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Ask Dr. Kaiser Question: I complain to my HIV doctor that my neuropathy causes bad pain in both of my feet and effects my hands lately. I have Lipodystrophy, thin veiny legs and arms . My CD4 cells are holding at 500 for the past 4 years (not bad for being at 70 CD4 cells when I was first diagnosed in 1998, and my VL is undetectable under 50 copies. Nothing is being done about the Lipodystrophy and Neurontin 100 mg was given for neuropathy. Anything else I can do?Dr. Kaiser replies: You ask some very good questions which basically can be summarized by stating,”My CD4 cells and viral load are doing great but I am suffering from HIV medication side effects including painful neuropathy and sever lipodystrophy. Is there anything else that I can be doing?” The answer is a resounding YES! These side effects are believed to be caused by drug toxicity to the peripheral nerves and also to the fat cells directly. The specific mechanism is known as “mitochondrial toxicity” which decreases the ability of your cells to make energy as a direct result of these drugs. The micronutrients included in my new vitamin packets include vitamins B6, B12, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and the highly potent antioxidants NAC, alpha lipoic acid, and acetyl L-carnitine. When these nutrients are taken in therapeutic doses, they have been shown to reverse the pain from peripheral neuropathy in several studies. In my experience, they can also greatly enhance your energy level, quality of life, immune system strength, and possibly even help your CD4 count increase even further. You might want to give them a chance for a couple of months to see if they can reverse the side effects you are experiencing. Check out our Message Board! |
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