Another Question

[squaw]

My son has been on Atripla for about ten days now.  He is having an unpleasant symptom, and I want to see if we should be worried.  His stool is very acidic and is burning his anus.  I read about the danger of lactic acidosis, and I just want to make sure this is not a symptom of it.  Should he call his doctor?

Thanks for all the support and encouragement.

[mecch]

The symptoms you describe do not match the symptoms given for lactic acidosis:
http://www.buyatripla.com/

Better ask a doctor?




# Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis:

    * You feel very weak or tired.
    * You have unusual (not normal) muscle pain.
    * You have trouble breathing.
    * You have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting.
    * You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs.
    * You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
    * You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.

# Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems:

    * Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice).
    * Your urine turns dark.
    * Your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color.
    * You don't feel like eating food for several days or longer.
    * You feel sick to your stomach (nausea).
    * You have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain.

[phildinftlaudy]

Hi Squaw-
I'm on Atripla also and have experienced this happen to me a several different times since being on it.  I think it happens less when I make sure I am getting plenty of water.  I think it might just be one of the little talked about side effects --- I would suggest keeping some wet wipes (with aloe) to use when it occurs.  That helps a little bit.  If it is too bothersome he could mention to his doc but it is not one of the sympoms of lactic acidosis.

[squaw]

Thanks guys!  I am relieved that it is not a symptom of acidosis.  I think I am stressing about it more than my son is.  I suggested that he drink more water and see if it helps.  That does make sense.  I have GERD and if my stomach gets real acidic I drink alot of water to dilute the acid. 

I also suggested he call his doctor just be sure everything is okay. 

I am so thankful I found this site.  I will probably annoy everyone to death with my questions.  You guys don't know how much it helps me to be able to talk to other people who are going through this.  Especially since my son and I are both new to this, and have much to learn.

Love you guys!

[john33]

Squaw,

I'm so glad you're there for your son, and worrying that everythings allright is natural.

As asking questions, I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say ask away, it takes a while to learn things about HIV and their are so many wonderful people who have experience in things I still haven't realised exist yet.

John

[mewithu]

I recomend the wet wipes myself to anyone really. Jerry

[Realist]

Squaw,

I got this soon after starting (only side effect I got).

Wet wipes. Lots of water. Yoghurt with active bacteria. All sorted me out.

[PeteNYNJ]

Hey Squaw

Just wanted to say welcome to the forums.  I am always warmed when I see parents taking an active role in finding out how to better educate themselves about this disease so feel free to ask any questions you have. 

This disease is a big pain in the ass (no pun intended) so give your son some leeway if he has days when he doesn't want to talk about it or is cranky.  I also think that him moving to a more supportive atmosphere is helpful for both his physical and mental health. 

If you ever have any questions you don't feel like posting publicly, feel free to IM me.  If I don't know, I can probably steer you in the right direction

Pete