Lipoatrophy but good labs--I really need some help

Hi,

I was diagnosed with HIV in October 2008, but I've had it since April 2002. I was only a 16 year-old virgin when I acquired it, by a "friend of the family" 20 years my senior. Since I was officially diagnosed, I've been struggling to understand the disease, but I've noticed that there is a severe lack of HIV education and resources here in Mississippi.

I started noticing changes in my body composition about 4 years ago. My legs were slowly getting smaller, my wrists thinner, and my torso and belly bigger. Of course, at the time I was still in denial about my HIV symptoms, so I never saw a doctor.

Today, my lipoatrophy symptoms have gotten worse and more frequent. It's not very noticeable to others, except when family members point out how "skinny" my legs are, but it's having a profound impact on my self-confidence and drive to continue to pursue my writing career. I asked my doctor about it -- who I suspect is a twit -- and he seems convinced that I do not have any wasting symptoms. Yet I notice pain when I sit, clothes becoming ill-fitting, and increased pain whenever I bump a shin or forearm against something. I also have trouble working out and lifting weights -- sometimes I just don't feel up to it.

My current viral load is 1,023 and CD4 is 819. Because of my labs, I have yet to be put on meds. The only major symptoms I have had are fevers, joint pain, difficulty concentrating, and this dreaded wasting. I often feel like if I could get the wasting under control, I could deal with this disease (mentally) so much better. I simply wish I could actually like my face and body again.

So I guess my questions are, is there treatment for HIV wasting when you are not on ARV meds? And, what are some of your experiences fighting and managing wasting? If anyone has any advice for me, it would be greatly appreciate it. I've been reading this forum for a month or so and I find it really uplifting -- I don't have anyone else to talk to about my situation. Thanks.

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