Question

Why am I losing weight?

26 March 2010. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed.

I was diagnosed HIV positive 2 weeks ago with a CD4 count of 430

A week and a half later I had a sore throat and tongue, an itchy right eye and a few pains. I’m not on meds at the moment. I have had this twice in the last 6 months. I have also lost a stone since diagnosis, I did weigh 18 stone now I weigh 17 stone but I put the weight loss down to shock.

Is it shock or should I worry. I feel like a massive hypochondriac, when my partner is such a rock.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Finding out you are HIV positive is not an easy thing for anyone to cope with. It is great that you have your partner to rely on for support.

Weight loss can happen due to many reasons, one of which is definitely stress. It is important to continue to monitor your weight and if you feel any changes are something other than stress-related you should tell your doctor about it.

Your CD4 count is still very good. Current guidelines suggest that if you are experiencing any HIV-related symptoms you should think about starting treatment. This is a decision that you have to make in consultation with your doctor. You may need to ask yourself if these symptoms are reducing your quality of life enough to warrant starting treatment.
You are not a hypochondriac, you are just worried and going through a period of stress having just found out you are HIV positive. It is good that you are noticing changes in your health to help your doctor monitor your progress. Have you thought of joining a support group to share experiences and learn more about living with HIV? The Terrance Higgins Trust have listings of places across the UK where you can access support groups.

For further information on coping with finding out you are HIV positive please follow this link