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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: aztecan on February 19, 2008, 11:11:10 pm

Title: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on February 19, 2008, 11:11:10 pm
It seems some  things are looking up in the labs department, or at least holding their own.

My ALT remains somewhat high at 81. It is supposed to top out at 65. But, the good news is it is unchanged from the last time it was checked late last year.

That means the NASH issue is still with me but apparently not progressing, or not progressing very fast, which I think is pretty good news.  :)

My efforts to reduce my fat intake seem to be helping. I am cutting the fat in part because of the above-mentioned NASH problem and in part because I have been living with hyperlipidemia for a long time now as a result of my meds and, most probably, my diet too.

Drum roll please:

• Overall Cholesterol - 159 

• LDL Cholesterol - 80

On a less stellar note:

• HDL Cholesterol - 27 (A tad low)

• Triglycerides - 261  :'(  (Not what I had hoped for)

The viral load and CD4 weren't back yet. I expect the CD4 to have dropped some because I have been under the weather. I wouldn't be surprised to find it has dropped into the 900s or even the 800s.

I really don't care as long as the viral load is still undetectable.

I should find out sometime next week.

Now, what to do about the not-so-good numbers.  ???

For starters, I guess I can up the number of days I do a cardio workout. I usually go to the gym three days a week for a 90 minute to two hour workout. I guess I can increase that to four days a week for cardio but I'll leave the strength training at three days a week.

That's the only way I know to increase the HDL cholesterol.

As for the triglycerides, I don't know if I should up the amount of fish oil I take or not. I take 4,800 mgs of fish oil a day, plus Pravachol and Zetia.

Guess I can ask the doc what else I can do.

If it ain't one thing, its another. But at least my liver isn't cratering.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: BT65 on February 20, 2008, 08:58:43 am
Hey Mark, I don't know what NASH is, but I'm glad your liver seems to be holding its own.  That total cholesterol number is great!  My triglycerdies are always elevated, but I'm diabetic and the doc said that's why they are.  I also don't take fish oil (I probably should) and I don't work out.  I used to, last year when I quit smoking for two months.  And I did feel better.  I often wonder why I don't just go ahead and do that again.  I'm just resistant to change I guess. 
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on February 20, 2008, 09:53:17 am
Hey Betty,

Here is a link discussing NASH.

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=16280.0

It came as a surprise for me, since I don't fit the profile. But, what the heck, that is what makes interesting to live with HIV.

Ever tasted rice milk? At least its low fat.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: BT65 on February 20, 2008, 10:01:39 am
Interesting.  I had never heard of such a thing.  But, I'm sure there are many things in the medical world I don't know about.

I also don't think I've ever heard of rice milk.  I tried soy milk once, and thought it was disgusting. 
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: bear60 on February 20, 2008, 04:47:40 pm
Mark
Well, although not good...your triglycerides are exactly what Kurts are...( after bringing them down from a high of over 2000)...and his doctor said to increase fish oil...but to to switch to artificial fish oil so as not to expose oneself unnecessarily to mercury and all the toxins that could be found in natural fish oil.
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: AlanBama on February 20, 2008, 08:09:37 pm
Hey Mark,

I'm happy for all the "good numbers", and especially the continuing undetectable status that you have achieved.   Also, I am proud of you for so diligently sticking to your exercise and health regimens!   

hugs to you,

Alan  :-*
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on February 20, 2008, 11:01:56 pm
Just a quickie update,

I guess the creeping crud I caught didn't knock my CD4s down as much as I thought it might have.

The recent draw came back with a CD4 of 1,063.

So, now just have to wait for the viral load.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: BT65 on February 20, 2008, 11:26:04 pm
Mark, I have to tell you, I'm insanely jealous of your CD4s.  But extremely happy for you.  Please let us know about the vl.
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on February 24, 2008, 09:37:44 pm
The viral load is back. Its still undetectabel (< 50).

Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: AlanBama on February 24, 2008, 09:53:11 pm
Yea!   Over 1,000 T cells?  How about sharing about 400 of those with me and Betty, 200 each?   ;)
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on February 24, 2008, 10:26:05 pm
Hey Alan,

I'd be glad to share with you and Betty.  ;)

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: BT65 on February 24, 2008, 10:29:21 pm
Hey Alan,

I'd be glad to share with you and Betty.  ;)

HUGS,

Mark


Ok, mother Mark, holding you to that.  I'm really happy that your vl was undetectable. :-*
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: sharkdiver on March 04, 2008, 01:17:28 am
Mark I'm glad your numbers are good!

How's that gluten free diet going?  I've resisted for so long, but now my nutritionist recommended I do it.  arghhhh!

By the way I have Triglyceride Envy (darn you)  lol

Sharkie
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: aztecan on March 04, 2008, 11:29:49 am
Hey Sharkie,

I've been gluten free for about seven years now. Works fine, but can be a pain when trying to eat out or buy anything prepared.

Are you doing this because of  food intolerance, an allergy or for other health concerns?

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: dixieman on March 04, 2008, 01:04:55 pm
Mark, Great numbers... I'm having trouble with triglycerides myself.. Figure? my cd4's are 1400-1500 but, for some reason my triglycerides hang between 400 to 600 every time... all is is in the normal levels.. I take the fish oil and tricor and excercise but, this level remains high... Well I hope you continue to have Great success in your labs.. John
Title: Re: Something works after all!
Post by: sharkdiver on March 04, 2008, 06:43:47 pm
Hey Sharkie,

I've been gluten free for about seven years now. Works fine, but can be a pain when trying to eat out or buy anything prepared.

Are you doing this because of  food intolerance, an allergy or for other health concerns?

HUGS,

Mark


possible allergies and possibly to reduce my triglycerides which have ranged from 1500-3200 this year, (I have been hospitalized 3 times in the past year and a half due to pancreatitus). I know the availability of gluten free food is getting better, but it's going to be a big change
anyways....

 8)
Sharkie