[OT] Another Medical Update - What Is AIDS Wasting

[Angelsboi]

Seeings how when your T Cells drop below 250, you are considered to have full blown AIDS, that is what I have. However, once my meds kick in and my T Cells re-multiply, If they go higher than 250, then I no longer have AIDS but HIV.

The AIDS we know from the 80s is different from what we have now.

What is AIDS Wasting?

Well when you are healthy, energy is taken from your fat muscles. When you have HIV/AIDS its taken from your muscle muscle. Being 5'7 and about 110 on a good day, I dont have that much to spare.

Well, I was weighed yesterday while seeing my nutritionalist. When I started getting sick i dropped 8 pounds in a week. I regained 2 once I was diagnosed Positive so I was back up to 104. I went in a couple days prior to yesterday and I dropped 2 again. So I was back to 102. Yesterdays weight brought a shock. I dropped another 2 pounds. I am now 5'7 and 100 pounds.

AIDS wasting is the involuntary loss of more than 10% of body weight, plus more than 30 days of either diarrhea, or weakness and fever. Wasting is linked to disease progression and death. Losing just 5% of body weight can have the same negative effects. Wasting is still a problem for people with AIDS.

Part of the weight lost during wasting is fat. More important is the loss of muscle mass. This is also called "lean body mass", or "body cell mass." Lean body mass can be measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA.) This is a simple, painless office procedure.

Its also the cause of my forgetfullness lately, my stress, my anxiety (thank the Xanax Gods for that) and all the other stuff. I go in Monday to start my cocktails.

Lets hope they work.

Thought Id share the update.

 

[Bloodstone Mage]

I hope that they work for you. Godspeed, Angel!
You're always in my thoughts and best wishes.

 

[Angelsboi]

Thanks. I just thought everyone might like to hear the medical updates since im not sure how many people here read my diary

 

[JoeBlank]

Hang in there, Ryan.

In the meantime, did you see this thread? See Piratecat's post near the bottom of page one, it seems 30-40 of your closest friends are thinking about you while at GenCon.

 

[RingXero]

don't mean to be too nit picky, (and of course I am going to be). But, the body will process muscle tissue for energy over fat tissue in a number of different conditions, usually when the person is 'sick' or starving. also, the longer fat tissue has been present the harder it is to process back into energy, so the body will start cannibalizing muscle tissue which can be rather easy to process.

Things to combat muscle deterioration, good vitamin regimine (preferabley liquid) and weight training. Lots of weight training. Measuring and maintaining daily caloric intake is extremely important, even on an hourly basis. Becoming 'hyper aware' of the types of 'calories', fat types, protien types, etc... so that in a month or two you could just look at the ingredients of a meal and determine how much of each is within it, and how much you need to maintain muscle mass.

I have a number of friends with HIV and AIDS, all I can say really is good luck, and my thoughts are with you.


RX

 

[Angelsboi]

Well i JUST went to my nutritionalist yesterday and i cant start anything until i get on my meds. Have you tried wrking out 3 times a week when you can barely make a bed?

Trust me. Aint happening.

But i start my meds on Monday so hopefully that will all stop.

 

[RingXero]

Now, I didn't say to do the impossible, just relaying information from a few good friends. One is a nutritionist, One has HIV, another diagnosed with 'full blown AIDS'. Didn't mean to come across too harsh either, you may have taken it that way.

On the other hand, your reply may be in the nature of good humor and friendly jibing, text is horrible for that. oh well.



RX

 

[Angelsboi]

It was humor. I have 2 nurse friends, 1 doctor, the BEST HIV/AIDS Specialist in Atlanta (Dr. Ouderkirk) and i do have full blown AIDS.

So im aware of whats going on but i cant really do much till I get on my meds and then once i do, and i start feeling better, i will be able to start eating again and gaining muscle.

Ill be a little gay muscle booi yet =)

 

[Ace]

I hope that they work for you. Godspeed, Angel!
You're always in my thoughts and best wishes.

I second this

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

Take two joints and call me in the morning

Weed.

Seriously.

I've seen it do miracles for people with cancer, AIDS Wasting Syndrome, you name it. What are the medicinal marijuana laws like in Atlanta? I know out here in the Bay Area it's pretty relaxed.

For the mods: I in no way endorse smoking pot for people who don't have chronic medical conditions. Severe THC Deficiency doesn't count. Stay off the pipe, kids. Crack is wack!