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Author Topic: Big Appetite Problems.  (Read 14546 times)

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Offline maddeuwch

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  • Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau.
Big Appetite Problems.
« on: June 28, 2006, 10:29:53 am »
Hello!

I've always been skinny.Tall with stick legs and arms and sticky out ribs.I suppose it's down normally to metabolism.

Here's the problem though.If I feel the slightest bit worried,depressed or ill,basically if something is not going right in my life,it immediately affects my appetite badly and I lose weight very quickly.I find it hard to swallow food  and in fact the very thought of eating makes my stomach constrict and my throat close.I have to swallow tiny amounts by swishing it around with water.

After reading some of the lessons on here I'm getting concerned about nutrition and getting enough protein....so has anyone experienced the same problems,and if so,how did you manage to overcome it.

Any response would be great.

Thanks...Paul

Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau...(i need to remember that sometimes)!

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2006, 10:36:39 am »
Hi Paul

Your situation is painfully familiar to me, I deal with the same thing every day of my life.   I have battled AIDS-related anorexia on and off for over 15 years now.   It is very difficult for me to maintain my weight (150 at 6'2") and next to impossible for me to gain weight.   I drink ensure, but it's very expensive.   I got some forms for a program to receive free ensure every month, so I'm looking into that now.

If anyone has any suggestions for us, I'm all ears.

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline maddeuwch

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2006, 10:54:37 am »
Have you tried 'thc marinol' Alan?....this is what was suggested to me.I'm going to ask my doctor about it,or anything similar as it's going to be a big problem for me.I'll add ensure to the list if it's available here in the UK.

I'm just a long, lanky,skinny streak of neurotic 'issues' :)

Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau...(i need to remember that sometimes)!

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2006, 11:03:07 am »
Paul,

I have used Marinol on and off, I honestly can't tell it does a thing for my appetite.   Also, the other thing they try to give you, this nasty milky stuff called Megace.....I could never tell that did anything for me either.

Jerry says he has had good results with using Marinol, and he managed to gain a good deal of weight.   Perhaps it would work for you, it's worth a try.

Good luck!

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline maddeuwch

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  • Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau.
Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2006, 11:09:51 am »
*sigh*.....why do we all have to be different...it'd be much easier if everything was universal huh!
Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau...(i need to remember that sometimes)!

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2006, 11:50:41 am »
All the same would be boring, even if you're not feeling that way right now, Paul. And in any case we're not going to become all the same, so don't put too much energy into that one.

Have tried eating small portions of things you like throughout the day? I've noticed that people who have problems like what you're describing sometimes do better with that approach. Are there any things you actually enjoy eating? Or circumstances which make eating more acceptable and even enjoyable?

Also, it sounds like you have pretty strong feelings connected to this issue. Have you ever talked with a therapist or been in a group situation where you could discuss this? While dealing with the physical question I think it's good to respect those feelings and put as much into words as possible.

Let me know if I'm off base here or missing something.

Cheers,
Andy Velez

Offline doyourowndamndishes

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2006, 11:58:40 am »
Tell me about it!

I too have always been a thin person (I was 5'7", 120 lbs out of highschool) and gained a lot of weight by eating sugars.  I got up to 180-185 about 4 years go which was way too big for my frame.  Anyway I'm now back down to 130 which I have maintained since losing it.  Now, I simply have zero appetite.  I love cooking and I'll plan to make simple meals I love but by the time I get all the stuff I need and get home, I can't be bothered to cook.  I am finding myself either not eating at all or eating very poorly.  Last night was the first time in 2 months that I've actually cooked a meal, not simply cold cuts, cheese and nuts.  I don't think I've hit a wasting phase but I'll be seeing me doc soon about the appetite issue.  Your mentioning Paul of THC reminded me that I have used pot to stimulate the appetite but unfortunately it is very rare for me to get the "munchies" from it.  When I do I love it because I don't eat crap food; I get the munchies for good stuff which lately I seem to have very little; I buy it, don't use it and have to throw it out as it has turned bad.  Other than Ensure, what else have you tried?  Ensure has way too much sugar in it for me....I pass out from drinking one of them!

Cheers,

Alan
"All that we are is theresult of what we have thought." -Buddha

Offline allanq

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2006, 12:40:21 pm »
Paul,

Like you, I have a continuing problem with eating enough to maintain my weight. (I'm 5' 11" and weigh around 145.) I get nauseous very easily. Sometimes just watching a fast food commercial on TV can trigger a reaction.

