|
ScotCharles
|
|
Legend
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 05/06/05
|
|
Posts: 924
|
|
Loc: Los Angeles
|
|
Curious - Do any of you have bone or joint disease
#242284 - 09/23/08 10:56 AM
|
Reply
|
Quote
|
|
|
A guy in my Old Geezers with AIDS group has recently been diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis. I have spinal ankylosis and osteoarthiritis (which seem insignificant to me just now). There are also reports of people with AIDS getting a disease of the long bones called avascular necrosis.
Some researchers are positing that long term HIV infection and perhaps the meds can lead to early onset osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and degeneration of the femur/hip joint (avascular necrosis).
I am curious, do any of you long timers, i.e. HIV+ 10 years or more, have any of these diseases? Have your doctors attributed the onset of the disease to HIV or the meds? Have your meds been adjusted because of these diseases?
Just Curious,
ScotCharles
--------------------
Life is a river.
Carpe diem.
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
I am not sure, but I think I remember Joel's partner suffering from something similar. I am sure he will be around at some point. I am always happy to see you posting... HUGS... D
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
I can definantly relate to bone and joint issues as I'm now having buldging lumbar and cervical discs. Physical therapy has helped a lot with those issues. I also had vascular necrosis (which is a condition that is caused by a loss of blood supply to the major joints. I know people who've had it in their shoulders too) in my left hip and had to have it replaced about 3 years ago. Having the hip replacement made a huge improvement in my physical and mental state. I walked around for so long on a cane and in major pain and now I am walking perfectly, on my own and pain free. No one has ever been able to tell me whether these conditions are secondary to HIV or the meds, but I have my own opinions. Basically, what I've decided after talking to many friends who are also long term survivors, is that our bodies are aging much quicker than normal. For example if someone has a family history of diabetes, they may also be diagnosed with it, but at a much earlier age than others in their family. My joint and bones problems are all something that my Father's generation is dealing with. In fact, my aunt and I had our hips replaced at almost the same time. Also, people with a family history of heart issues may have those much earlier on in their lives than say someone who is not HIV+. But again, no one will point the finger at the virus or the meds, you just have to draw your own conclusions there. If you are starting to notice bone and joint issues, or have a family history of such issues, there are things you can do to make the situation better. Such as low or non impact stretching exercises, walking, taking calcium supplements and discussing your concerns with your doctor. I live in a fairly small rural area and had a rough time finding an orthopedic surgeon who wanted to do a hip replacement on me, but I did my research on line and found a Doctor at the University of Missouri who replaced my hip by minimally invasive technique and I have no regrets. So, being your own advocate is crucial in getting proper care for joint and bone issues. Its just because most orthopedic Doctors havent had any experience with HIV and do not know the connection. I guess this is part of the trade-off for surviving, and in the long run, its worth it. Good Luck!
Post Extras:
|
|
franfrog
|
|
Legend
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 01/05/06
|
|
Posts: 1342
|
|
Loc: NJ
|
|
|
SC
I recently started having pain in my knee and shoulder. I had gone to the orthapedic doctor and he had me do PT. I did not go for long as I knew it was not going to help because I had to do it for my back which did nothing. I recently started getting pain in my left hip and I know he had said that if it was also there it may have something to do with HIV. I have to make an appointment to go back and get it checked. Everything does seem to stay in all of my left side so far. Weird.
Post Extras:
|
|
Bear60
|
|
Legend
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 12/21/05
|
|
Posts: 1390
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Charles....
Oh yes...my partner Kurt has all those things...osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and joint problems and neuropathy and has more doctors than the Queen of England.
Was there something specific you want me to ask him for you?
Joel
--------------------
6 ft tall poz bear in Philadelphia
Post Extras:
|
|
Kevin2k
|
|
Newbie
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/24/08
|
|
Posts: 3
|
|
|
|
|
I did and had two hips replaced. I didn't spend much time speculating on the cause. HIV or meds or taking prednisone for asthma control. Tthe condition was already very much in evidence. The surgery is scary, but so is walking around with hips grinding bone on bone. I have never regretted going through with the surgeries.
Post Extras:
|
|
ScotCharles
|
|
Legend
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 05/06/05
|
|
Posts: 924
|
|
Loc: Los Angeles
|
|
|
Thanks for the posts. From the responses, I see that most of us with long term infection have bone and joint disease at an earlier age than the age found in the general population for these conditions.
As to ageing, HIV seems over time to cause the hair to go grey, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, osteopourosis, skinny legs and arms, buffalo hump and a gut. Lovely.
Oh well what the hell, better upright than prone, eh?
ScotCharles
--------------------
Life is a river.
Carpe diem.
Post Extras:
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
Threaded
