Re: RE: 7 days on meds and 7 days off meds cycle of HIV drugs

[Guest guest]

Well, I wouldn't use the word " crazy " , but just speaking for myself, I

wouldn't do this.

The date on your link is May of 2004. Not ancient history, but

certainly not hot-off-the-press news. The study had eight people

total. And just from a quick read, it seems that the main reason for

that study was to see if this will work in " resource-limited settings " .

It's driven by a need to control costs of treating large populations in

places like Africa, where they can't afford to do standard treatment.

I've been on structured treatment interruptions (or drug holidays, or

whatever we're calling them nowadays) and it did feel great to be off

meds. But long-term, I think it resulted in more damage to my body than

I would have had if I'd just stayed on them. Plus, I may have developed

some drug resistance. That could suck in the long term picture.

But I'm glad you're doing well and feeling good. If it works for you,

cool.

> I sent a posting in January about how my docotor has me on my hiv

> drugs for seven days and then has me off of my drugs for the next

> seven days. This cycle is ongoing. My viral load since October of

> last year is still undectable and my tcells are still around 950.

>

> My doctor is working with the NIH on this process. The current news

> from the NIH can be found by clicking here:

>

> http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2004/oncedaily.htm

>

> When I posted this email in January, emailed me that I was

> crazy.

>

> It's a good feeling to allow your body to have these small breaks

> from the meds. They are so toxic to our bodies.

>

> I am very glad that I started this process.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Bill

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

Cara Emery

Treatment Education Program Manager

AIDS Survival Project

139 Ralph McGill Blvd Suite 201

Atlanta, GA 30308

Visit us on the web at www.aidssurvivalproject.org