Some meds can make the problem worse. If you're taking meds, check to see if any of them have side effects of decreased appetite or nausea. A few years ago I was on a regimen that included AZT, 3TC, and Delavirdine (Rescriptor). I was throwing up five or six times a day. After more than a month of that, I went off that combination, and the constant nausea quickly went away.

I've been on several different regimens since then, but I still have problems eating. I do find that eating cold foods that don't have a strong smell is easier than eating hot foods. Cold drinks like fruit juices and milk shakes go down fairly easily. Mild cheeses are fairly easy for me to take. I also drink a can of a generic version of Ensure Plus every day. When it's cold it doesn't taste too bad. The generic brands of Ensure Plus in the chain drug stores are less expensive than the brand name, and I stock up when they have a sale.

I tried Marinol and it didn't do anything to increase my appetite.

I hope this helps.

Allan



Offline maddeuwch

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2006, 01:41:46 pm »
I'm newly diagnosed and I'll see a specialist for the first time next wednesday.It's something that i'll have to make sure that I discuss with him.

Ive had food issues (eating disorder I suppose) for a long time.It has a lot to do with people having always remarked on how skinny I am.It's made me have a complex about HAVING to eat or people will start to point and make remarks.Like being of told constantly that you're fat all the time...which can also be so damaging.So basically I rarely feel relaxed about food.

 I do eat quite healthily when I'm well and have no worries to mull over,but I do tend to eat as fast as I can which is of course quite UNhealthy.

I've only ever smoked pot a handful of times Alan...and it made me throw up every time...I might give it a go again sometime :)

And thank you for the advice Allan...I will definitely discuss side-effects next wednesday when I get my counts.

Andy...your 'small portions' suggestion is an excellent one...I'll ask the specialist if it's compatible with taking meds also.

Thank you....Paul.x

Po callaf y dyn,anamlaf ei eiriau...(i need to remember that sometimes)!

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #9 on: June 28, 2006, 02:46:01 pm »
Seems all the 'Alans' are having problems with eating...what's up with that?
Maybe it's some kind of curse.....LOL.

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline krakerjm

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #10 on: June 28, 2006, 02:52:41 pm »
If this has never happened before you were diagnosed, it might be an emotional/mental thing.  I recently had weight lose cause I donot get hungry and quit force feeding myself.  My doc gave me an antihistimine that is like pot, LOL, makes me a little high then I get the horrible hungries and then sleepy.  But that's another story.  Andy's suggestion about small portions may well work and find out what's causing the 'choking up', stress can kill.
GWM, 63, PN w/footdrop
"I swear there ain't no heaven, pray ther ain't no hell"

Offline doyourowndamndishes

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2006, 03:03:01 pm »
OY!!

Too many Alan's keep to keep this all in order!

I know a big part of my lack of apetite is also due to chronic constipation.  When it's been a while I just can't force anything into me, there's no room!!  I've tried small portions but the problem is that they are too small: sure I get food into me and I'm full but it's such a small amount that I fear I'll still lose weight - a handful of peanuts and an ounce or two of cheese in no meal but I can force that down even if not hungry.

Maybe your right Alan, there is some curse that comes with the name?!!?!?

Cheers,

Alan
('dishes)
"All that we are is theresult of what we have thought." -Buddha

Offline penguin

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2006, 03:14:25 pm »
I really struggle to maintain my weight...like you, any amount of stress/upset causes the weight to drop off me at a worrying rate. I try to eat 4-5 small meals(high protein and high in "good fats", ie nuts, seeds, avocadoes...) throughout the day, and supplement with Ensure etc as needed.  I also make sure I give myself time for relaxation - meditation, yoga, and swimming are all things I find really useful.
You could ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist, who could help you put together a diet which is high in energy, but lower in bulk. They could also prescribe food-replacement drinks etc, and generally help monitor your weight. If the anxiety symptoms are playing a part, I hope you could feel able to talk to your doctor about how to best manage this.

take care
Kate

Offline chrism1973

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #13 on: June 28, 2006, 04:03:20 pm »
Ok, What i found worked for me was marijuana.You said you have gotten sick form it every time before.smoke a little bit not allot and that may work.The marinol also worked for me.I gained 45 lbs in 5 months. :)
I would definately talk to your doc. about the marinol,there are many differant strengths of it that they can give you.
Chirsm
Love yourself,love life and live.

