I have been hiv positive for 2 years. I have Graves disease and in Feb. 2006 I had the 131 radioactive therapy treatment. No meds for the graves at this time. I have high blood pressure but controlled with meds. I am 50 yrs. I have been retaining water the past two months but now by the end of the day, I can not walk, bend my fingers, or my ankles, my toes are puffed up links, piano legs, and my knees are non existent these past few weeks. This week I noticed red bloches on my ankles and on the outside of my upper half of both legs. My HIV meds are reyataz and epzicom which has brought my cd4 from 294 to 821; viral count is undetectable. I am losing the positive attitude I have managed to hold on to since I am barely walk. doctors tell me to elevate my feet and no salt diet. I feel "done" and if one was to stick me with a pin, I WOULD POP. Help, I can not always lie down with my legs up above my heart. I'll lose my life waiting for the body to distribute this ugly bloated body of mine. Thank you. awaiting your answers/advise/any help you might be able to suggest. No lazix as I want to know WHY this is happening to me. sincerely, lee ann

The first point is that fluid retention is not typically associated with the antiretroviral medications that you are taking. Significant fluid retention is more likely to be related to a side effect of some blood pressure medications, especially calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc) or beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin). Hypothyroidism may complicate treatment for Graves and can be associated with fluid retention so close follow up of your thyroid status is important. It is hard to comment on the red blotches you relate since rashes have many potential causes. But if your medical team is not able to provide you with answers about this problem then a second opinion is in order. Let us know how things turn out and best of luck!