Questions I should ask my doctor.

[Ihavehope]

Hi Guys,

I have an appointment with Adherance this coming Tuesday so she can inform me of the medications that I will be starting very soon. She will go over with me the basics of meds as well as the side affects that may occur. I have so many questions to ask the Adherance people and ID Doctor about medication that I don't know where to start. My mind goes blank when I am there because of the fear. This time I am writing all my question down.

What questions do you feel I MUST be asking or facts that I must be aware of? I am sure she will cover most of the things I need to know like, when the best time to take the meds, with/without food and Side affects. Kaletra/Truvada are the recomended meds for me as of now.

[Miss Philicia]

I think the old Kaletra gel caps were recommended to be taken with a meal.  I don't think the new ones are.  I know with Truvada it does not matter.

Really, this combo is not difficult nor does it have major traumatizing side effects in most people.

[Cerrid]

This time I am writing all my question down.

It's a good idea to always write your questions down, and some of the answers as well.

I always scribble down notes when I find something worth discussing with my doc. Sometimes, it's a question on lipids, sometimes on probiotics, sometimes on vaccinations or HIV related stuff we saw on TV. Last time, I had a question concerning the search for an unbiased dentist. We usually chitchat for about half an hour, then we discuss the latest blood work. After that, we get into business for the physical examination and draw some new blood. After an hour, it's all done and we regret that we won't see each other for another three months.

[newt]

I find "Why?" useful.  If the nurse sez take this in the morning, take with food ask why? etc

Plus ask what the Plan B is - if this don't work what is the plan B?

Get a kidney function test before starting tenofovir (in Truvada) - this is a per the prescribing info. And get one the first time you get bloods after treatment, and the second for sure. Get a baseline lipid evaluation too (for Kaletra). And score some loperamide just in case you get the squits (the strong stuff).

Good luck ... starting, it's like your first parachute jump, except no-one will sponsor you to do it to raise money for a local animal rescue. 

- matt

[Nico]

Oh you had to ask this question...smile. 

The best thing I do is write down all the questions even the ones I feel are not important.  Why?  Because, they are if I am thinking about them.  This is your chance to challenge an engage your doc.  Make the best of the time you have with your doc.  It is almost like and interview.  You need to state your needs and demands for treatment.  In a nice way.  My doc to this day; and I think I have said this in a prior post, asks if I have a Power Point presentation to go along with my visit.

Bottom line is you are in charge and it is your time and money.  Make the most of it. 

You own it!
Roger