CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.12

CHECK MAG #12
WHY THE RIGHT DOCTOR IS SO IMPORTANT
What should HIV-positive people
consider when looking for a doctor?
Searching for a doctor who
is a good match for you can
be a bit like searching for a
suitable hairdresser. You don’t
just go for the first option, but
rather try out different ones
before making a long-term
decision. After all, regular
appointments with this doctor
become a part of life after an
HIV diagnosis, even if there
are months between visits.
Make the “right” choice
Practical aspects such as location or the duration of
the journey are relevant. Some accept a longer ride for
the “right” doctor, even if the nearest doctor’s practice
is just around the corner. The search can also be
supported by recommendations from friends or from
the Internet.
All of these are important points when it comes to
decision-making. What is most important, however,
is that you as an HIV-positive person choose a doctor
who you feel in good hands with. If you feel safe
and comfortable, then this is the “right” choice
for you.
Talk openly about your own needs
The first big step is finding the right specialist doctor
and feeling comfortable. Feeling good is so important
because you should be able to talk openly about
everything with the doctor. If, for example,
your personal needs in life have changed or you are
concerned about something related to HIV therapy,
then the doctor is the first point of contact and should
have an open ear for everything.
Some people wish they could share everything
related to their everyday live with the doctor. Others
like to discuss certain worries and fears they’re
concerned about. Then there are those who simply
want the essentials and only attend regular appointments
to check laboratory values and pick up the
prescriptions. There is no right or wrong here.
Address sensitive issues
Raising a sensitive and intimate topic may make
you feel uncomfortable at first, however talking
openly is important – there is no reason to be
ashamed. If it’s the attitude towards one’s own
sexuality or maybe you recently told your new
partner about the HIV infection and he or she
now has questions about how HIV affects your
sex life, HIV specialists can provide valuable
assistance here.
Doctors can support
Another advantage of having a good relationship and
an open exchange is that your doctor can support
you with valuable tips and specific support offers.
Find solutions together
If you have found the right doctor for you as an
HIV-positive person, it then makes it easier to
openly address changes in everyday life or challenges
with your therapy. Then you can find solutions
together and choose a therapy that suits your own
life and needs the best.
You can find more information and
personal stories about living with HIV at
www.livlife.de
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