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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2003, at 13:20:25
I was recently diagnosed with HIV. I haven't started drug therapy yet, but I need to reign in the anxiety and depression that was returning regardless of my new diagnosis.
I know St. John's Wort is contraindicated with HIV meds...but that's about all I know.
Are there any other types of alternative therapies that should be avoided. Does anyone know?
I have high hopes for the Tryptophan I just ordered. Returning to pharmalogical crapshoot of SSRIs and other meds is an absolute last resort.
Thanks All,
Craig
Posted by David Smith on November 19, 2003, at 22:44:27
In reply to HIV and Alternative therapies...Suggestions?, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2003, at 13:20:25
You have my condolences on the diagnosis. Please remember that a positive outlook is one of the biggest factors in maintaining a healthy immune system.
My therapist has taught me to observe when I engage in negative thinking and I find it is almost constant! It sometimes takes a tremendous effort to dispel bad thoughts.
Vitamins B (B50s or B100s) and C are crucial to good mental and physical health. I take several doses of C throughout the day.
Of course you probably know all this.
I have switched from Ltryptophan to 5-htp. I find it to be more effective and smoother with fewer side effects.
I have a feeling you will be okay. You care about yourself. Hugs, Dave.
Posted by CraigD on November 20, 2003, at 0:56:47
In reply to Re: HIV and Alternative therapies...Suggestions?, posted by David Smith on November 19, 2003, at 22:44:27
thanks for the kind words, Dave.
I have been in better physical health than ever since my diagnosis -- thanks to vitamins and being consciencious.
That conscienciousness has become toxic worry, which leads to drinking and than guilt over drinking and worse anxiety...
Have you tried SSRIs? how does the HTP comopare?
Posted by David Smith on November 20, 2003, at 20:04:06
In reply to Re: HIV ,depression, and Alternative therapies. » David Smith, posted by CraigD on November 20, 2003, at 0:56:47
I've had no side effects with the 5-HTP (except when I missed a day and became uncomfortably buzzed).
Paxil made me a little dizzy and a little high (which was nice but a waste of my time), Prozac put me on edge, and Zoloft made me high and stupid. Curiously, none of them "cured" my depression. The 5-HTP allows me to live my life head on. This isn't always easy but we won't get stronger without lifting the weights, eh?I have to take life one day at a time; slowly eliminating the negatives around me. That includes some friendships and lazy habits. Meanwhile I am replacing them with positive actions like learning and good hygiene.
Forgiveness is crucial. I forgive myself for the stupid things I've done in the past and will possibly do in the future; especially the suicidal behavior. I don't have to do that anymore.
A friend has me taking hydrogen peroxide and it has improved my energy levels. It is food grade, not what we buy off of the shelves at Walgreens.
A local health food store may sell it for $7-8 bucks per quart. A few drops in a glass of water disinfects the water and increases the oxygen content.I am also taking colloidal silver, but I really can't say whether or not it's useful. Here is a link if you are interested. WARNING: it sounds like a lot of quackery.
http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=58&db=5&C0=24
As always it may be best to discuss any new therapy with a competent doctor.
Thanks for posting. It has made my evening.
dav :-)
Posted by JLx on November 21, 2003, at 11:13:12
In reply to HIV and Alternative therapies...Suggestions?, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2003, at 13:20:25
> I was recently diagnosed with HIV. I haven't started drug therapy yet, but I need to reign in the anxiety and depression that was returning regardless of my new diagnosis.
>
> I know St. John's Wort is contraindicated with HIV meds...but that's about all I know.
>
> Are there any other types of alternative therapies that should be avoided. Does anyone know?
>
> I have high hopes for the Tryptophan I just ordered. Returning to pharmalogical crapshoot of SSRIs and other meds is an absolute last resort.
>
> Thanks All,
>
> CraigHi Craig,
Here's an article that mentions SAMe as being ok, and discusses antioxidants, some of which are also indicated for mood disorders, such as pycnegenol, grape seed extract, selenium.
ttp://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=alt_medicine&c=hiv_camapproach
Here's a comprehensive list someone posted recently for depression and anxiety, that you might want to ask your doc or others with HIV about: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/247312.html
My guess is that you'd find a lot of specific info on an HIV site too, including the depression angle from personal experience.
That's a tough diagnosis; I hope you have support and/or can find it online.
JL
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