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.
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Treatment
Nov 5, 2007
I was diagnosed with HIV on Oct. 2, 2007, along with an acute HEP B. I was hospitalized for HEP B becuase my liver enzyme was abnormally high and I was in a lot of pain, although, the doctors suggested that none of my symptoms had anything to do with the HIV because my CD4 count was at around 640. I have been reading all the articles and they all suggest that treatments are not needed when my CD4 count is as high as mine. My question is that who I should listen to. My doctor wants to start the treatment as soon as my liver recovers from the Hep B but I am concerned with the side effects and all that follow the treatment. I am also interested in herbal treatment and alternative medicine. Is there any such thing as alternative treatment for HIV? Please let me know. I am very worried.
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Response from Dr. Daar
Thank you for your posting.
The decision as to when therapy should be started is very much a personal one since there is no definitive answer. Current guidelines do suggest that most people with over 350 CD4 cells do not need to be on treatment. Nevertheless, the field is evolving and there continues to be experts in the field who favor early treatment in an era where therapy is fairly easy to take with limited side effects. Moroever, since several Hepatitis B treatments also treat HIV many have argued that hepatitis B infection (if chronic) is another excuse to consider ealier initiation of HIV tratment.
At this point I would suggest you discuss all of your concerns with your provider. S/he will be able to share with you the pros and cons of early therapy as well as the potential risks. You should also discuss alternative treatments. Unfortuantely, data in this area is very limited. However, maintaing physical and psychological health along with a good diet, exercise and avoiding excessive use of alcohol and any use of illicit drugs and tobacco is always an important consideration.
Best,
Eric
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