I was very impressed by Ms. Jensen's article (No Nevers, Never Always: Eating without Absolutes...Usually) which was reprinted in the PWA Coalition's recent newsletter. I am HIV+ with Kaposi Sarcoma in the lower extremities and have recently had some liver disfunction (probably from Hep B) that I was exposed to in 1986. I received Doxil for approximately 2 years and have been on pretty normal tri-med HIV therapy.

I have never been a huge eater but in the last 8 months I have almost completely lost my appetite. Even things that I use to love to eat do not taste good any more. I am wondering if anyone has suggestions as to my best course of action to get my appetite back...or at least a way of keeping caloric and nutritional levels to a norm. (March, 1999)

A: Ken Stringer, Website Administrator responds:

I believe a lot of the issues you raise about improving your appetite are well addressed in another of Jennifer's articles entitled Appetite Control. Also, check out Looking Great for 98!. In fact, as a general note, there's a lot of useful tips (about appetite, travel, safety, etc.) scattered throughout Jennifer's articles and you might find it beneficial (and fun!) to peruse them. For a full listing and access to her articles go to Jennifer's Picnic Basket. As far as your liver situation is concerned, there's some very relevant information in the Q&A on Lipodystrophy.

So, as Jennifer might say to you with her bright eyes and a warm hug...Bon Appetite!

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