Physical

[raroy273]

It has been many, many years since I have had a physical done, and since I have tested poz this year and I have not scheduled one should I?  Or are the blood draws sufficent?  My immunizations are up to date, eye Dr says the peepers are good, going to the dentist on the 30th.  Is there anything else that I should do to make sure my health stays good? 

[tinydaniell]

other than the blood work the dr need to check the other componants of the physical but i would wait til next visit

[Ann]

Hi Raroy,

When I was first diagnosed, my hiv doc gave me a complete physical. I thought it was standard practice - so they can have a complete picture of your health.

You should be screened for all the other STIs as well, including hep B and C. If you don't already show immunity to hep B, you will need to be vaccinated. There is no vaccination for hep C. You can read more about hep in the Lessons section.

I was also tested for TB, EBV and a whole host of other bugs that are common in the general population, as well as a chest x-ray. They really did a comprehensive work up on me. Talk to your doc about this - the accepted practice might be different where you live.

There's no big rush on any of this - write it down in the little notebook you take with you to your appointments so you don't forget to bring it up. What? You don't have a little notebook for this purpose? I highly recommend you get one. Not only is it all too easy to forget those burning questions when you're face to face with the doc, but it's also very easy to forget what was said during the appointment. Take notes - you won't regret it.

Ann

[aztecan]

Hey Rayroy,

I had a complete physical when I first started seeing a doctor. They checked everything.

Since then, its just been the routine stuff and the annual stuff - you know, annually being checked for STIs, TB, etc.

Now, I understand I will have to undergo some new goodies since I am past the magic 50 mark.

I would have a physical were I you, just to be sure everything still works as it should No rush needed, but a good thing to have in the bank, so to speak.

HUGS,

Mark

[milker]

I had to ask for a complete physical beyond blood tests. Don't forget that there are many things that don't show up as abnormalities in blood, so stuff like chest x-ray, colonoscopy, prostate check, etc should be in your "things to do" list.

Milker (who needs to see an eye doctor  )

[raroy273]

Thanks for the advise!  I do have a notebook that I write questions in for the appoitments and also take notes.  I will be asking for a physical on my next vistit. 

I have seen the eye dr already and gotten a clean bill there, next is the dentist, which I fear since I have not been in 3 years and also concerned about the damage my meth use has done.....