My name is William and I work at the Institute of Human Virology in Baltimore. I am HIV-positive and recently changed my regimen. I was having slight side effects (bloating/gas) from the Truvada. We had just got an order of your Positively Aware annual drug guide and I started to read about these side effects. I was amazed at how accurate the description was. I can assure you that I will be reading your magazine from now on.

Thanks,

Full name withheld, via the Internet

Hey Jeff,

I just finished reading your Editor’s Note in the Jan/Feb issue—always a keeper, by the way!

That said, I wanted to give you some insights on the lipid thing. Here it goes…

I’ve been on Sustiva since 2000. (My current combo is an easy Sustiva and Truvada.)

I’m convinced the Sustiva fucks with lipids. Over time my triglycerides went from around 200 to more than 500. My cholesterol rose to around 250 from 160.

About two years ago my doctor suggested I might go on a statin—like I need another pill!

He was skeptical when I told him I’d try something more holistic. The solution?

1. Try to cut down on the carbs

2. 1.2 grams of soy lecithin 4-5 times a week

3. 1,000 mg (1 g) of omega-3 fish oil pill 5-6 times a week

4. I also pop two orange Fiber Choice a day

The lecithin and fish oil I take with my vitamins, which I take daily along with 81 mg aspirin five days a week.

Flash forward to my last labs in November 2004—cholesterol now 160; triglycerides now 190.

Needless to say, my doctor is now less skeptical of my methods. Thank God I followed my gut. Plus, my solution—and I don’t know if it would work for everyone—makes the whole thing less expensive as soy lecithin, omega-3 and Fiber Choice are very inexpensive! I wished more HIVers (including you) looked to alternatives before taking another pill!

That’s it! Keep up the good work!

Name withheld, via the Internet