| HansCAndersen 2004-08-04, 10:23 pm |
| I've got a question for those Hemophiliacs out there who are HIV+.
I contracted HIV and HEP C in 1982. I have had little or no progression. My
viral load at it's highest was 1050 and my CD-4 count got to 30. However, I
began taking Combivir and Virecept in 1999 and have been on the same meds
since. Now, my viral load is undetectable and my CD-4 count is 400+.
My Infectious Disease Dr. tells me that all his Hemophiliac patients have
reacted the same. They are called non-progressors and have stayed on the
same medication since they started treatment.
Normal HIV+ patients have to change meds 2-3 times a year because the virus
finds a way around the medication and begins to increase it's numbers. Once
again lowering the CD-4 count.
Hemophiliacs who contracted HIV either passed on after the 10 year
incubation period, or have continued to be non-progressors and have
responded VERY WELL to the Cocktail Therapy's. It appears that whatever
produces factor 8 or 9 is a fuel for the HIV virus.
My Doctor and I have discussed this possible connection and he feels there
is a high likelihood of a correlation. However, after calling Research Labs
in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or DC the response was, 'That's Nice.'
It is possible that what Hemophiliacs are missing might finally be a good
thing. Imagine how incredible it would be if after research, Hemophiliacs
were found to hold the mystery in regards to how HIV progresses.
Respond to me if you have information. I am interested in researching this
further.
Thanks in advance.
|