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Author Topic: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!  (Read 45307 times)

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Offline Miss Philicia

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o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« on: January 29, 2014, 10:08:38 pm »
1) my cd4 count is 1504 / 55.7% / VL <20

2) those numbers mean very little because:

3) my liver numbers are now elevated to the extent that I must have an ultrasound done on Monday to see if I have "non-alcoholic fatty liver" due to 20 years of being on NRTIs. linky for what NRTIs can do to you

4) Doctor also ran some other blood tests after my appointment I think just to check that my hepatitis A/B/C stuff is OK and maybe to make sure my AST and ALT numbers are double checked -- fyi my ALT numbers have been elevated for the past year but only slightly, so he had been monitoring them. My AST numbers were elevated for the first time this past test. It's possible after all is said and done this will mean nothing except further close monitoring.

5) I've now been diagnosed with HIV-related osteoarthritis and a) start physical therapy tomorrow and b) have to have my knees x'rayd also next Monday c) I've really had this knee issue for at least 4-5 years, but it's gotten worse. I thought it was connected with my podiatry problems and would settle down after I had those foot surgeries but in the back of my head I always knew I was making that theory up, and now my arthritis has spread to my entire leg and toes -- it's quite painful, effects the muscles in my legs as well, and makes me so tired that after being awake for 6-7 hours I lay down on the sofa and fall asleep in five minutes for an hour nap on a daily basis. I think I should complain louder about the pain issue but then again I don't want to become a pain med user until I really have to so I try to grin and bear it.

6) depending on the X-ray I'll probably start seeing a rheumatologist and get something injected in my knees... or something -- kinda forget what my doctor said about that part

7) was instructed to take Chondroitin sulfate (o.t.c.) daily @ 250mg but could only find 500mg so that's what I bought.

8) It's not like I don't get any exercise for a almost 49 year old, seeing as how I walk up and down 3 flights of stairs every day, plus two more when I take the subway, and walk everywhere I need to go since I do not own a car. I guess if physical therapy shows me some improvements I'll need to find some way to budget money for a gym membership but those are not cheap, and hardly any of them are ones with a pool because they are all cramped, urban gyms. I am hesitant to commit to a membership when I'm tired so much of the time.

9) I've found a new colorectal specialist that does HRAs that doesn't necessitate taking and hour and half to get to -- this one is at Drexel Univ. so that's a mere 25 minutes by subway. Thrilling!

10) I'm going to NYC in a week so it's not like I'm going to die. But hey, maybe I should finally draft a will and all of those other paper document thingies grave dodgers like me are supposed have filed away somewhere. That's right, I've had general anesthesia five times since 2011 without a durable power of attorney -- bite me.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2014, 10:12:44 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline zach

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2014, 10:54:57 pm »
sorry to hear about your difficulties ms p. i know you've had a hard time of it over the years, and have withstood it all with style, grace, nobility

Offline Theyer

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2014, 06:14:03 am »
It seem like a further twist that you can receive great CD4 no and yet the rest follows, good luck with it all . RE , Gym/pool etc have you not got a decent Y that provides the above without the prices off the happy shiny places? Good luck with it all D,


Best wishes
m

"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline BT65

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2014, 11:37:25 am »
I did physical therapy for the AVN and osteoarthritis in my knees, and it did no good.  Sorry to deliver not so good news.  But maybe it will work for you.  The only thing that works for me anymore is quarterly Cortisone injections.  In fact, I'm getting one today in my left knee, in an hour.  Let me know how the Chondroitin works for you, if it does I may get some. 

Good luck with all your issues, you're dealing with a lot.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2014, 12:58:33 pm »
I just got back from my physical therapy intake/assessment. At least they hooked me up with the cutest guy on staff  :P

My issue is more than just my knees, it's everything from the waist down basically. It's just the knees are the more abnormal thing with the wobbling, so hopefully the X-ray will rule out something like you deal with Betty (necrosis). Or I think that's why I am having it done.

