I brought this up awhile ago, but just read an article in POZ or a journal that men with viceral fat have are 12% more likely have shorter lifespans than those that don't. Problem is, it is very hard to get rid of and get your BMI back to normal. Crunches don't do anything really. I have heard mainly exercise and special diet are the best. A friend said their are protocals for this either through medication, injections, or a procedure. Always wore a 30 to 31 waist up to age 55 and then… read more

Some months ago I posted on this forum about the serious side-effects I suffered while trying two new regimens over the course of a year - a year of hell. I said that the side-effects were severe insomnia and itchiness, and that these were so bad that I eventually had to return to my previous regimen despite it not being the best regimen for my kidneys. However, while insomnia and itchiness is no longer nightly for me, I STILL suffer from both now and then, perhaps once a week. Last night, for… read more

If so, how is HIV care differently where you are now, compared to where you were? This can be anything from medical care to housing, food or transportation.

The Wall Street Journal: Gilead and Merck Join Forces to Develop Long-Acting HIV Treatment.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/gilead-and-merck-j...(Phone number can only be seen by myHIVteam users)?mod=flipboard

Many feel the major culprits for Lipoatrophy, or loss of fullness in face. limbs, and rear, were the drugs AZT and Zerit. More are prone to Lipodystrophy, or visceral fat accumulation in your belly making it look bigger or fat accumulation in fat in upper back, who took Crixivan early on. As a long termer having had HIV 32 years I was on all three for quite a long time back in the 90's when med choices were few. And have both Lipoatrophy and Lipodystrophy in some shape or form. Wonder if… read more

This is a current article from POZ tells the amazing journey of this young man, one who has endured such obstacles yet pulled himsef up and is now creating a platform and team to help end the stigma of HIV. Really inspired me.

He brings up a point in the article about his ordeal with HIV related wasting syndrome. I've suffered that through many of the years I have been positive. From what I understand it the drug Zerit is a main contributor to the problem. Anyone else dealing with wasting… read more

I was diagnosed in 1987 living half my life with HIV. I am interested in connecting with people who are also Long Term Survivors. I have searched the site and have found quite a few. We are so few and far between it has been hard to find others who have been through the journey we have experienced. Having lost so many friends in the 80 's and 90's plus being diagnosed myself has made me feel survivors guilt and PTSD. Looking for others who have experienced some of the same and like to set… read more

I'm wondering about the difference in how newly diagnosed people compare to long timers when we first find out.

Whether it be recreational or medical, marijuana is quickly becoming law in many states. How do you feel about its use in treating HIV related symptoms?