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.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Serious Weight Loss
Mar 8, 2003
I have been experiencing a steady weight loss for the approximately the last 8 months. I am 5'11'' and have lost almost 30 lbs, leaving me at 162 lbs. It is apparent that I have lost most fat on my arms, legs, not and but. The dr's are only now beginning to run tests, to include catscans, colonoscopy, but I am very concerned they are simply drawing straws. I am currently on Epivir, Prevacis, Zerit, Viread, Videx and Kaletra. In addition to the weight loss, I have a markely lesser appetite. I can eat three meals a day. Recent lab results ruled out crypto, other parasites, unusual thyroid function. My viral load is 1000 and t-cells approx 200. Any thoughts you might have as to where to focus and how urgent my situation is would be appreciated. I am scared.
Asymptomatic for 17 years
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Ms. Fields-Gardner
Weight loss is one of those very vague markers of many things. It really does make sense that your doctors are looking for the cause of the weight loss and with a t-cell count of around 200 there could be any number of them.
Until you find out the cause and can attach some interventions related to it, it is worth making sure that you can shore up your diet. Ask your doctor(s) for a referral to a dietitian who can evaluate what you currently do under these difficult circumstances and help you to outline strategies to get through this difficult time. Loss of appetite certainly doesn't help with the weight loss and you might want to talk with both your dietitian and your doctor about the need for appetite stimulants and appropriate timing of using that type of intervention.
For 5'11" we would figure that your "ideal" weight may be around 170 pounds. If your previous weight was pretty good for you (you may have a large frame and typically hold more weight without being overweight), then your original weight might be a better goal than "ideal" weight. Either way, a weight loss of 30 pounds puts you beyond the 10% mark of weight loss and there are a number of changes that can be related to that alone. You may want to ask your doctor about options for regaining weight that may include supplemental foods and anabolic medications. Working with your team is essential because the best choices for interventions for weight loss depend heavily on the cause.
|
|
|
 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.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
