How Can Wasting Be Treated

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Wasting Syndrome

Hormone levels can affect the metabolism. HIV seems to change some hormone levels including testosterone and thyroid. Also, cytokines play a role in wasting. Cytokines are proteins that produce inflammation to help the body fight infections. People with HIV have very high levels of cytokines. This makes the body produce more fats and sugars, but less protein. Unfortunately, these factors can work together to create a "downward spiral." For...

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Am I doing enuogh to treat wasting??

Hello. I have been diagnosed with wasting. I am taking Sustiva, Crixivan, & Previon to treat HIV. I am taking Megase, Ultrase, Advera, multi-vitamins, Co Q-10, opium, to treat wasting. I am also taking Serastim & Testosterone injections...

Response from Alvan Fisher, M.D.

Brown University School of Medicine

Wow! Indeed you are trying. I do not use megace as it is not very effective in regaining muscle mass. Though you are already using serostim and testosterone you could try oxandrolone or nandrolone. Oxandrolone can be used at doses from 20-80mg... Read more »

Treating wasting in patient with history of lymphoma

Dear Dr Dieterich:If someone had lymphoma over 4 years ago (now in remission) and they are now experiencing wasting syndrome, would you prescribe anabolics or growth hormone?Thanks!Nelson Vergelwww.medibolics.com...

Response from Douglas T. Dieterich, M.D.

New York University, School of Medicine

I don't see any relation between lymphoma and anabolics. That is not one of their usual complications. If you need them then I think it would be a reasonable risk. Good luck! DTD... Read more »

Too Early To Treat Wasting

I have recently been diagnosed HIV+. The best estimate is that I sero-converted approximately two years ago. I am presently not undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. CD4 levels are 1300. VL is 7000. My weight has however diminished to a point where...

Response from Douglas T. Dieterich, M.D.

New York University, School of Medicine

You don't say how old you are, but that may be low level of testosterone. HIV has a particular propensity to kill testicular cells and testosterone replacement may help youl.If you are 40 for example, then that level of testosterone may be too... Read more »

is the use of steroids to treat wasting and weight loss really safe in the long run?

I am posting this question again since whent the first time I submitted it when I hit send my comp went blooey! I have been hiv pos for about 9 or 10 years with one bout of pcp about 7 or 8 years ago. Recently I have been diagnosed with lymphoma...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

I would be OK with the Androgel for testosterone replacement-the oxandrin is more problematic as you highlight. During the chemotherapy I would advise against use of oxandrin. If the lymphoma is put into a remission the issue could be again. I am... Read more »

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Connect With Others

Facial wasting

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hello - I would like info on doctors/clinics in the LA/Orange Cty area who have treated people with lipodystrophy, specifically with Fascian or collagen treatments. Thank you

Read more »

living with facial wasting

Posted by chrisFFF, 1 Reply

Hello,
I wanted to write because I have recently started a website to help people living with facial wasting. Lipoatrophy is a pretty emotional issue to deal with, and I wanted to have a place for people to connect about it and find out how to treat... Read more »

Wasting---help me

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

I'm sorry to come on board, but I need help. My husband is wasting away. He's newly on meds, but not gaining. It seems as though his buttcheeks are completely gone. I don't know what to do.

I'm afraid. He's down to 120 and losing despite putting... Read more »

facial wasting * any help/support appreciated

Posted by boston781, 3 Replies

I've been HIV+ since '91. I'm currently on fuzeon & other meds. I am so depressed over my sunken cheeks. I'm doing well healthwise being on this regimen. If anyone knows or has any suggestions on where to find help in the Boston area I'd... Read more »

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