Getting sick, and having HIV

[buginme2]

I could use some advise from those who have had HIV longer than I.

I've got the Flu (or a cold).  I was diagnosed in Oct with HIV (But have prob been positive for about 3 years) and started Atripla in December.  I've had some shortness of breath issuse that the Doc said was anxiety.  I don't want to run to the doctor for every sniffle I get as I am very much aware that Poz people get sick too.  (bye the way I did have a flu shot this year)  My question is.  How do I know when to go to the doctor and when should I just deal with it.  I keep worrying about PCP since I'm still short of breath.  I'm sure there are others who have gone through things like this.

[phildinftlaudy]

Hi Bug:

I try to follow the standard rule that I would follow if I was negative - and that is, if I don't feel better after like 3 days, I go see the doctor.  Also, if it appears that I am getting worse rather than better - I see the doctor.

My ID doc is sometimes difficult to get into quickly - so, I also have a primary care doctor that I use if I can't get into the ID doc quick enough.

If I am really feeling bad - and I know that it is severe and can't get into the doc quick enough - I go to urgent care center. 

Early on, there were a few times when I by-passed both and went to the ER - but that was when I was really violently ill accompanied with pain. 

Hope you feel better soon!

[buginme2]

Thanks, I have been wondering about "having 2 doctors."  Before HIV I had a geat doctor.  She was the best.  She referred me to my HIV doctor who is without a doubt -Brilliant- He actually specializes in cancer in HIV patients.  And being that this is a pretty narrow specialty he is also difficult to get into.  I had to wait over a month before my first appointment.  Sometimes when I go and see him if I have a 3 pm appointment I may not actually get to see him till 3:30 or even 4:00.  I dont get upset about that because when he is with you he does spend the time with you and makes sure you leave with all your questions being answer, so, hes great too.

But, I remember asking him on my first visit if I should keep my old doctor and see her for things not related to HIV, because I also have high blood pressure.  He told me we should re-visit that question later once the HIV was under control.  One step at a time. 

So, Is it common for people to have 2 doctors.  An HIV doc and a regular doctor?  I know most people go to an ID doc.  Mine is not an Infections Disease doc. He is actually an oncologist who just specializes in HIV and HIV related cancer.  Its kind of confusing.  Thanks for the info though.   

At this point I do feel as though I just have a cold.  It is going around at work and is not progressing to something worse yet.

[phildinftlaudy]

My ID doc was actually the one who recommended that I also have a primary care doctor - she even recommended a couple.  She said that everything is not related to HIV.  Of course, at that time I wanted to beg to differ, as I felt that every sniffle was somehow related to or could impact on my HIV condition.

But, my ID  doc thought it a good idea because she is only at the University of Miami health center where I go one day a week - so, I am limited to that one day to be able to get in and see her.  My primary care doctor is in the exact same building and a UM doc - but she is there everyday of the week - so, for me, it was a no brainer.

If I can get in quickly to see my ID doc then I go that route - but, if not, I see the primary care doc.  My co-pay with the primary is lower also, as my ID doc is a specialist and my insurance charges a higher co-pay to see a specialist.

I think it is a good idea - if it is feasible to have both - particularly if they are both affiliated with the same health care system -- even better if in same location - and if they both have admitting rights at the same hospitals.

[buginme2]

I go to a hospital/medical center here in Seattle.  Thats were I went to my primary care, she reffered me to the HIV doc who is at the same hospital/medical center were I go (different floors however).  I will bring this up to him the next time I go too.

[Caramel_Cutie]

Hey Bug:

I am very sorry you are feeling bad.  I also have a primary care doctor and an ID doctor.  If I am sick or need a physical I visit my PCP, then I visit the ID doc every three months for my regular check ups.  I think it's a good idea to have a good PCP you can trust and talk to as well because that way they will know your medical history and the medications you're on to properly treat you.  I certainly hope you feel better soon.  Things will start to get better after being on the Atripla for awhile.  I remember before I started I was getting sick all the time but now it's very rare that I catch a cold or the flu.  I recently had a slight viral infection with flu-like symptoms but went to the doc and got some meds that cleared it up really quickly.

Take care and feel better!
 

[tednlou2]

I can relate to worrying about getting sick with HIV--especially since I'm not on meds yet.  My doc will tell me getting sick is no big deal, because I have decent numbers.  But, I got sick and had to be hospitalized with just as good or better numbers.  So, that is always in the back of my mind. 