Offline allopathicholistic

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #14 on: June 28, 2006, 04:14:45 pm »
The marinol also worked for me.I gained 45 lbs in 5 months. :)
I would definately talk to your doc. about the marinol,there are many differant strengths of it that they can give you.

good point. perhaps taller people need a higher dosage ???

personally i went from 134 pounds to 152 in just 5 months, happily (i'm 5 foot 9). i stopped using it after the 3rd month

Offline Christine

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #15 on: June 28, 2006, 04:45:04 pm »
This past year, I have had a great deal of trouble eating. Horrible nausea from some of the meds, and food poisoning. Prior to that I never had trouble eating. It is hard to get used to. I have tried many nausea meds, including Marinol, and none of them increased my appetite, although Aloxi did help with the nausea.

I had to eat to take my meds twice a day, and it was a struggle. I never found anything that worked for me, I just forced down the food so I could take my meds. Some of things that were suggested to me were to eat small amounts all day long, eat foods you really like, use Ensure or something similar. There are medications that are supposed to stimulate the appetite, and in the US there are programs to help with the cost of some food supplements.

Talk to your doctor about all of it, ask for help from the social service department, and perhaps talk to a therapist of psychiatrist. It has gotten better for me this past month, so don't give up hope, work with your doctor to find a solution.
Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline Moffie65

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #16 on: June 28, 2006, 05:10:07 pm »
Paul,

Because this thread is making me nauseaus, I am going to answer in outline form.

Rise early, and have a good breakfast, including your high protein grains.
Eat often during the day, focusing on snacks with high protein.
Snack on candied Ginger.
Plenty of Good old English Ginger Beer, the stronger the better.
Marinol
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddd
Ensure is expensive, so mix up Yogurt, Wheat Germ, Protein/Breakfast powder, and some ice and half and half.  Whip into a smoothie and enjoy.

You have to eat to survive this shit, and anything you can do to put on some weight will help.  You need the extra weight if you get sick, as your body quickly falls apart from infections without some mass.

for 45 years I weighed 165, and I am six feet tall.  After my two bouts of PCP, I now sustain a weight of 195, and pretty much just stay there.  I eat all the time, and smoke whenever I feel the need to spark an appetite.  If you would like, I will be glad to forward you some recipies to cook the pot, as it is very much better if injested that way.  I make candy, brownies, spaghetti sauce, sprinkle on salads, and loads of other ways to deal with this.  I still say the natural green is far more effective in helping with the appetite, but when there was none availible, I used Marinol also.  Really don't like the Marinol because it leaves me in a terrible fog.  The weed is far easier to process.

Just my thoughts.

In Love and Support.
The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,
and 362 to heterosexuals.
This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals,
It's just that they need more supervision.
Lynn Lavne

Offline sdcabincrew74

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #17 on: June 28, 2006, 08:32:38 pm »
Oh how I wish I had your problem.  When I get upset I eat and when I eat I gain weight.  So, I have heard that ensure and other high cal protien drinks that are filled with vitamins are really good for people without appetites.
The difference between an overnight and a layover is luck!

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #18 on: June 28, 2006, 08:50:43 pm »
SD,

Someone says that to me at least once a day...."Oh I wish I had your problem with weight".....no you don't, you just THINK you do.    Being underweight is as significant a problem to us who are, as being overweight is to many people, it's just that Oprah and Dr. Phil don't do shows about us (except for the occasional teen girl anorexic).....

I just bought three six packs of "Equate brand" supplement (an knock off of Ensure).....it's something that is always on my mind, and it's very real.

Alan
« Last Edit: June 28, 2006, 08:54:54 pm by AlanBama »
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline sdcabincrew74

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #19 on: June 29, 2006, 09:36:02 am »
Alan,

I was making a joke for gawds sake!  I realize that being under weight is a problem for some and it is a problem that I respect, hence my advice about the Ensure.  I was in no way belittling the problem.  Gawd back off and CALM DOWN!!!!!
« Last Edit: June 29, 2006, 09:38:20 am by sdcabincrew74 »
The difference between an overnight and a layover is luck!

