CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.9

HIV
ENGLISH
Why an OPEN DISCUSSION
WITH YOUR DOCTOR is so
important for HIV-positive people
There are always changes in life – big and small. It is particularly important for people
with HIV to consciously keep an eye on them because they can also have an impact
on treatment.
SPEAK OPENLY WITH YOUR DOCTOR
One way in which such changes can be related
to HIV therapy is possible interactions between
HIV medication and other sub stances. In order
to ensure successful HIV therapy without
interactions and thus a high quality of life and
satisfaction, open and regular exchange with
your doctor is particularly important.
POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS AND HOW
TO AVOID THEM
Substances can interact and affect the desired
effects – for example, strengthen, weaken or
even cancel each other out. So when doctors
talk about interactions in HIV therapy, they
simply mean unwanted influences on the
effectiveness of HIV medication and other
substances.
In order to avoid those interactions, openness
during the doctor's consultation is particularly
important as they need to know what else you
are taking in addition to HIV therapy.
“For me, quality of life means that
as an HIV-positive person I can do
whatever I want. Living my life the
way I want makes me happy.”
CHRISTOPH
living with HIV since 2004
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PEOPLE
LIVING WITH HIV?
If you have a good overview of your current
lifestyle, know your own needs well and
regularly talk openly with your doctor, you do
not have to be afraid if other substances are
taken in addition to HIV therapy.
It is helpful if you write a list of all the medicines
and other substances you are taking.
You can then take these notes with you to the
next doctor's appointment and check together
whether the current treatment could be influenced
by them.
KEEP AN EYE ON ANY CHANGES
Most things in life don’t usually change
overnight, but rather gradually, such as diet,
the intake of vitamins and minerals or party
life and the occasional substance use that
may accompany it. This is what makes regular
self-examination of changes in your lifestyle
and personal needs so important.
You can find more information about living
with HIV and personal stories from HIVpositive
people at www.livlife.de.
www.livlife.de
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