There are times that I get short of breath, but I think it is anxiety related.  I assume it is anxiety related, because I have anxiety issues.  But, also because it will go away.  But, I always wonder whether something will happen and I'm going to dismiss it as anxiety when it isn't. 

At this point, I would rather see my HIV doc for everything.  But as I've mentioned before, I'm looking for a new HIV doc.  The reason why I would really like to see my HIV doc for most everything is because I've discovered how most regular docs don't know much about HIV.  If you have the flu, I don't think they would know the possible health effects a flu could have on someone with HIV--such as we are much more likely to get bacterial pneumonia than the general public.  So, I can see going to my regular doc for things like back problems, but I'd rather see an ID doc for most other things.   

I suppose if I had a better regular doc, I would feel more confident.  Since learning I am poz, my regular doc and staff have acted differently.  I went to them for a butt issue I was having.  I was told the doc would NOT look at it.  The nurse claimed he wouldn't look at anyone's butt.  That sounded very shady to me.  Isn't that what docs do?  And, they have stopped checking my temp.  They use to always check my temp even if I was just there for back problems.  I think they believe teh AIDS can jump onto the temp machine and infect others.  I can't think of another reason.  I guess I need to find another regular doc while I'm at it.  The next time I see him I am going to complain of having a fever.  If they still refuse to take my temp, I will have to say something.  This is the kind of ignorance about HIV that I think happens with many non-HIV docs.  I experienced this ignorance about HIV in the hospital.  I just don't think regular docs are learning what they should about HIV.  I realize they don't deal with it everyday, but they should have some basic knowledge--and, not just that it is a virus that causes AIDS. 

[drewm]

I can relate to this because I used to worry myself into a craze about every sniffle, cough etc. I use the 3 day rule. If it's not better in 3 days, I call my doc. My numbers are decent and my doc has told me that I am still going to have allergies and get sick from time to time just like anyone else. We (HIV Poz/AIDS) folks need to pay closer attention to our health and any sickness but try not to get bent out of shape over it.

[drewm]

One more thing. If you go to another doctor our urgent care DISCLOSE your status because it may change the way they treat your symptoms.

[eric48]

I have been wondering about "having 2 doctors.

I have 2... My primary doc is my HIV doc.  :
A - His practice is full of people who need his time and attention
B - he makes himself fully avaiable for in depth discussion about THAT condition
C - he has accepted to be my primary doctor (as required by our socialized health system) under condition that I would not load him with the more 'daily' stuff
D- he makes himself available even without appointment, even very late, but is one hour away from me

I therefore have a next-to-my-door doctor, aware of the condition, but by his own account, quite ignorant about HIV.

For daily issues, I would visit him first and fax a quick to read through report to my primary doctor with instructions to call me if he feels a need to.

My next-to-my-door doctor has handled my anxietiy issues and other minor stuff to my 100% satisfaction and same with my primary-and-HIV-specialist (100% patient's satisfaction)

So far, it seems a good way to work for me...

Cheers

Eric

[wolfter]

About 2 years ago, my ID doctor suggested that he perform as my PCP.  In my case, it was the best decision I made.  There had been several issues with my previous doctor sharing info.  There are no ID doctors in my immediate area and I have to travel out of county but it is well worth it. 

As a previous poster commented, I typically don't worry about little illnesses unless I don't feel better after a few days or it gets worse.  After a while, it's almost intuitive if it's something to worry about.

Have a great day!
Greg

[woodshere]

I haven't seen an HIV specialist in over 2 years.  I do have one, but my PCP is knowledgeable enough to handle things currently as well as having several poz patients.  As long as my numbers remain steady, meaning my meds are working and all other blood work is near normal or slightly above or below norm I really see no need to spend the extra co-pay to visit my specialist.  My PCP has political views similar to mine, his office is about a 5 min walk from where I live and has a great sense of humor.  I recently had a run in with a less than desirable "bug" and he made a comment on the "rough trade" i was hooking up with.  A good working relationship for me.

[Miss Philicia]

I only see an ID who also is my PCP.  I will never return to the "private doctor" situation when I can have better treatment in an HIV clinic setting with additional bonus of in-house case management, nutritionists, mental health, etc.  IMO you benefit greatly from not just an ID, but from one with a large case load.  The more weird cases/situations the doctor has seen the better for the patient.

[drewm]

That's what I have Miss Philicia. In house case management and the works. This works for me and keeps me from freaking out.