With all the medicines available to treat HIV infection, figuring out what treatment option is best for you can be a very overwhelming decision. No one should do it alone. The key is to seek out information to develop the best possible decision-making plan.
The basis for making the best treatment decision can be summed up in a few easy steps:
- Choose the right healthcare provider—Evidence suggests that patients who choose a healthcare provider with experience in treating HIV have a greater chance of living longer. Also, because HIV+ women can have unique gynecological problems, it is important to choose an obstetrician/gynecologist with HIV treatment experience
- Define your healthcare provider/patient relationship—Your healthcare provider is your most important ally in making treatment decisions. It is important to openly discuss your decision-making relationship with your healthcare provider. By doing this, you can create a relationship based on trust that will work best for you
At a loss for words—Not sure what to ask your healthcare provider?
Get a list of questions to ask your doctor!
- Arm yourself with info—Stay in the know; education is another important tool in treating HIV. Seek out reliable sources of information on HIV treatment, such as magazines designed for people with HIV, non-profit toll-free hotlines, advice of loved ones, and the advice of your physician. Still not sure where to get started? Contact your local AIDS Service Organization for even more information
- Make the right choices—The lifestyle choices you make today can have an effect on the success of your treatment in the future. Start making the right decisions today: stop or limit smoking, stop or limit recreational drug use and heavy drinking, eat well, exercise, and have a healthy sexual lifestyle
