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.
Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
I broke my nose in a car accident about 18 months ago and am considering rhinoplasty to correct the damage. I am not currently taking any HIV medication, although my CD4 (around 300) indicates that it about time to begin. My doctor and I have decided to begin treatment with the Truvade/Reyataz/Ritonavir combination.
My question is:
Should I have the surgery NOW, while I am NOT taking any medication, or should I begin HAART now, and have the rhinoplasty in 3-4 months, once I've adjusted to the medication.
My concern is that a doctor may be unwilling to administer anaesthesia while I'm on my medications..
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Henry
HIV+ patients taking antiretroviral meds undergo surgical procedures regularly without incident -your HIV specialist and the anesthesiologist need to touch base to discuss any possible drug interactions. HIV+ pxs do well with surgery even when not on ART though ideally good control of HIV and enhanced immune function theoretically at least may be preferred situation-I would generally favor starting ART and after things have stabilized procede with plans for surgery. KH
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
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.
E-Mail
Glossary
Response from Dr. Henry
