POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: stevevaboy on August 18, 2006, 01:07:10 pm
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Hello... I think I'd heard of some meds causing a distended stomach - is this correct? I've only been on meds for several months: 1st (Truvada/Viramune) and then on to (Truvada, Reyataz, Norvir) and my stomach feels sort of bloated and not as flat as it had been. I work out often and while I didn't have 6-pack abs my stomach was certainly in workout shape.
Any thoughts?
Thanks! Steve
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Hello Steve,
I started on meds in October of 2003. Within ten months, my stomach started enlarging quite rapidly, and I started getting that bloated feeling.
If you haven't read this link, this may give some explanation :
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=615.0
I also posted a link within that link, to the older forums. I am pretty good with my diet, my problem is trying to get enough exercise. I am not always up to it.
What you may try doing, is eating smaller portions, but eating more times during the day. It may help with the bloating issues.
There was something else I was reading the other day. I will see if I can find it and post that also. I believe it was from Medscape or Medpage. I will have to look. Had to do with weight gain, not necessary due to the medications.
And this link :
http://www.aidsmeds.com/news/am20060817e.html
Take care------Ray
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Hi Steve,
I have that bloated belly look. Some days I swear I look pregnant. I also tend to be a little gassy from the meds. A lovely combination...I look pregnant and I am full of gas!
Christine
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Damn Christine, I've been farting all day so I can relate! ha ha I guess if this is the worst of the side effects I can deal with it - but can others???
Steve ;D
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hi steve
is possibly/probably due to truvada, if it's med related - quite common, the bloated/gassy feeling...
you could try simethicone, which might help tummy feel happier...over here goes by name of Deflatine, you can buy OTC...ask dr, or pharmacist.
Here is a good summary of causes/possible solutions...
http://www.thebody.com/gut/gut_5_gas.html (http://www.thebody.com/gut/gut_5_gas.html)
Kate
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I take Atripla and the combo made me gassy and bloated stomach. But then again, I've always had a gut and been gassy.
brother joe
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Hey Steve,
I also have a more distended belly than usual. My belly is bigger and my arms and legs seem to have gotten thinner. And unlike Christine feeling pregnant I get asked When I am due. I also am quite gassy. meds are Reytaz, Ziagen, Norvir, and Didanosine. Just so you are clear I am not a very fit person. I am pleasantly plump and always has been. Just seems that the fat has distributed differently. best wishes to you. Rachel
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well I get asked when im due too and I wish it would come out already
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Oh my gosh...I'm glad I finally dug a little deeper into the forums (either that or a new post on the topic just came up).
I'm glad that I finally found an answer to my question about gas and distended belly. I started my treatment back in July 06' but didn't have a problem with the bloated feeling until about two months ago. It's aconstant cycle of feeling normal in the morning but it just progresses further and further throughout the day. So far no matter what I eat throughout the day adds to that increasing bloated feeling. When someone in the string noted Truvada as being a culprit, it narrowed things down alot!
Does anyone with a good workout regimen have the same problem? I'm sure my lack of exercise is a contributor but I'd like to think that some tight ab muscles would get rid of the distended belly thing....
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The Viread in Truvada produces gas, sometimes of, er, volcanic proportions. It seems to do this less if taken with food (soz big pharma, minus point to Atripla I think). Some folk, though, just don't get on with it.
- matt
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Hey There,
No one can actually tell you what your distended stomach comes from, meds or disease, or both. Every case is individual.
HOWEVER, most HIVers should supplement with acidopholus (2 billion units/day) or some other type of probiotic supplement. When I am especially gassed up and bloated, I usually take a couple of charcoal capsules. They will collect the gas and you will find that it will pass right through you, along with your food.
Whenever you are about to eat foods known for causing gas, try using BEANO first. It REALLY does work and it's cheap and available everywhere.
I've fought with this for years. I've been using Human Growth Hormone for the past couple of years, as well as hitting the gym 4-5 times a week. Put it this way, nothing's perfect. My pants in the closet range from 30" waist up to 34". Never know what's going to fit when. But since the growth hormone, I'm in my 32-31 range and that makes me happy. Growth Hormone (I take Serostim injections) are expensive and many insurances won't cover it. There may be a clinical trial near you that is trying Serostim for abdominal distention. Check it out and see. If not, you might ask your doc to prescribe it anyway and see if you can get it from the company (Serono) for free under the Compassionate Use Program.
But, definitely do the acidopholus first. It really helps-even good for your immune system. The majority of your immune system is in the gut, anyway.
You can PM me with any questions, I may have more suggestions for you.
Best of Luck.
Stephen
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I'm going to try the acidopholus and let y'all know if it works, I've been on meds for over 4 years now and my stomach is huge! I walk everyday and eat right and I still look pregnant, it's very depressing.
Lisa
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On the "wind" part Christine? You oughta hear my wife's "wind". She's no bigger than a minute, and her's are the loudest I've ever heard. :D :o :o
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Hey There,
HOWEVER, most HIVers should supplement with acidopholus (2 billion units/day) or some other type of probiotic supplement.
I have even read that as much as 5-6 billion cultures a day is recommeded, according to some. As far as fiber, 35 grams per day, Omega 3"s --- 2 grams per day. I guess it depends on whose plan you want to follow, and lots of vegetables !
Ray