It will be another two weeks due to my upcoming trip before I actually begin sessions so he gave me some stretching exercises to do. Dunno, I'm a bit hopeful that this will help my situation some. I'm not looking for a cure nor do I expect one, that is for sure.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2014, 01:21:17 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline WillyWump

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2014, 01:15:47 pm »
I just got back from my physical therapy intake/assessment. At least they hooked me up with the cutest guy on staff  :P

I saw your checkin at the gym, and i thought surely that was a mistake and that you were at the deli next door.

please focus on your thereapy, and not filling the holland tunnel.

Sorry you are faced with all this.

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11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2014, 01:23:12 pm »
I saw your checkin at the gym, and i thought surely that was a mistake and that you were at the deli next door.

This gym is so fancy they even have an old man on staff to shine your shoes.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2014, 04:51:57 pm »
I got the Cortisone and it is instant relief.  I know I've told you Ms P, that my feet do not sit flat on the floor, but who knows what that is.

I asked the doctor about Glucosamine and he said I could try it.  I hope you have good luck with your physical therapy.  I get it.
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Offline Jody

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2014, 08:13:06 pm »
Hoping you feel better with the therapy.  Is there a 'Y' in your hood which might have a pool?  Having HIV and getting older is not easy on our bodies, that's for sure. It would be nice to hook up while you are in NY next week but I'll be headed down to Ft. Lauderdale next Thursday. 

Hugs,

Jody
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Offline tednlou2

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2014, 10:36:37 pm »
How much does HIV, itself, contribute to fatty liver?  I have it and haven't been on meds yet.  My gastro doc believes HIV may be a contributing factor.  But, many have it, due to diet and being overweight.  I did get chunky, but nothing like I would think would lead to fatty liver disease.  But, perhaps I'm not appreciating whether just being somewhat overweight can cause it.  I know being overweight is not a factor for you. 

Do you have a dull ache under your ribs?  That is what prompted me to get checked.  It was that dull ache and feeling of pressure.  My liver labs are usually closer to the upper end of normal.  I was told the upper limit use to be 30, just as recent as the 90's.  However, that was increased.  The doc said many gastro docs believe it should be lowered back down to 30 as the upper limit.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2014, 08:32:33 am »
Hope the stretching and other suggestions prove to be helpful.

Another example of the many challenges that come with living with HIV while a lot of civilians including politicians prefer to insist it's a manageable disease.

Thinking of you. You've got grit, Ms. P.

 

 
Andy Velez

Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2014, 01:01:44 pm »
Geez I've been missing allot of threads lately.

Like you, my numbers are very good although not nearly as good as yours. (cd4 count is 965/ 39%/ ud)

Started noticing arthritis about 5 years ago (I'm nearly 55) Just complained to my doc on Monday that it has been getting worse, especially in the knees and hands. Still seems pretty mild in comparison with what you are facing Miss P.

I've seen how much you need to walk. Hope you find some relief!

Not sure what to say about your high liver enzymes. Hope they can figure it out or maybe it was just a temporary blip. Ugh.

Nice to hear you found a butt doc closer by.  :)

Yup, it just goes to show that numbers aren't the whole picture.

Have fun in NY!

m.

33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline wolfter

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2014, 01:17:33 pm »
You older guys are scaring the Jahebus out of me.   ;) 

Those of us living with this virus for so long can attest to the "manageable" aspect.  Some days it almost seems not worth it but we continue clawing our way towards old age.

Sorry you're dealing with these issues and I hope you get some much needed relief.

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2014, 01:25:07 pm »
You older guys are scaring the Jahebus out of me.   ;) 

I'm still the same age that you are for another six days.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline pittman

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2014, 09:05:56 am »
Yikes! Not sure what to say, other than wishing the best for you.   

Have fun in NYC, I always love visiting there. 

(And if you ever run into a band of gourmet cannibals talking about craving pâté, RUN as fast as those knees will take you!)

Offline GSOgymrat

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #15 on: February 03, 2014, 10:58:50 am »
Sorry to hear about the arthritis in your feet and legs. I've heard that came be really painful. I hope you have a good time in NYC.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #16 on: February 04, 2014, 12:34:39 pm »
So I traipsed to Pennsylvania Hospital (my fave!) during the height of yesterday's snowstorm (this city doesn't shut down!) and had both my knees x-ray'd and my abdominal ultrasound done, so that's all complete.

