Pooper,
A New York minute? Hmmm, do you live in the Big Apple? Love that city, but, alas, I'm on the other coast.
I really hate to contradict your nurse practitioner, but in this case, she's wrong. Sounds like you are becoming anemic with your hemoglobin dropping out of the normal range since you began Trizivir. This is most likely due to the AZT component of that drug. The good news is that your viral load is non-detectable. You have 2 choices: Change your regimen or treat the anemia. If you like the convenience of Trizivir and other causes of your anemia have been ruled out, you should try treatment with Procrit. Procrit stimulates the production of new red blood cells. Clinical trials have repeatedly demonstrated its efficacy in improving hemoglobin levels, energy levels, and overall quality of life. I would suggest you have your provider read "Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia in HIV-infected patients: impact on quality of life" in the International Journal of STD & AIDS 2000; volume II, pages 659-665. I was one of the primary authors on that paper that clearly demonstrated the improvement in quality of life for HIV-infected patients with mild to moderate anemia treated with Procrit. If your nurse practitioner seems unfamiliar with this therapy, ask to see the HIV-specialist-physician supervising his/her work and discuss it with him or her.
Lucy Ricardo might think that since you "pop out at parties," you need Vitametavegamin, but I think perhaps all you need is to have your anemia treated!
Good luck,
Dr. Bob
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