Gastrointestinal Issues and HIV
When asking the H-I-V.net community about gastrointestinal issues they are coping with, they discussed long-standing challenges.
What gastrointestinal conditions or symptoms are you dealing with, and do you have any tips or questions for others?
Uncontrollable belching and acid reflux. It's embarrassing as it will come on without notice after I eat or drink something acidic. I remember that after a few months of taking Crixivan, which had a 'sticky surface' and was hard to swallow, I began having these symptoms. My doctor thinks it aggravated the muscles in my esophagus, but we've never been able to pinpoint why I have bouts of acid indigestion.
My doctor has prescribed a medicine for me, but I've used ginger chews and sparkling water over the years to calm my stomach. Generally, I know what kind of foods and beverages aggravate my stomach, so I try to avoid them, but when I can't, I take one of my pills to prevent the outburst.Crixivan is a protease inhibitor that was very popular in the late nineties. It was a miracle drug for many of us. But the side effects were many. It also had a 'tacky' surface when it got wet with saliva which caused many people to have problems swallowing it. Mine used to get stuck in my esophagus and it would burst open before getting into my stomach.
The sparkling water helps with relieving the gas build up. The ginger chews calm the stomach down. Give them a try.Alafia (Peace) It sounds like you have developed a strategy to overcome your issues. Good stuff. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
I have diverticulitis. I’m hoping it doesn’t kill me.
Thank you. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about this! Alafia (Peace) DaveyK I am so sorry to hear that you are having such intense issues. I hope what you are doing with your care team results in a breakthrough for you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
I have major acid reflux issues, IBS, and food intolerance to dairy and deep-fried foods.
Food intolerances complicate maintaining a healthy weight, especially when I am not feeling well. Many of the supplemental drinks are dairy based, meaning I cannot drink them.
The acid relfux requires me to take an additional pill every day and to keep Tums handy. I also have to be considerate of what I eat, While I LOVE spicy food, I really have to be considerate of how much spicy food I eat. - Heather RIt's so hard to avoid the foods we love 🙁 - Liz (Team Member)
LizGreen I have long given up treatment for my stomach. It was clear even before I started ART that HIV lives in my gastrointestinal system. With me it is diarrhea which cam last for days when it hits me. I just have learned to always leave the house with wet wipes because I like eating far too much. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