And just now I received a call from my Med-D insurer and they approved the previously denied prescription for Celebrex after I made an appeal last week so that is good news. Frankly though, my doctor gave me naproxen while we were waiting on the appeal and I really can't say it helps much, at least not in my feet, maybe some in my knees though I am also taking chondroitin sulfate 500mg twice daily.

I'm also tending towards canceling my trip to NYC because of the large Feb 8-9th snow storm. It wouldn't interfere probably with my actual intercity rail travel but I don't want to be in NYC confined to snow boots sloshing around on the streets or being confined to my friend's apartment the majority of the trip either. So I'm thinking of yet anther birthday home alone watching a movie and going to NYC in mid/late-April when the weather is nicer and it's the height of RAMPS season (and fiddlehead ferns and morels).
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Theyer

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #17 on: February 05, 2014, 09:10:41 am »
When will you get the results?
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #18 on: February 05, 2014, 09:24:05 am »
This hospital is part of the larger University of Pennsylvania hospital system, and they turn results around quickly I think, no more than a couple of days. Plus my ID doctor is on the faculty so I think he can access their computer network and get at least the summary report as soon as it's available.

I would assume he would call me if anything is super-alarming. I know he took more blood work from me to double check hepatitis status I assume last Monday and I've not received any alarming call on those.

I'm going to call the radiology department and see if they will send a summary report about my knees to my physical therapist, plus I will call my PT to say I'm not going to NYC and that we can start our sessions earlier now.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline elf

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #19 on: February 05, 2014, 09:54:08 am »
I am 33 and I feel 13.  :-\
I take too much melatonin (doses used in cancer therapy).
My liver is okay but it's because I take a lot of supplements for it
(artichoke extract, silibinin, choline  and ornithine); choline could help your NAFLD .

I'm taking Luvox to treat my post-HIV social phobia and fear of sex.
(Luvox, melatonin and Sustiva...feels like DMT or LSD ;D)
« Last Edit: February 05, 2014, 10:10:43 am by elf »

Offline Theyer

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #20 on: February 07, 2014, 01:31:32 pm »
This hospital is part of the larger University of Pennsylvania hospital system, and they turn results around quickly I think, no more than a couple of days. Plus my ID doctor is on the faculty so I think he can access their computer network and get at least the summary report as soon as it's available.

I would assume he would call me if anything is super-alarming. I know he took more blood work from me to double check hepatitis status I assume last Monday and I've not received any alarming call on those.

I'm going to call the radiology department and see if they will send a summary report about my knees to my physical therapist, plus I will call my PT to say I'm not going to NYC and that we can start our sessions earlier now.

That all sounds good, though pity about NY . I often follow the no news is good news in these situations .Happy Birthday BTW.
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #21 on: February 07, 2014, 02:39:45 pm »
for those of you that give a crap, here are my results/updates:

1) liver ultrasound showed the best, minimal result possible: steatosis -- this is obviously a result finally of my long-standing elevated triglycerides, even though my cholesterol numbers have always been fine generally. My office doesn't fuss over that number unless it's consistently over 300. My last ones in May were 295, and 210 seven months before that. Going back for years I see that 295 number is the highest they've been, they've usually been more like 175-210. But there's never been one "normal" reading since I've been keeping copies of my labs since 12/2004 so I'm sure it was like this when I was back in NYC. Elevated triglycerides are not uncommon for those on protease inhibitors and I've been on them for 17 years. My elevated ALT numbers (barely out of range except the last ones) only go back to 10/2012 -- there were zero elevated reading before that.

2) my knee x'ray showed mild/moderate osteo-arthritis so from my doctor's standpoint he starts with physical therapy as the least invasive effort. However, other than my knees which are less a pain issue rather than a "wobbly" stability issue, and even then only going down stairs not up, my larger issue is the (presumably) arthritic pain in my toes and other bones of my foot which may necessitate seeing an orthopedist, though I need to discuss that my feet are always cold, especially the left one, which is probably a vascular issue. Anyway, in terms of my knees it's not such a bad reading though obviously an issue.

