HIV, Bodybuilding, and Staying Sane

[Photobear]

Hey folks,

I'll get right to the point, last month I found out that I am HIV+. I'm lucky because Columbus seems to be a big center for research so I'll able to get the latest and greatest as far as health care. I'm currently on three meds, Viread, Epivir, and Sustiva. I have been on these for a month. So far, so good, no ill side-effects. After a couple weeks of depression about it all I'm back in the gym this week and will get back to my regular eating habits.

Does anyone have any experience with this? There is a lot of "information" on Elite but I'm always skeptical with that source. I've come to trust you all so that's why I asking.

I don't know what to do. I've seen stuff that says I need to radically increase my caloric input just to maintain and other that disagree with that. Also read that the virus greatly reduces free test, which would be a huge problem.

I'm going to check with my doc to see how he feels about AS. I know that it is commonly used in HIV+ patients. Does anyone know of a specfic cycle that others have had success with? Obviously, I should stay away from orals since liver function is a issue. I certainly don't want to loose everything I've worked for the last 3 years.

I know this is a sensitive topic so if you would like to respond by email please feel free. My email is photobear@att.net

Thanks,
PB

[archive_Bjaarki]

I'm very sorry to hear your news, PhotoBear. But being HIV+ is a long way from being ill, especially these days, when HIV+ status is moving toward being a manageable disease, like diabetes. Until, and unless, you become symptomatic in some way, you shouldn't need to take any extraordinary measures to hold on to body mass. If your weight is stable and your meds are well managed, you're not in any danger of a wasting illness.

I think that historically there was scant evidence on the efficacy of testosterone in AID patients - that's why HGH has long been the main measure to retain body mass. But some more recent papers are changing that picture, and test might help, we now believe. I have a paper by some people at Drew University who showed the efficacy of treating HIV with 100mg/wk of testosterone enanthate. I think I can get a *.pdf copy, and will give it to Ulter to put in the Library.

There's an important HIV research center at Case Western Reserve University, isn't there? One of 11 that NIH funds. You might want to inquire, I know they have some clinical trial research going on. The University of Cincinnati also has some ongoing programs.

Meantime, sit tight, follow your doctor's orders, lift heavy, and take good care of your general health. And I have to add that I'm proud of your attitude of strength, man - back in the gym, lifting, talking to people about this. You're a M-A-N, bro, to take this head on like this, and I respect that. We all do.

Be well. I really mean that. BE WELL! Be happy, lift heavy, and journey safely.

Bjaarki

... Then, do what you have to do.

[archive_LuckyDog]

Photobear,

Have you heard of the book Built To Survive by Michael Mooney? It's an excellent book about living with AIDS/being HIV+ and specifically treatment by using AAS. If not, let me know b/c I have a spare copy laying around that I'd be glad to send you gratis. Just pay it forward my brother. Send me an e-mail and let me know. Take Care.

LD

Education is a continuous process ending only when ambition comes to a halt.
-Col. R. I. Rees

[SteelPreacher]

wow bro,that woke me up. B and lucky def have great advice. IMo just keep doing what your doing. Eating clean, using the best supps and meds available, training right, and having a great attitude. People can live long healthy lives while being HIV positive.


...and if they approach us I bury those cockroaches!
Put in your work, know your history and put that girl on staff!

[archive_Caligula]

Not long ago I remember an article in some bodybuilding magazine about a bodybuilder who is HIV positive. He's been diagnosed with it for about 5 years I think and he looks better than I could ever hope to look. Wish I could remember who he was but at least it show's that it's not hopeless to still pursue your bodybuilding goals.



"That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger"

Curious

[Monster]

Look at Magic!
Hes fat and happy and would be the last one youd peg as being "sick".
He's been HIV+ for (god, how long is it now?) and still lives a healthy, full life.

Youre one of us, and we're built to last. Youll make it through.

-------------------------
Monsterland Is Open Again!!! (dont say you werent warned...)

"Trying is the first step towards failure."
"Well, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is... never try."

[South of the border]

Photobear,

I think it would be a good idea to get the opinion of different doctors (who have experience with HIV + individuals) as far as what medecine you should be taking and if anabolic steroids would be a good addition.

I am no doctor but from what I have read from Micheal Mooney articles (you should get his book), low dosages of anabolic steroids would benefit the HIV + individual by boosting his immune system.

You should post here more often. Let us know how you are and if we can help in any way.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Photobear]

Hey Bros,

Thanks for all the support. I'm glad I'm not on Clomid or ya'll would have me all weepy. Not only do I plan on maintaining, I plan on getting better. You guys have no idea how much you said what I needed to hear. Two weeks moping around was enough.

I went back to the gym yesterday and it felt great. Weights are a little off but no big deal there it was to be expected. I'm also glad to have someplace to go with my aggression. I've been in the anger phase of dealing with this and needed something to go get it out. Better the weights than my co-workers.

Bjaarki, thanks for the post in the library. I scanned over it and it looks good.

South, I am going to see another doc at OSU(Go Bucks!) to make sure I'm on the right meds and get more information. Dr. Para is considered one of the top researchers in HIV treament. I'm lucky to have him around.

Right now my plans are to get back in the gym, get back to my normal routine, then in late fall run the Test\EQ cycle I had been planning. I will discuss it with my doc as so long as he gives me the green light I'll go.

Looking forward, never back,
PB