Offline Teresa

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #20 on: June 29, 2006, 01:29:34 pm »
I wish that some of you that need ensure lived close to me. I have about a case of vanilla ensure in my fridge. I bought it for hubby when he was losing all his weight. Now that hes back up to 188 he wont drink it anymore.
I called my dr and they said since its out of the case and been in the fridge they cant take it.

Hugs
Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #21 on: June 29, 2006, 03:06:05 pm »
SD,

I know you were only joking.   If I got mad every time some said that to me, I would stay mad, because as I say, someone says it practically every day.   I'm just saying it is really an issue for some of us, that's all.

I have plenty of friends who are perfectly willing to 'give me' some of their weight, if there was a way to do it !   Wouldn't that be great?
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Bartro

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #22 on: June 29, 2006, 03:22:00 pm »
After my diagnosis I promptly lost twenty pounds.  I felt sick to my stomach most of the time.  I got a prescription for Xanax.  About an hour after taking the tranq my stomach would relax and I'd clean out the refrigerator.  Needless to say I put the weight back on. 

I was once a nutritional counselor and worked with people with anorexia and other weight problems.  A short list of some things I would try.

Carnation instant breakfast.

Energy Bars. ( not the weight loss or low carb kind)

Ensure (nasty tasting to many but try the different flavors)

Boost, a little tastier than ensure.  They have it at Walmart.

There's an ati-depressant called Remeron that also helps with anorexia.  Many people gain lots of weight on this medication.

I have more ideas PM if interested.

Best wishes.
Rusty

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #23 on: June 30, 2006, 06:57:32 am »
I used Marinol once. The second time was NOT a sample, and I went to get the script filled and The pharmacist asked me for $780.00....I lost my appetite you might say, for doing any more of that drug LoL. So I know you are not going to like this suggestion: But It worked for me: I started to HIKE and noticed a huge increase in my appetite. Seems the exercise triggered something...maybe got my blood flowing WHO KNOWS. Keep trying stuff until it works. Good Luck!
Positive since 1985

Offline allopathicholistic

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #24 on: June 30, 2006, 09:12:30 am »
so for those with eating issues, do all your meds say "take on an empty stomach"? what happens if it says "take with food"? and, that's another thing maybe worth starting a new thread for - when it says "take with food", how much food ?? 

last night i took my 'candies'  :D with a green salad and del monte peaches. i said "gee, hope this is enough"
« Last Edit: June 30, 2006, 10:23:54 am by allopathicholistic »

Offline aztecan

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #25 on: June 30, 2006, 09:40:50 am »
This is a good thread. It is something I deal with all the time.

I am 5'11" tall, and right now tip the scales at a whopping 154 pounds. I yo-yo between 150 and 158.

I eat five meals a day. They are small. Some people tell me, "that's just a snack." No, its a meal. I cannot eat large portions. If I do, I am miserable hours afterward.

Yesterday, I went to a local Thai restaurant for lunch with a friend. We ordered an appetizer of fresh vegetable rolls. After eating one of the rolls, my appetite was sated. I nibbled at the main course, then took the rest in a to-go box.

There are times I forget to eat. If I'm not hungry, I don't eat. Then, of course, I just get weak or sick to my stomach and realize I forgot.

Pot (and Marinol) make me ill. I have been known to toss my cookies just smelling pot. Ingest it and I will have to go to bed - after I finish my rendition of the dry heaves in the bathroom.

I don't eat anything containing wheat, oats or barley, dairy or eggs (food intolerances). So, that leaves out most of those nutrition bar things. It also leaves out things like beer, which people say is great for gaining weight.

When I first began the gluten-free diet, I dropped weight. I finally bottomed out at about 140 pounds, which my doctor said was a tad too thin for someone with my build.

I do make myself eat breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day. I usually have scrambled tofu with a slice of tapioca bread. I used to have bacon or ham or some such, but since I started trying to watch my cholesterol, I dropped them. I do miss them though. (sigh).

I exercise pretty regularly. Not a lot, just about 90 minutes three times a week, including a cardio workout, a nautilus routine and then swimming laps, usually about a half-mile. It does enhance my appetite. But I still can't pack the food in. A nice dinner of some sort of meat, fish or fowl, a veggie and a some steamed rice, and that's it.

One thing that helps is to snack on goodies I can eat and that I like. I like kippered herring, or herring in wine sauce. It makes a nice nip and adds extra protein to the diet.

