How Often Do You See Your Infectious Disease Doctor | myHIVteam

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How Often Do You See Your Infectious Disease Doctor
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

Im wondering , when pretty sick, that he only will see me every 3 months, even when i'm in pain and need help. Al he does is check my counts. As well as being a new id doctor, he swears that the medication im on. (Abacavir/Lamivudine & Isentress) Have no side effects. That my excessive amount of health issues and the regimen, has no part with my health issues. Do you think i should see a new doctor.

posted May 29, 2018 (edited)
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A myHIVteam Member

Yes! Definitely ask to see a new doctor. I was asked by my nurse if I would see a new doctor, to which I agreed to; she was a nightmare, so unsympathetic to my situation and didn't believe that I knew my own body better than she did.
When I made my next appointment, I was asked if I would like to see the same doctor the receptionist told in no uncertain terms that it would be a very cold day in hell before I saw that particular doctor again.
It's your health, and your right to see someone who is there for your best interests.

posted June 16, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Honestly? I can offer the flip side to that mode of thinking. My ID doc is my PCP. He's awesome. He keeps me up on my boosters, labs, flu shots all of it. I can also agree w/ the above comments. Any time any Dr. doesn't listen to his patients there's a lack of communication there. I put my Dr. in check day one. I told him I'm ultimately responsible for anything I take / don't take. I also told him he was basically an overpaid advisor for me to make decisions, nothing more. He was ok with that. We've been good since. I don't think you have to "criticize" another Dr. per se to find one that works for you. But realize your dr is just another dude in the game. You might have to grab him by the scruff & shake him a few times to get his attention & say... No really, this is why I think this. This is what I'm experiencing. Any medical advisor that tells you these meds have "NO" side effects hasn't read the literature on them. Side effects to any HIV med are as long as your arm. I think the only symptoms they don't list is excessive flatulence & occasional ocular bleeding. That being said, back up & rethink. Not "what" you're saying to your dr but maybe "how" you're presenting your case. Then tell him that if he doesn't pay attention he's going to end up getting fired from your staff. His main focus while in the little exam room should revolve around you. Period, end of story.

posted June 7, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I concur on finding another Doctor!!!! I had one that was RUDE and got rid of him faster than King Henry VIII got rid of his wives!!!!

posted May 31, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Definitely see a new id doctor if the one you r seeing isnt addressing your concerns. I had an un-supportive provider before and when I found a new one my counts and overall health improved

posted June 9, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

i usually going every three to six months depending on my lab results. I would rather go every three months to keep on track of my meds and make sure they are working.

posted June 8, 2018

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