A Fine Line

Thinking about the QOTW for this run, it becomes incredibly difficult to make these decisions...because who is to say what is the proper thing to do? I start to see each question with two very different sides that can be viewed as correct depending on which side that you are on. Perhaps this is why HIV continues to be a controversial issue regardless of how much education that someone has on the subject. This week begins the third simulation, and I have to say that I am looking forward to the experience once again. The first two that we had to do were a great touch to this class, I just wish that there were more than three during the whole semester. I still find it a little "funny" when I tell people that I am taking an HIV studies course and you can immediately tell their discomfort. Sometimes it is even as visible as someone shifting in their seat as they even think about the subject. After my last blog I had the chance to read a few of my classmates' submissions and there were a few that watched an episode of Oprah that had HIV as a topic of conversation. If you have not had the opportunity to hear about some of the discussion, I think it would be in your interest to look up a little of the show if you could. It is a shame that this is sensationalized, but it does expose some very common misconceptions about HIV.

DID YOU KNOW?

I have been discussion the wonderful drugs that can be used to help treat HIV, but one has to remember that these medications do not come without side effects. It appears that side effects can actually affect women more because their systems hold in larger quantities of the medication while only achieving the same benefits as men (Side Effects, 2003). One of the first side effects that someone might experience while taking HIV medication is something called Lipodystrophy. This condition presents itself when the body itself becomes misshapen and this can happen by either fat loss or gain in many different regions of the body (Side Effects, 2003). This becomes incredibly dangerous for those who are susceptible to heart conditions or strokes (Side Effects, 2003). The side effects from HIV medications also present themselves on the exterior of our bodies on the skin as rashes, but this type of side effect can be medically managed by controlling the specific types of doses that one takes and by speaking with one's doctor the right treatment plan can be set forth (Side Effects, 2003). Other conditions that are focused a little more on women are menstrual irregularities and bone problems. There are certain types of medication that will cause Anemia in both men and women, but women need to be especially careful when there is a greater blood loss during the time of menstruation and this could lead to an accelerated Anemia (Side Effects, 2003). Osteoporosis is already a condition in which some women need to watch out for, but being HIV positive will put these women at an even higher risk (Side Effects, 2003). Fortunately this can be combated with regular treatment plans such as "bone density scans, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising, curbing smoking habits, and reduction in alcohol and caffeine intake"(Side Effects, 2003). One last item to be discussed is the effect of HIV medications on child birth. According to The Well Project, studies have shown that the medications for HIV does not cause birth defects thankfully, but there are specific risks that must be watched out for on both the mother and the babies perspectives (Side Effects, 2003). The outlook becomes better and better as time goes on for people who are HIV positive, and with a doctor who will work with you to find out your specific medicine regimen that you can take to stay healthy, longevity and a fuller life becomes more and more possible.

Works Cited:

Side Effects. (2003). Retrieved fromhttp://www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Treatment_and_Trials/Things_to_Consider/Side_Effects.jsp