Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have been having orthodontic work done with braces and now I need to also have jaw surgery. This is to correct a severe overbite. I have been informed of some of the drawbacks being HIV+. I was diagnosed with HIV back in Feb of 05. I have been taking all meds as instructed and never missed a dose. My last lab work was viral load undectable and CD4 around 267. The concerns are weight loss and possible flu. Is there an alternative to jaw surgery for HIV+ people?
Hey,
Sorry you're having to go through all this.
People with HIV controlled by anti-retroviral therapy undergo all kinds of surgeries all the time. If you can't eat properly, there could be some weight loss, and I would discuss this both with your HIV specialist and oral surgeon.
I know of no reason that you would be at an increased risk of influenza, compared to the general population.
If you wish to consider other alternatives, I would again talk to your oral surgeon, and see what s/he suggests.
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