•  SEX & DISCLOSURE

Does Your Sex Partner Have to Know?
If an HIV-positive person always makes sure to use a condom, should he have to tell his partner he has HIV?

•  STOPPING HIV TREATMENT

Stopping Treatment Without Consulting Your Doc
After almost 10 years of strong drug compliance, eight months ago I decided on my own to stop HIV treatment altogether to see how things would go. My latest labs, however, were much worse than I expected. My viral load has increased from undetectable to 78,000, and my CD4 count is down from 240 to 117. I am going back on the original medication plan this week, but 'd like to hear what you think about my original decision to stop my medications, and how able you think I'll be to regain the ground I've lost.


Am I a Good Candidate for HIV Treatment Interruption?
I'm a recovering crystal meth user who was infected with HIV two years ago. I started treatment almost immediately (my CD4 count was 610, but my viral load was 750,000) and watched my CD4 count increase to 800 while my viral load dropped to undetectable. I also made many changes in my life -- I got sober, stopped taking meth, moved from New York City to Los Angeles and reconnected with family and old friends. Now my new doc in Los Angeles is suggesting I stop my meds, while my doc in New York says I shouldn't. I'm doing very well, but am concerned about developing resistance if I stop. What do you think?

• COMPLICATIONS OF HIV/HAART

Personal Experience With Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra, New-Fill)
Dear Dr. Bob: Since you've received poly-L-lactic acid as a facial wasting treatment, what's your opinion on it? I've been on successful HIV treatment since 1989, but am experiencing moderate facial wasting. I receive Medicare, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, so cost is a concern.


Expensive Vitamins for Treating Fatigue?
I'm experiencing severe fatigue while on my HAART regimen. I read an article about these vitamins you can buy online that help against fatigue, but they're really expensive -- $129.50 a month. Do you think they're worth it?


Other Causes & Treatments for Chronic Fatigue
I had serious chronic fatigue problems before I was diagnosed with HIV a year ago, but since I started HAART, it's gotten nearly debilitating. Besides the meds, could you suggest any other possible causes I should have my doctor investigate? Also, I've started taking injectable steroids (though they're unprescribed) to improve my energy levels and offset my decreased physical activity. How much damage am I doing to myself by injecting? Do the steroids interfere with my meds? What other options do I have?

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Pregunte a Dr. Natterstad Acerca:
DE TRATAMIENTOS DEL VIH

Need to talk to a Spanish-speaking HIV doctor about HIV treatment? Post your question for Dr. Steven Natterstad, one of two talented physicians answering questions in our "Tratamientos del VIH/SIDA" Ask the Experts forum.

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