In Germany, you have a free choice of doctor. This may sound banal, but it's really important: it's up to you to find the medical care you want and that is good for you. This doesn't just apply to HIV. Here are a few tips to help you search and find what you need:
1. professionalism, trust and appreciation
- The doctor of your choice should of course be medically familiar with the topic of HIV.
- It also makes sense to build up a good doctor-patient relationship. This is because doctors usually look after their patients over a long period of time.
- It is good if you can talk openly about many areas of your life and not just about your purely physical condition. So if you can talk openly with your doctor about fears, great experiences and sex, you will be treated well in the truest sense of the word. (Conversely: If a doctor has a problem with the fact that you gayGay refers to men who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to men. Important facts about the term: - "Gay" is the term used to... Mehr It is difficult to build up a good relationship of trust if you are not a patient, which also makes medical treatment more difficult).
- You will usually receive good treatment for your HIV infection in an HIV-focussed practice: You can find practices, including those near you, at www.dagnae.de/suche . This is the German Association of Registered Physicians in the Care of HIV-Infected People.
2. find "your" HIV therapy
- Discuss everything you need to know with your doctor (forms of therapy, effects, possible side effects). Side effectsSide effects are undesirable effects of a drug, vaccination or treatment that occur in addition to the desired main effect ... Mehr) at rest and before starting HIV therapy
- The HIV medication is always taken at a clearly defined time.
- At the beginning of HIV treatment Side effectsSide effects are undesirable effects of a drug, vaccination or treatment that occur in addition to the desired main effect ... Mehr such as diarrhoea, headaches or nausea.
- If they don't disappear after a few weeks, let your doctor know.
- Consider together whether the combination of medication can be changed. There is usually more than one variant of combination therapy. In this way Side effectsSide effects are undesirable effects of a drug, vaccination or treatment that occur in addition to the desired main effect ... Mehr (or resistance) can be reduced and you can get on with your everyday life again.
3. other complaints - other doctors: same procedure
- If you need an appointment at the dentist or with a urologist or therapist, the following also applies: good medical care is provided if the doctor is not only professional, but also appreciative.
- Ask yourself the following questions when looking for the right "all-round medical care":
> Is the interaction in the practice friendly and respectful?
> Does the doctor take my concerns seriously?
> Does the practice respect my personality and privacy?
> Is there comprehensible and neutral education, information and counselling?
> Does the doctor take my wishes as a patient into account in all medically important decisions?
> Does the practice co-operate with other medical practitioners?
One last point should also help you in your search: Pay attention to your gut feeling.
