ASK DR. SANDLER

FAQs - page 1, 2

I'm sick and tired of taking medications and their side effects. When can I stop taking them?

Scheduled treatment interruptions or STI's have not been shown to be beneficial as of the present. Interruption of medication may cause resistance to and/or loss of T-cells and increase in viral load..

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What causes my arms and legs to get so skinny?

No one knows for certain what causes lipodystrophy which loosely defined is the loss of fat in the arms, legs, and face, and increased fat in the abdomen, back of the neck, and breasts. Some the changes may be from medications such as Zerit or the protease inhibitors, or perhaps from the HIV virus itself..

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Is all the AIDS research for gay men or can anyone participate?

At the present time most pharmaceutical studies are actively seeking women and minorities. Some studies pay for transportation, childcare, or other forms of compensation. Studies limited to gay men generally are those studying the activity of gay men leading to high-risk behavior.

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My partner doesn't like to wear a condom. He swears that he's faithful but I have my doubts. Should I be tested?

First of all your partner should be tested and you see the actual results with his name on the test sheet. If you have any doubts, you should be tested and the test should be done anonymously especially if you don't already have health insurance.

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My partner has HIV/AIDS. Can we still have a great sex life?

Absolutely but it depends on the creativity and willingness of you and your partner. If one person is positive and the other negative, the psychological issues and unprotected sex have to be dealt with.

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Do I need to change my diet or drinking habits?

As with any illness, medication alone won't work. A healthy diet, multivitamin, exercise, and good mental health are all-important. A consultation with a nutritionist is advised but please realize that most insurance companies won't pay for this service. Red meat in moderation (High cholesterol isn't good for anyone.) is okay or better yet other low fat foods are a good choice and alcohol in moderation is fine.

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My sister is a lesbian and doesn't practice safe sex. She says that she is not at risk. I say everyone is at risk. Who's right?

You are correct. Lesbians, or any women, who engage in high risk behavior are at risk. High risk behavior includes the sharing of sex toys especially during menses, having unprotected cunnilingus or rimming, using IV drugs, or having sex with men. Everyone is at high risk. Condoms or flavored dental dams, designed especially for women, are now available.

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Are there any symptoms that I should know about regarding AIDS/HIV?

The initial symptoms of seroconversion (when a person initially becomes HIV+) are similar to mono. A person feels feverish, has swollen glands, sore throat, rash, fatigue, etc. Otherwise a person with AIDS can have multiple symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a coating on the tongue or throat, fevers, dementia, diarrhea, unusual skin lesions, shortness of breath, multiple vaginal yeast infections, cough, weight loss, etc. The HIV virus can attack any part of the body due to the immune system being compromised.

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Why should I be tested anonymously?

Testing should be done anonymously if you don't have health insurance because you don't want a pre-existing condition. If it's not urgent wait until the prerequisite waiting period has passed. Be informed: You cannot be cancelled or denied treatment for AIDS.

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Insurance company's Dirty Little Secret

When applying for life or disability insurance, you are automatically tested for AIDS without your knowledge. If you don't want any surprises, get tested anonymously first.

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Am I going to die?

Before the current drugs were available I used to care for eight to ten patients per week in the hospital. Now I hospitalize maybe six patients per year for AIDS related complications. Previously two or three would die every month. In the last 12 months two have died and only one from an AIDS related problem. People who are diagnosed now with HIV should consider it a chronic disease somewhat similar to diabetes. A more relevant question would be about the length and quality of life for the time you have on earth.

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If I come to you for HIV/AIDS, can you also be my primary physician?

Yes! Dr. Sandler offers you full medical support--one stop medical care with an AIDS/HIV specialization. To learn more about Dr. Sandler's complete practice, check out her other website, www.DrKarenSandler.com.

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