HIV and steroid cycle

[pmsl04]

I am a 41 year old male and have been HIV positive for 12 years. I am asymptomatic, and always have been, and my viral load has been undetectable for the past 7 years. My t-cell count, from my last test, was 850 and my ratio was 36%. All of my other numbers are good. I am physically fit, lift weights 3-4 times per week, eat well, and do a moderate amount of cardio. I did a cycle of test and deca about 3 years ago with no major adverse effect. Currently I am 178lbs at 5'10" with about 12% bodyfat. My current meds are Ziagen, Viramune and Epivir, all of which I've been on for at least 3 years with no adverse effect. I have had a mild case of lipodystrophy, but it has stopped its progression after I dropped Videx.

I would like to do another cycle and build up LBM. I have done quite a bit of research, trying to keep HIV in mind, but with my limited medical knowledge, its hard to understand the effects of the AAS on my particular system. I tried to focus on picking drugs that did not have a high liver toxicity, but I'm not sure how thorough I was. I ran it by members on other anabolics boards, but without telling them I was HIV positive, and they seemed to think it was a great cycle. This seems to be the only board devoted to this issue and I just found it. Here is the cycle I have planned:

test e 400mg/wk week 1-13
equipoise 300mg/wk week 1-12
winny 50mg/day week 10-14

nolvadex 10mg/day whole cycle
clomid week 14-16

It may be a bit ambitious, but my system seems to be strong and I thought I could try it. I'd really like to put on some size and stay relatively lean. What do you guys think? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Essentially, I'd like to stay reasonably healthy and not jeopardize my health. Thanks in advance.

 

[alanchiras]

Seems like a good cycle for an HIV+ bodybuilder. Are you under the supervision of a doctor with this cycle. Every other month blood tests are needed for you to check for liver and kidney function as well as a whole white blood cell count. Have you bought the third edition of 'Built to Survive?' Did you read it and the new section on nutrition - the RDA is not enought for an HIV+ person? Are you getting your steroids and Test from the pharmacemy or a dealer in a back room gym? What's your protein intake? Are you adding a good shake or bar to your 2500+ calories a day you should be taking in. How aggressive is your freeweight workout and is your cardio eating up valuable calories for your body to consume? Do you increase your weights regularly and change your workout routine every six months or so? You have a really high ratio - keep up the good work. How are your spirits mentally? Do you have a workout partner, or do you not need one? Would love to know where you live - you may have some great resources in your own back yard without knowing it. Are you a member of your local AIDS service organizations? In my area, The Boston Living Center gives out free protein powder, had good free meals, offers workout advice, offers free massages, and has a buyers club for suppliments at low cost. Thanks! Alan Chiras.

 

[dfi]

My advise: "DONT DO ROIDS" HIV coupled with Roids will give you that HIV guy on roids look. I.E. The roids will deplete your subcutaneous body fat making you look leaner and the muscles will have that "thin skinned" look that sooooo many HIV guys
on roids have! Your best bet is to concentrate your workouts on heavy free weight excersises, high protein diet, with the right amount of carbs. Keep the cardio to a limit, meaning dont let cardio "catabolize" your hard earned muscle mass. Take in some good quality vitamins, creatine, and dont forget glutamine. Also, if you smoke; stop! Keep Alcohol consumption down, and get the proper sleep! With these things in mind, and a lots of heavy free weight excersise, your body will thank you in the long run!! Good luck with your decision.

 

[pmsl04]

Hey Alan, thanks for all the good advice. Lots of questions there! Firstly, I am not under the direct supervision of a doctor for this cycle. My doctor would never recommend going beyond a couple hundred mg/week, and certainly no stacking with other drugs. Thats one reason I'm on here asking you guys about it. I know he'd give me a flat out "no".

I am planning on having my blood work done in the middle of my cycle. I fully understand the challenges I face nutritionally. I eat well, but eat like a horse as it is. My metabolism is quite fast. I already supplement with protein bars, shakes, flax seed oil, glutamine, and creatine. I take in about 180-200mg of protein/day. I don't drink and don't smoke. I'm getting the AAS from a reputable source. I double and triple checked them and it seems like quality. I've also been working out hard for the last 15 years and do a lot of fitness book and exercise reading, so I understand a good bit about kinesiology. I tweak my workout regularly. My mental spirits are great. I'd like to do this cycle because I've always wanted to do a fully stacked cycle. I think it might be a one time thing, but I'm not sure yet, I'll guage how my body feels and looks when I'm on it.

I don't have a workout partner. I live in San Francisco. Too bad we don't live closer, I'd consider having you as a workout buddy!

dfi, thanks for your input as well. I've been natural for most of my life and it has worked well for me. I'm convinced the "look" you're talking about is on guys who don't listen to their bodies, don't do their research about the steroids that they are on, and don't cycle their steroids to give their bodies a rest. Trust me, if my body starts to react adversely to the AAS, I will stop mid-cycle. My health and body are more important to me than the results of the cycle.

 

[alanchiras]

I don't have a workout partner. I live in San Francisco. Too bad we don't live closer, I'd consider having you as a workout buddy!

Awww...that would be swell, there aren't a lot of guys here to pair up with in the gym that also have hiv. It sounds like you are doing well - I just reccomend again the third edition of "Built to Survive". Thanks! alan.

 

[pmsl04]

Alan, thanks for the book recommendation. I'll buy it ASAP. I checked out the author's website, www.medibolics.com , and it seems like the perfect resource.