Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy

From the AFAO/NAPWA treatments resource 'Managing Side Effects'

Not so happy feet

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition which affects about a quarter of people living with HIV in Australia. DAVID MENADUE looks at the condition and explores some treatment options.

Time to deliver

The 16th International AIDS Conference highlighted numerous important and promising developments in HIV treatments. JOHN DAYE reports.

Beyond the barbs

barbed wire Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a debilitating treatment side effect and one of the common reasons for people stopping their anti-HIV medication. People’s experience of this form of neuropathy varies from a mild ‘pins and needles’ sensation or numbness in the hands and feet to very severe pain – “it’s like I’m trying to walk with broken glass in my feet”.

The moment of truth

 Getting an HIV diagnosis inevitably raises deep emotions and sometimes crippling fear, but it can also be a moment of catharsis and empowerment, the beginning of a process of taking charge and deciding what’s most important to you in your life.

What's your problem?

 Our resident medico, Dr Nick Medland, answers reader’s letters about superinfection, chlamydia and peripheral neuropathy.
Backgrounder: HIV basics

Enter the Matrix

 Many of the long-term side effects of HIV treatment are now being attributed to mitochondrial toxicity. But what’s a mitochondria when it’s at home? This month’s Backgrounder investigates the prehistoric creepy-crawlies inside our cells.

What's your problem?

 PL‘s resident medical expert, Dr Nick Medland, answers readers’ letters about Viagra, anal warts and peripheral neuropathy.