Other snacks that I enjoy are cashews, peanuts, or other nuts, fruit, dried or fresh when available/affordable, or cheese and apples.

I can eat hard cheese (the aged kind) without a problem. A real sharp cheddar eaten with a sliced apple is a tasty snack. So is cheese and radishes (sounds weird, I know, but it is tasty.) I usually don't eat cheese much these days, though. The cholesterol thing again.

I tried Ensure, but it is just too sweet. UGH!

If anyone has any ideas about gaining weight, I am all ears.

Edited to add this comment:
The post just prior to mine brings up a good point. I take Crixivan, so I have to have an empty stomach three times a day. But how much food do people who have to take meds with food have to eat. Is a cracker OK, or do they need a seven-course meal?
Good question.

HUGS,

Mark

(Whose sister once bought him a pair of socks imprinted with chicken feet on them, saying that he now had feet that matched his legs.)
« Last Edit: June 30, 2006, 09:54:26 am by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #26 on: June 30, 2006, 10:46:14 am »
Mark,

I have always been slim, even pre-HIV....but there's a difference in 'slim' (I picture David Copperfield, the magician) and 'skinny' (Ichabod Crane maybe?).
The most I have ever weighed is 175, and that was working out with a trainer 3 times a week and getting testosterone injections weekly.....

I'm trying to learn to be more accepting of myself, just the way I am....sure would be nice to find a guy who was attracted to slim old bald guys..... ;D
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline allanq

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #27 on: June 30, 2006, 01:09:55 pm »
Mark,
I know you've been on the same Crixivan regimen for ten years and that it's been working for you. I remember being on Crixivan and how inconvenient it was to fast three times a day for 3-hour intervals. It made it especially difficult to have lunch and dinner with friends.

Have you considered the possibility of switching to a protease inhibitor like Kaletra, which is taken only once a day and doesn't have a fasting requirement? Given that you have remained undetectable, and that Crixivan is the only protease inhibitor you have ever used, it's extremely unlikely that you would be resistant to Kaletra.

Another possibility is to combine Crixivan with a low dose of Norvir. This allows you to take the Crixivan just two times a day and without the fasting. Here's a link to the AIDSmeds article about this: Crixivan article

It sounds like you're doing very well, and after 10 years, you've probably adjusted to the eating restrictions that go with Crixivan three times a day, so I can understand if you want to just stay with a regimen that you know works.

Allan

Offline Christine

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #28 on: June 30, 2006, 08:02:41 pm »
allopathicholistic,

Most of the meds I am on now say "with or without food", 2 of them are supposed to be taken with food.  I take them with breakfast & dinner, so it is usually a full meal. If the label says with food, it is usually to ensure the correct anount of drug absorbing into the body, or to protect your stomach from getting nauseated.

I forgot to add in my last post, that I was told off the record to try pot also. I didn't because I had a really weird reaction in college when I tried it, and was afraid to try it again.

Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline sfnoepaul

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  • Posts: 6
Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #29 on: July 01, 2006, 08:06:42 pm »
I been having the same problem trying to maintain and/ or gain some weight. I'm 5'10 and used to weigh between 150-155 lbs until a few months ago when hospitalized for a bleeding complication from a colonoscopy and polyp removal. I now wiegh 140 and do not want to lose more weight.  I'm now taking a higher dosage of Invirase (2 500mg tablets three times per day) which need to be taken with food.  I also take norvr and reyataz which also need to be taken with food. I've been having more nausea since the higher dosage, especially in the morning.  I  just can't eat a big breakfast anymore. I've tried Compazine and Reglan for nausea, but did not find that they helped.

I'm trying to compensate for the smaller breakfasts by adding nuts to lunch or dinner (I have less nausea later in the day), and having yogurt or a protein shake in the afternoon. Any other nausea remedies or wieght gain ideas?

Offline allopathicholistic

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Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #30 on: July 04, 2006, 12:44:51 pm »
Any other nausea remedies or wieght gain ideas?