3) I finally start physical therapy on Tuesday afternoon with Dreamy Mark B. and will do two session weekly, probably for two months. (note: most straight girls in Philadelphia look like that, unless they are alt-hipsters)

4) Part of a filling fell out of my mouth this morning during a Skype session and I was able to score a dental appointment next Thursday.

5) SUMMARY: I have seven appointments scheduled for next week which means I will be a very Busy Bee!

PS: I am now rewarding myself with a pot of single estate Assam Hattaili FTGFOP-1 and a pain au chocolate.
« Last Edit: February 07, 2014, 02:48:18 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #22 on: February 07, 2014, 03:03:20 pm »
Well, all of that sounds like pretty good news I guess, especially the part about Dreamy Mark B.  :)
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #23 on: February 07, 2014, 03:26:20 pm »
especially the part about Dreamy Mark B.  :)

He was also on the crew team in high school... that's kinda preppy hotness.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Snowangel

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #24 on: February 07, 2014, 03:33:54 pm »
Geez, glad you got the results back so quickly and I hope the therapy helps some of your pain.
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Offline Theyer

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #25 on: February 07, 2014, 04:08:55 pm »
That is a good summary from all angle,s , and I think quite a lot off folk do care , How you manage 7 appointments in one week is beyond me ,but you do, so good on you. Try not to dribble during your physio , which BTW, seems to  attract , many beautiful peeps at the Chelsea and Westminster .The males crisp white polo shirts and Navy blue trouser uniform adding another layer to there shinny radiant health.
Very white sails and as you say preppy.
mhtv
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #26 on: February 07, 2014, 04:26:39 pm »
Because I'm having physical therapy and the fancy Sporting Club which is attached to the legendary Bellevue Stratford (even if Hyatt bought it out and dropped the last name) I now feel the need to purchase presentable clothing for the gym, and not show up in $3 shorts from Walmart.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #27 on: February 07, 2014, 04:29:36 pm »
Because I'm having physical therapy and the fancy Sporting Club which is attached to the legendary Bellevue Stratford (even if Hyatt bought it out and dropped the last name) I now feel the need to purchase presentable clothing for the gym, and not show up in $3 shorts from Walmart.

Get you some of those shorts that has JUICY spelled out in rhinestones across the ass in a tramp stamp . 
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Offline Theyer

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #28 on: February 07, 2014, 04:33:21 pm »
The classier the gym the rougher the gym wear. Therefore perfect . [ apart from shoes of course ]
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline WillyWump

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #29 on: February 07, 2014, 05:25:12 pm »
Get you some of those shorts that has JUICY spelled out in rhinestones across the ass in a tramp stamp .

PLEASE do this ^

and Sorry about your arthritis. If you need any pain pills let me know (I'm from the south)
« Last Edit: February 07, 2014, 05:28:08 pm by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #30 on: February 07, 2014, 05:32:53 pm »
There actually a Juicy Couture mere blocks away from the Bellevue. But I'm thinking of going with Lululemon Athletica.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #31 on: February 07, 2014, 05:43:33 pm »
There actually a Juicy Couture mere blocks away from the Bellevue.
That was mere blocks away from where I stayed and you didn't bring it to my attention.
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #32 on: February 07, 2014, 05:48:47 pm »
That was mere blocks away from where I stayed and you didn't bring it to my attention.


Speaking of near misses -- did you hear that a Philly chef just won Top Chef this week? His restaurant is literally a stone's throw from where we had cocktails at Stateside and dinner at Noord. And now it takes three months to get a reservation on a weekend at his restaurant.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #33 on: February 07, 2014, 05:58:03 pm »
Speaking of near misses -- did you hear that a Philly chef just won Top Chef this week? His restaurant is literally a stone's throw from where we had cocktails at Stateside and dinner at Noord. And now it takes three months to get a reservation on a weekend at his restaurant.

