Partnering with Your Doctor

 

Playing an active role in your own healthcare is an important part of staying healthy. This includes choosing a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about HIV and HIV medicines, and is willing to listen to your individual concerns. An active role also means staying informed about possible courses of treatment and working with your healthcare provider to choose HIV medicines that are right for you.

Stay informed about HIV and HIV medicines

For those with HIV, knowledge is a critical component to managing your health. The more knowledge you bring to your relationship with your doctor, the more productive your relationship–and your visits–can be. Staying continually informed about HIV and HIV medicines can also help you feel more in control. Good sources for information include:

• Treatment newsletters from national HIV/AIDS organizations and medical centers (often available in e-mail versions).
• HIV/AIDS information from Web sites such as REYATAZ.com or reputable national organizations or medical centers.
• The experiences of others who have HIV and peer educators.

You can then share what you've learned with your healthcare provider and discuss HIV medicine options.

Be prepared for appointments

Appointments with your healthcare provider are a very important time to discuss how you are feeling. However, time is often short and there is usually a lot to cover. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

• Write down and prioritize all of your questions ahead of time.
• Note any changes in your HIV medicines or other medications. Has another doctor–your specialist or primary care physician for example—added or eliminated any HIV medicines or other treatments from those you're taking? Are you taking any over-the-counter, complementary, natural, herbal or holistic therapies? Have you missed any doses of your HIV medicines?
• If you are taking HIV medicines or other medications, keep a log of any symptoms or side effects you've experienced since your last visit.
• Be sure to talk about how you are feeling emotionally and how HIV is impacting your life as a whole.

Because time is limited during the visit, try to prioritize your questions or concerns. This is your opportunity to talk about what is and what is not working with your treatment regimen. Come informed about treatment options and bring with you any information you've found that you may want to discuss. The key to successful treatment is monitoring your health and sticking to a plan that's right for you.