Weight gain: hummus, tahini, avocado, whole grain pasta (not refined/white), olive oil (addto salad), peanut butter

Counter nausea: accupressure trick click here http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=1002.msg10936#msg10936
« Last Edit: July 05, 2006, 05:50:14 pm by allopathicholistic »

Offline Gary85741

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  • Native Virginian living in Tucson AZ
    • Good guy, good heart
Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #31 on: July 04, 2006, 10:50:35 pm »


Paul...the Allans...all the rest:

     Here's my two cents.  Well I enjoy eating, though one wouldn't think so to look at me.  I also cannot gain weight.  I'm six feet and struggle to not drop below 140#.  Though I've always been slender, I also have wasting.  Some people do not realize they are two different issues.

     Marinol is useful for me, though the downside is that it's unpredictable.  I take it at dinner time (when I know I won't be getting near my car the rest of the day...LOL)  Sometimes I'll feel it in thirty minutes...sometimes in a few hours...sometime the next morning (grrr...not desirable)...and sometimes not at all.
     I'd prefer the real thing as the timing is very predictable, and the "munchies" effect may be even stronger than Marinol.  But I never know if or when I can obtain it, so I have to rely more on Marinol.
     I was a little surprised to read some have had nausea from Marinol.  Marinol and pot are supposed to be antiemetic (get rid of nausea.)  But like has been pointed out...we all do react differently to medications.

     Megace...this one's a dad blame shame.  I took it in the late 1990s and it really helped me gain weight...was tempted to eat myself out of house and home. 
     But no one bothered to advise me that Megace contains Progesterone (female hormone!)  My libido promptly flatlined so I had to discontinue it.  A zero libido isn't exactly esteem-enhancing after all.

     I will be starting Nandralone (injectible steroid) in a few weeks to see if that can be of some help.  I was reminded by my physician that it can only work with what it's got (must have sufficient caloric intake) and that I should exercise to promote its efficacy (which I will try to start doing again after several years' absence.)

     A test I would recommend for anyone concerned with metabolic issues is the BIA (Biometric Impedence Analysis.)  It takes less than a minute and four electrodes are attached.  It reveals all sorts of results...including if one is sufficiently hydrated (which is important to an Arizonan in this 200 degree heat.)

     Seems there aren't that many slender guys around.  Moreover it seems slender guys aren't perceived as attractive as most other body types.  Oh well...not many 55-year-olds can wear 31" Levis like me...LOL.

Gary


Poz since '89. 
Current regimen: Rescriptor, Emtriva, Kaletra, Invirase, Acyclovir, Lisinopril, Lipitor, Prilosec, Valium, Testim, Nandrolone, Loperamidr, Marinol.

Offline AlanBama

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  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #32 on: July 04, 2006, 11:06:16 pm »
Hi Gary

Sounds like we have a lot in common.   What dosage of Marinol do you use?   I think I need to try a higher milligram.

Wasting is a terrible problem, and terrible on one's self esteem.  I have struggled with it for years, so it helps to at least know that I'm not alone.   It sure seems that way sometimes, when most people I know are DIETING, rather than going through what we do.   

Lately, my big problem is that when I start eating, after a few bites, I get so nauseated I have to fight to keep it from coming back up.   That pretty much ends the meal.   I always manage to swallow those pills though.....I have a 'love-hate' relationship with my meds....I love the fact that they gave me my life back, but hate all the side effects I have lived with for so long.

Best of luck with the Nandralone...

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline wellington

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  • Posts: 511
  • Don't sweat the little things.
Re: Big Appetite Problems.
« Reply #33 on: July 05, 2006, 05:04:23 pm »
I'm suprised, but happy, to see others who are slim/skinny. My grandfather and aunt on my dad's side both have slim builds and I seem to be put together the same way as them. I'll never be fat. Often I elicit comments from people that I "should eat more". I cringe at times that personal ads limit responses to only "height/weight proportional" people (Though I am within the lower bound of the body mass index range for my height and weight, convincing others that this is so is often daunting!). While these things bother me to varying degrees from time to time, I feel great about my weight, even when I struggle to maintain it.

I shun having three prescribed meals a day. Instead, I eat when I get the "hungry" signal - whenever it occurs. Often, this results in four or more meals a day, many of them more like snacks than a full-course pig-out. I do tend to favour a breakfast of some description, getting fuel into my body shortly after I rise in the morning. Some say this kickstarts the metabolism and for me, this seems to be the case. Thereafter, though, eating is driven by that unique singal of hunger.

While I appreciate your comment that universaility seems attractive, if not elusive, I really relish that we're all different and that I'm struggling more to keep the weight on than work it off!

Best wishes on your journey.

 


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