What, no link? I think I remember you mentioning another newish restaurant nearby. Anyway, Noord was wonderful.
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline wolfter

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #34 on: February 07, 2014, 06:04:04 pm »
Overall, not terrible results I guess.  As for triglycerites, have you considered taking anything if it continues?  I had horrid lipid numbers including tryglicerides.  The pravastatin improved ALL my numbers to better than optimal. 

My aunt was involved in a study several years ago because of crippling arthritis.  She fingers and toes were so bent that she had little use of them.  She takes a monthly injection and saw almost immediate results.  She continues with the monthly injection and has gained the majority of her lost abilities back without pain.  Are there any options or is a "wait and see thingy?"

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Jeff G

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #35 on: February 07, 2014, 06:16:33 pm »
Miss P's toes are so bent up when she puts her legs in the air it looks like she is throwing up gang signs .
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Offline wolfter

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #36 on: February 07, 2014, 06:35:59 pm »
Miss P's toes are so bent up when she puts her legs in the air it looks like she is throwing up gang signs .

Why am I sitting here trying to come up with a gang name for him?  Love the visual
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #37 on: February 07, 2014, 09:39:46 pm »
Overall, not terrible results I guess.  As for triglycerites, have you considered taking anything if it continues?  I had horrid lipid numbers including tryglicerides.  The pravastatin improved ALL my numbers to better than optimal. 

It's definitely an option if they go higher, like I said my doctor tends not to fuss unless they are over 300 steadily. I'll know more next time I see him in April unless he calls me with other instructions. He was out today so I was speaking with his assistant.

As far as the arthritis I'll know more after two months of physical therapy and if that shows any improvements.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Ann

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #38 on: February 08, 2014, 05:21:02 am »
Why am I sitting here trying to come up with a gang name for him?  Love the visual

What do you think the name "Miss P" is? A term of endearment? Don't think so!


Miss P has even been known to go all "old school" and wear her gang colours in the back pocket of her jeans. I'm not saying which side. ;)
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #39 on: February 16, 2014, 10:13:36 am »
1) I had my first physical therapy session with Dreamboat Mark last Tuesday. I felt a spring in my step afterwards, did some grocery shopping. Even the next day I don't recall stiffness in the morning, or is so minimally and did some more grocery shopping (this was before out most recent large storm was to hit so I wanted to stock up on food). But once I was in for the day that afternoon and later that evening everything really seized up -- mostly my inner thigh area from doing thigh adduction machine (less so from abduction) and even more so in the gastrocnemius muscle (back of calf) -- the last no uncommon for someone with plantar fasciitis which I also have due to my high arch.

Anyway, basically I was a wreck by that time and thought myself lucky that the snow would cause a cancellation on my next PT session Thursday, but no -- Mark called wanting me to still come in. School and government offices all closed, SEPTA bus service discontinued, yet he wanted me to come in... I politely declined. I could have gotten there on the subway but I would have been absolutely incapable of doing anything. Actually yesterday was the first day I could rise up out of a chair and not feel like screaming, even though I've been trying to stretch my calves every day.

2) In other news, my visit Friday to my podiatrist revealed something new and significant. I was trying to get him to write up a summary of arthritis that he could see in my trove of three years of foot X-rays, but he said there's little there and even so it's difficult to see on an X-ray of the foot because there's so many bones, at least not until it's at a very severe level.  Then I reminded him that his office had never faxed a copy of my last NCS/EMG nerve test, so he printed it out of me. I thought it had only showed neuropathy and sciatica but in the report it states clearly that I have "B/L posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome". Anyway, googling about this (which I have only allowed myself to do twice sticking with NIH write up) is a bit of a Pandora's Box. This test was performed on me back in May though I didn't receive the results until June or early July. I'm not sure why I'm not learning about this until now except that the Physiatrist my podiatrist has come in to conduct these tests has such a thick Russian accent that he's difficult to understand.

