Ulcers and Stress

[TheRoof]

My numbers are around the 500's and VL 60,000 (will start meds in a couple of months) I am noticing I am developing "ulcers" in my mouth. (Had it since 08, so I know a good amount of knowledge about the virus at this point in my life)

I also am sleeping more than usual. Sometimes up to 12-14 hours. I am a "little" nervous about getting my next blood-test I hope my numbers didn't drop too low, but who knows I  haven't had those symptoms before.

So has anyone had ulcers before? (And what is the best way of dealing with it) -- as well as fatigue. Because for me fatigue is pretty bad. I can clarify anything else if needed.

[Ann]

Roof, there are loads of different things that can cause mouth ulcers but stress isn't really what you'd call a leading cause.

You should see your dentist about this, and make sure he or she knows you're poz.

[Theyer]

Hello Mr Roof

Ulcers are a good indication off being generally run down , I change my tooth brush immediately and get a mouth wash that numbs the mouth before brushing, to ensure I do not let up on the cleaning. When they have been persistant the Hos has taken a swab, for what I cannot remember, sorry. In the UK I use a non prescription gel called  Bongela.

Do you think your depressed? I ask due to the sleep thing and for some the transition to meds brings up all kind off meanies.

The only way I have found to deal with persistant stress is by talk therapies, support groups ,these `I have accessed through my Hiv doc.

Good luck don,t just put up with it all
theyer

[TheRoof]

Thank you for the insight so far. I used to have the "occasional" ulcer but that went away, I never had multiple ones. That kept re-occurring.
I feel "Stressed" and "fatigued" But the ulcers provide physical pain which is even worse.

Also you mentioned depression. I have had depression since 18. I have been on Rameron, Lexapro, Prozac, Pristique (From Effexor), taken medication for anxiety (Klonopin) and Trazadone for sleeping.

My latest cocktail of these medications was.

Pristique - Lowest Dose
Klonopin
Trazadone

I quit Pristique cold turkey and stopped taking klonopin. I decided to do the more of a  "holistic' approach. I was taking trazadone/klonopin when I needed it.
Good exercise, and diet. I am not going to lie, ever since I stopped .. I've been feeling "weird" I stopped about a month ago and still have these "feelings" but I don't feel depressed "per-se" I feel... fatigued like crazy. My mind feels foggy.

I don't know if ulcers and depression have a correlation between each other.

AS for cleaning my teeth, I will use the mouth-wash/way of doing it. Thank You.

[Theyer]

Did you quit after discussion with your Doc ?I know very little about antidepressants but i know some should be withdrawn from not stopped.

Roof you are not going to get what you need from just the forum unless this is all checked out with your Doc,s or as Ann said Dentist too.

Your experience off depression alerts you to the fatigue,you said you where about to start HIV meds so can you not get an early appointment and lay it all out there.

Keep us posted ,take care
theyer

[TheRoof]

I now have developed MORE ulcers all over my mouth.

I know HIV and ulcers can signify a problem. Because ulcers (in my case) are because of a weakened immune system.

Stress I assume understandable to say it weakens your immune system. Today I literally needed TWO energy drinks to wake me up.

I see my doctor tomorrow.

[Theyer]

Hello Roof,

Any luck in your meeting with the Doc?

Read your post about sleep and am hoping the Doc took it all on board and has a plan mapped out.

I do know the extremes off an ulcerated mouth from a very differant angle as it was a persistant reaction to the chemo I have had ,so you have my sympathy just like to add therefore that I also mouthwashed with salt water after eating, but first the mouth wash to numb the mouth , then the clean, very soft brush plus when it was at its worse I ditched the brush for a small sponge on a stick. Ending with the salt water.It did manage the situation.
Hope the sleep problems and ulcers soon become a thing off the past
t