Are you prepared for your doctor visit?
Most people only go to there doctor every few months. Are you making the most of it. Do you leave with unanswered questions? Did you forget to ask questions?
There is a form to help you make the most of your doctors appointments. At the bottom of this page you will find a link to the form and to help you understand how to do it. I will give you instructions.
Part 1 Greeting
Say hello to your doctor and start building communication from there. Your doctor will be much better if you build communication between doctor and patient.
Part 2
Make a list of Questions you have for your doctor. This can be any question you
have. Such as what does my T-Cell Count mean? You can write down your questions
and when you hand the doctor this form they will get answered make a extra copy
for yourself so you can read along.
Part 3
Tell the Doctor the symptoms you have been having since the last appointment.
Don't be afraid to tell them everything or don't dismiss something because you
think it isn't serious or you don't want to waste the doctors time. Tell the
doctor and they can let you know if it is serious or not. So many people walk
out of the doctors office and tell the receptionist about something they didn't
think was serious only to find out later it is serious.
Part 4
Find out what your lab results are?
What's your T-Cell count, Viral load, Resistance test results, Cholesterol
levels and Pap Smear results.
Part 5
If you have other medical conditions or complications from HIV What are those
lab results. What do they call the test? What is the results of those tests. Are
they in the normal range? What does this condition effect? What can you do to
help it.
Part 6
During the Physical exam did the doctor find anything? If so what?
Part 7
Choosing your medication
You have options choose from the following categories to help you be me adherent
and your individual preferences. Such as number of Pills, Food Restrictions,
Number of times a day you will have to take pills. This is rapidly decreasing.
Most combinations are 2 a day but they are getting close to having several once
a day regiments. Some regiments are more effective than others. You will
probably have to sacrifice in some areas to get the most important thing to you.
Also if you have already been on a number of different regiments that also can
limit your options.
Are there particular side effects you couldn't deal with. For example if you are a truck driver viracept is known to cause diarrhea so viracept wouldn't be a good option. If you have skin problems you might want to stay away from drugs that can cause rashes.
Tell the doctor about the job you have or your lifestyle. Everybody wants you to have the best possible treatment and the best quality of life you have to let the doctor know what your issues are!
Also put a X beside the drugs you have already taken. This is a quick way to see what options you have left.
I suggest you fill out the form and make 2 copies when you go to the doctors office. Give the doctor 1 form as soon as you go in to the office. Keep 1 form so you can write down the answers the doctor gives. The information doesn't do you any good if you don't remember it when you get home.