| Drug guide correction
A statement on peripheral neuropathy was put on the Emtriva (FTC) drug page. However, peripheral neuropathy has not been reported with Emtriva. Rather, it is a potential side effect of the class of drugs of which Emtriva is one. Positively Aware apologizes for the misconception the drug class warning may have created. Emtriva and its sister drug, Epivir (3TC), are two HIV drugs with the least amount of side effects associated with them.
Corrections on transplants Positively Aware unintentionally dropped an important point made by Dr. Michelle Roland, lead researcher on a study of transplants in people with HIV (May/June 2004), cautioning that transplants are difficult and not expected to be a perfect solution. She said, “You’re trading one set of problems for another.”
Also, we dropped an Internet address for the latest medical information on transplants in people with HIV: www.thebody.com/confs/retro2004/helfand1.html.
Women and lipodystrophy Well done. That was a great article and I really enjoyed reading it (“Lipodystrophy and Women: A Beach Ball on Sticks,” May/June 2004). As I have recently published a book on HIV/AIDS and how it affects women, I found this article interesting and well written. Just thought I’d let you know.
Marjorie Manduli Bolz, via the Internet.
Editor’s note: This was the first article written for Positively Aware by TPAN’s new Treatment Education Coordinator, Barbara Marcotte. Thank you for the compliments.
Affordable gyms There are still a lot of people who are HIV-positive who are on disability or a limited income. It would be great if there was some way for some of these people to be able to afford to go to a gym where they can get help with exercises that can help strengthen their hearts (“Managing Metabolic Syndrome,” May/June 2004). I for one can’t afford the gym and the YMCA is of no help either, they want a fee that I simply cannot afford. Even at a reduced rate, I don’t qualify for free membership to the YMCA, though I make only $550 a month from disability. And I’m not that motivated to do the exercises at home, since I’m not 100% sure of what I’m doing.
It would definitely be nice if these expensive gyms could lower their payments so that everyone can afford to go and we’d have people going to help improve their health. I’ve been HIV-positive for 16 years that I know of and currently am not on any medications. My T-cell count is 265 and my viral load is 2,000. It’s been that way for many years.
Name withheld, via the Internet.
Editor’s note: You make a valid point. Until things change, if you can’t afford a gym membership or YMCA fees, then you really need to motivate yourself and work out at home or go for long walks. Also, check out www.medibolics.com.
Great issue
The other day I received in the mail the most recent copy of Positively Aware (May/June 2004). I want to compliment you and your staff at TPAN on an excellent issue. I have to say this is one of the best issues I have read in a while. Your Editor’s Note is right on target. Our healthcare system is very much broken. The costs for healthcare are out of control, to say the least. Plus, the delivery system needs to be overhauled. It appears our healthcare system has forgotten the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Not only private health care but also public health care in the areas of Medicare, Medicaid and ADAP are all in need of being updated.
In addition, the articles about Managing Metabolic Syndrome and Organ Transplants are very timely. I also feel the article about Surviving Anal Cancer was not only timely but a long overdue topic that needed to be discussed openly.
Again, great work on your behalf as well as all of those on your staff!
Jack R. Kelly, Chicago |