So short story, I won't see my HIV doctor until the last week of April but will give him this report and see what he thinks. I definitely explains why I had extreme compression pain in my feet both previous to all of my surgeries and still after continuing to the present. But I also fail to understand why this didn't show up on the EMG test I had done at the hospital 3 years ago before my first foot surgery. I rather feel that if I have something more than run-of-the-mill HIV-related nerve issues that I should be seeing a specialist, as in one specific one, instead of having various tests done all over the place, especially with arthritis also potentially at play.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #40 on: February 17, 2014, 05:06:55 pm »
Another fabulous update: After three hours at the dentist today, which wasn't a routine appointment in the first place (I felt something chip off last week) I now learn after copious xrays that I need a root canal, two crowns, and one other filling replaced. Aside from all the time that will take (one of the crowns might necessitate two 3-hour sessions) Ryan White doesn't seem to 100% cover everything. Basics, yes -- but the crown work has a sliding scale and evidently mine will come to $135/each. I realize for you working folk that's still a bargain but it's steep for me unexpectedly, not to mention the other time I had a crown there 4-5 years ago I was not charged.

And I already just shelled out $465 in non-covered expenses since New Year's, plus I'll probably end up paying ~$150 for physical therapy that isn't completely covered. And then I still need to have my second pair of orthotics "refurbished". *sigh* this shit never ends.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #41 on: February 17, 2014, 05:10:49 pm »
This is starting to remind me of the movie Death becomes Her . Pretty soon all of LTS are gonna be all Spackle and Bondo . 
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Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #42 on: February 17, 2014, 05:42:17 pm »
I feel for you, especially after the 17 dental visits that I went through last year. Yes, it's dirt cheap but on a fixed income it can become a hardship and yes, it never ends it seems.  :P
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #43 on: February 17, 2014, 05:55:19 pm »
17 dental visits

They should have just extracted all of yours. Kenny probably would have enjoyed that.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #44 on: February 17, 2014, 05:56:49 pm »
They should have just extracted all of yours. Kenny probably would have enjoyed that.
Maybe you should take your own advice. ;)
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #45 on: February 17, 2014, 06:10:05 pm »
Maybe you should take your own advice. ;)

Naw, my doctor said the rest of my teeth looked in fairly good shape. Of course, she sees horror stories of people showing up that haven't seen a dentist in a decade.

Part of my issues are 1) years of apnea that caused me to breathe through my mouth, and I have no idea if I still do this 2) decades of HIV meds that decrease you saliva production even if I've used Biotene products religiously for 10 years 3) I was diagnosed with bruxism (nocturnal teeth grinding) in the late 90's, a product of my Valley of the Klonopin Dolls Nervous Condition. I'm on my second mouth guard but sadly I find it hard to keep up with the routine of using it and must improve on this.

I'm good about going to the dentist regularly and have been all my life, and didn't get my first cavity until I was ~30yo. I've only had one crown done previous to that, everything else was cavity work, and often re-doing older cavities. It's just this bad one today already had two fillings (2nd to last bottom right molar) and once she drilled it out it was too deep to just use a filling. And that's the one that might need two 2-hour sessions -- actually 3 if I include today's temporary work.

All of this work would amount to $2070 normally and that's not even at a "regular" doctor, but at the Univ. of PA School of Dentistry.

Did I mention that after all of that I went and had a physical therapy session followed by authentic tacos (bistec)? Dreamboat Mark says I have very good form with my squats.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #46 on: February 17, 2014, 06:13:26 pm »
I'm glad you made your physical therapy appointment this week . I was worried about you .
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Offline mitch777

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #47 on: February 17, 2014, 06:30:02 pm »

 I'm on my second mouth guard but sadly I find it hard to keep up with the routine of using it and must improve on this.


I have the same grinding problem but I'm apparently one of the few that cannot tolerate it. I know it isn't fun to wear and clean everyday but my issue is that it sets off my jaw and actually causes more pain.

The picture of Dreamboat Mark watching your squats.... priceless.  :)
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline WillyWump

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #48 on: February 17, 2014, 07:23:43 pm »
Good lord woman.

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Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: o hai guys! Let's chat about AIDS!
« Reply #49 on: February 17, 2014, 07:48:53 pm »
EXCELLENT SQUATS MISS P! NOW COME OVER HERE AND SIT ON MY FACE!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

 


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