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[CraigJ]

Hey all. Just wanting to share 1 year on and all looking good from tests done. Still having pains in calves to chat about with docs next week. Last visit they floated idea of changing from Triumeq. Dont know if changing to dovato might be an option or the right move but the idea of dropping one nuke is appealing but also a little scary as who knows what change will bring.

C

[Jim Allen]

Hiya

Glad to hear all the test results are looking good.

Regarding the switch, I'm not advocating either for or against switching but if you want to talk about it what fears do you have? 

Still having pains in calves to chat about with docs next week.

You have had that for a while, right? Any particular barrier to seeing the doc or reason holding off? Anyhow, hope you can get this sorted soon.

Best, Jim

[CraigJ]

Hi Jim hope all is well.
I think it is just the great unknown that has me a bit worried. Will changing work, will it make no difference.
GP went down sciatica route which could explain things if it is that indeed. I also now have the exact symptoms for sciatica. Sore lower back, pain in buttocks and now numbness in ball of foot and 2 toes on left leg. Its been june/July for calves and August for onset of the rest.
We decided to wait until my next scheduled appointment to discuss all and make any decisions or changes after that.
Will see what comes after next week.

C

[Jim Allen]

Sciatica could but then understanding the cause or rulling issues out would be more useful to you I suspect, I'm guessing the GP was not very useful? Did they give you anything for the pain?

HIV by itself mostly untreated has been linked to damage to nerves, multiple nerves not limited to  peripheral, the far older HIV meds as well but instead of going through the list I'll just wish you well and hopefully you can get something sorted soon.

Will changing work, will it make no difference.

Well the switch is to a combo that has two drugs you are already on, it's an effective treatment in terms of HIV suppression and you are used to so it's not a huge difference from that perspective. You shouldn't be anticipating any issues

Jim

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/peripheral_nerve/conditions/hiv_neuropathy.html

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/peripheral-neuropathy

[CraigJ]

Yep cocodamol and ibuprofen are taking the edge off.
I won't say GP was useless as like me just trying to rule out causes. I think the appoint on Tuesday will be a bit more useful. 

[Jim Allen]

Codeine - might not be a long term plan but glad it's taking the edge off. 

I'm on pregabalin myself, but it's a process to find what works if the neuropathic pain is permanent

[wardp]

This youtube video fixed my sciatica  in 2 days....search slip disc 6 exercises   

[wardp]

https://youtu.be/xWxXiWP3fgw

[CraigJ]

Thanks ward i will give it a look 

[harleymc]

PIn on one side doesn't sound like neuropathy. Do you have a y risk factors like diabetes?

[CraigJ]

Hi Harley I don't have diabetes not that I am aware of.
I have it in family so get tested for it but it has been near 1 year since last check so time for another one.
If honest just running through things and trying to eliminate root cause as we go. Sciatica does seem most likely but os taking a while to disappear. Still doesn't explain the aching calves though as i think that was a separate issue although it could have been first symptom.
The human body, a wonderful piece of engineering but some diagnosis take a while to repair.

C