Nelson Vergel

After 22 yrs being positive, I have allot to thank full for and shouldn't complain about a tummy but its getting harder everyday to do things, chores, without artificially pumping myself up with this drug for that ache and this gel for testosterone, and this B- Complex for nerve endings and on and on. Sometimes I wonder if just took a break and cleaned myself out i feel better. My Dr "s is thrilled that to death that the combination Insentress and Intellence has produced T Cells<500in Range and Ratio thru the roof and undectable below Ariana Trench in the North Atlantic.. But I at 250 lbs 6-3 I feel like I going to bust a gasket at any given time, and in my Dr 's Words " You Got to understand (speaking to Me), I have people( Patients) skin and bones on the doors death that would kill to look like you!, No You can't stop your meds or anything else, keep going to the gym and lift like you always have!" Nelson, is his fight to save others that bleak? Is he projecting himself through me, or awkwardly put imprinting on my appearence as proven success of himself as an Aids Physician, I've been seeing Dr. 'House' of the Body here in Florida for 20 years,I think, never Missed a an appointment or lab missed , one of thew few most compiliant patients he has, But I just need a break HIV Fighting Marine

Marine

It is not easy to age with HIV for those of us who have been long term survivors in this battle. But it is possible to live a productive life even if we have to do whatever it takes to have enough energy to lead close to a normal life.

You say that you take testosterone and B supplements and that you want to take a break. Is that because you do not feel they are working for you or is it just fatigue? Most of us never consider getting off some of the quality of life meds that are keeping us going. When you use the term "clean myself" you are assuming these things are toxic to you. If that is your impression, then they are.

It is so great that many of us are having such good response to new medications that are saving us from fast decline. The challenge for us know if to age with HIV and not fall apart. I remind people that we can now chose the type of old age we want. Knowing that HIV may have some negative effects on bone density, body changes, and probably cognitive function, we need to work harder than the healthy HIV negative population (whoever those people may be!) to stay in shape. I am a true believer that we need to exercise 3-4 times a week for an hour. If you can't due to fatigue, then get your doctor to look at why you are so tired or possibly depressed. Hormone levels may change as we age, pains and aches may be more frequent, and some of us may be living with neuropathy. Getting our blood levels of Vitamin D, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and others is key to helping us balance the effect of aging with HIV. Leg strength has been associated to more independence in older people. So, an effective exercise program with hormone replacement in those who need it may be one of the ways to ensure that we are stronger and less frail at our old age.

The good news is that more and more of us are managing some of these issues. But it is a full-time job and some may not have the motivation to adhere to a healthier diet of lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, fish, and good oils, or an exercise routine that ensures that your body gets a work out at least 3 times a week. That is the challenge: how to adhere to life style changes while we live with HIV. Many people with HIV are still smoking, drinking heavily, etc And I think that many of us just give up and embrace HIV as our excuse not to try harder than most. Depression can also set it and make us sabotage ourselves in all the work we have done to get here.

Without knowing more about you, I cannot really help much. I am not sure if you are exercising enough or if you are trying other things that may help.

One more thing: we may hopefully soon have a product approved for visceral fat in the next few months. It is a growth hormone releasing hormone. Hopefully, insurers will cover its cost. But it will probably be difficult to convince insurers that the accumulation of fat in the belly in those living with HIV is more than a cosmetic issue.

Doctors are here to encourage us, so I am glad to see yours telling you things that may do so. I do not think he is projecting anything...he is just trying to make sure you stay healthy and that your concerns about your body do not get in the way of your continuing therapies.

Do not stop anything you are doing. Your numbers are great and all you may need is adjusting what you are doing with a referral to a HIV dietitian and/or to an exercise trainer in your area that can assess what is best for you.

Please let me know if you need any more information and thanks for bringing up this important issue that is affecting many of us.

Nelson