Although I have CFIDS with anterior-pituitary problems and not HIV, an AIDS doctor confirmed a "mild" lipodystrophy. At 6' 150lb, my total cholesterol is 90, triglycerides, testosterone, DHEA, IGF are also low. I have lost both subcutaneous fat and muscle; BIA shows me a bit lean. I cannot handle too much exercise, and have a birdlike appetite (<2000 cals). No malabsorption per se except bowel dysbiosis and high reverse-T3, honestly, from the stress of seeing myself this way as much as anything.

The AIDS doctor had little to offer except acetyl-L-Carnitine, "medium chain triglycerides," and growth hormone. My questions are:

1) Is Rx Carnitor as good as acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements?

2) Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides but I thought lowers cholesterol (yet PWAs use it). Is this a good idea or not?

3) Many CFIDS people crash on Growth Hormone; we are sensitive to all meds anyway, but it's suspected that our cell-mediated immunity is too weak, humoral is too strong. However, I thought PWAs developed this "shift" as well. Do AIDS patients reach a threshold as well where they "crash" on GH?

4) Any other suggestions, besides try to stop worrying and eat more?

- Chris N.

Sounds like your last suggestion is the best. Most HIV patients do have disordered immunity not necessarily failed immunity. Growth hormone certainly should not hurt and there are no real thresholds. Other anabolics may also help as well as appetite stimulants such as marinol and megace. You should ask your MD about them. Good luck! DTD