Question
Will I regain my appearance after treatment for KS?
18 July 2013. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections.
Hi… I had a later diagnostic! My CD4, was 10!
For this reason I have Karposi’s Sarcoma… After the chemotherapy, and 3 months with treatment (TARV) it raised till 18 count. My doctor said that it’s because the chemotherapy and treatment against cytomegalovirus.
I lost my appearance, I’m now ugly and bald. Do I have chances to be healthy again and recover my appearance one day?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your question. Unfortnuately there is not very much I can tell you without a bit more information.
I haven’t heard of a treatment called TARV. Is this something used to treat the Kaposi Sarcoma, or do you mean ARVs for treating HIV?
Some forms of chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Your doctor should have explained if this is the case with your treatment. If the chemotherapy is the reason for the hair loss it should come back with time. How else has your appearance changed?
Although chemotherapy can supress CD4 cells for up to 1-2 years after treatment you would expect this to start to increase with ARVs.
Can you tell me how your eyes are now? If the CMV is still active you should continue to receive treatment for this, usually until your CD4 count is above 100.
Please do let me know if I can help further.
Hi Lerato,
As with any symptoms it’s important to talk to your doctor if you are worried about this.I am not sure what could be causing you to feel cold but it you are concerned then talk to your doctor about this.
Hi
Just finished taking TB treatment last month& its my third month on atroiza! Since I stopped taking tb treatment. I tend to feel cold.only feel better if I’m walking or excersing or busy if I sit still the cold feeling comes again
Hi Leonardo,
I’m sorry to hear how difficult things have been for you! Do you have any support to deal with the stress you are experiencing?
Hi Rebeca,
Thanks for helping me!
I mean ARVs, sorry! The medical’s forecast, about my chemotherapy (were provided for 12 sessions), were that there would be no noticeable side-effects (I was treated with vincristine, a milder drug in chemo), sarcomas significantly reduced, but, after the second chemo’s session I were hospitalized, due to infection (CMV) in the gut, and I lose all my hairs. Since december’s 2012 I lose more than 44 pounds (20 kg), today I weigh 88lbs (40kg) (5,57ft, 1,70m). I started the CMV’s treatment only after hospitalization. My vision has deteriorated significantly since the end of last year, but I have no sign of inflammation in the retina. I have been very stressed and depressed, my mood is very unstable, had diagnosed in March this year (I have sarcoma’s lesions on my face).
Thank you!
Hi Ribs,
There is no reason why being HIV positive should stop you having sex. If your partner(s) are HIV negative it’s important to use a condom, unless you have an undetectable viral load (see here for more info).
What is wrong with your intestine?
am living with ARVs and I want to know is it advisable to have sex regularly and what can i use for my intestine