If you have HIV, figuring out how to navigate a period when setbacks make treating your condition difficult can be difficult. Sticking to your treatment, navigating relationships, and maintaining your general health during these periods can be overwhelming.
But there are ways you can get through these challenging times.
Stay in touch with your doctor
One of the biggest parts of effective HIV treatment is sticking to your medication regimen. Taking your medicine every day and following your doctor’s instructions will help your immune system stay strong so it is better equipped to fight infections.
If you are having trouble starting or complying with any medication, it is important to discuss it with your doctor.
“Establish a relationship with a medical provider if you haven’t established one already. That will ultimately control what your treatment looks like, ”says Brandon Kennedy, a certified psychotherapist.
Kennedy became interested in volunteering with local HIV / AIDS organizations in March 2010. In June of this year he found out that he was HIV positive. At the beginning of 2011 he was already working as a lawyer.
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But he didn’t stop there.
“I got to the point where I no longer wanted to be the person who put clients on a licensed mental health counselor,” he says. “I wanted to be the person who receives the clients.”
Now he is focused on helping people overcome setbacks that stem from all aspects of their lives.
Kennedy says staying in close contact with your doctor can help:
- Keep track of routine tests to make sure your treatment is working as well as possible.
- Lower your chances of drug resistance. Then the HIV virus mutates and your drugs no longer work either.
- You are less likely to pass HIV on to someone you have sex with because you are more likely to stick to your treatment plan.
To make your treatments an easy part of your daily routine, you can:
- Use a daily pill box to organize your medication.
- Take your medication at the same time each day.
- Ask a loved one to remind you to set alarms on your phone or take notes.
- Plan ahead to get more medication if you are traveling or cannot refill a prescription.
- Keep track of your doctor’s appointments and schedule them regularly.
Don’t be afraid to change things
Spiritual and physical care are critical to maintaining a good treatment regimen. According to Kennedy, the best way to avoid setbacks is to look at your self-sufficiency as a whole and figure out what is helpful – and what is not.
And then act.
“If you find that you can’t figure that out, seek help,” he says. “There are professionals out there who can help you process, navigate and figure out what works and what doesn’t, and how to develop different interventions that are tailored to you.”
Maggie White, NP, an infectious disease specialist in Houston, says there are many reasons people may not be taking their medications consistently, such as:
- Unwanted side effects
- Simple forgetfulness
- Fear of judgment
“Sometimes people don’t take their medication because there is a stigma attached to it,” says White.
If you missed a dose due to a simple slip up, White says it won’t ruin your entire schedule.
“If you miss a dose, it is not the end of the world. … It’s when people skip cans all the time, ”she says. If you constantly start or stop medication, the HIV virus can get worse over time and develop into drug resistance. But HIV drugs are much harder to resist today than previous drugs.
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If you miss a dose and are not sure what to do, call your doctor. In most cases, unless it is almost time for your next dose, it is okay to take the missed medication as soon as you remember. In this case, take the next dose at the normal scheduled time and do not take the missed dose.
If for any reason you’ve missed doses on a regular basis, see your doctor to check your viral load – how much of the HIV virus is in your blood. You will do a blood test to see if your medication is working well enough or not.
If you have an undetectable viral load, your treatment will be controlling your HIV. Your immune system will be better protected and you will not be able to pass the virus on to other people.
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However, if your viral load is detectable, it is important to discuss medication with your doctor. They will help you find a better treatment plan. This may include adjusting your medication to make it easier for you to deal with.
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You may have become resistant to your HIV medication. Your doctor can run resistance tests to find out which drugs are working for your body and which are not.
Another possibility is that your HIV medication is interfering with other drugs you are taking.
Most people with HIV have no symptoms when their viral load increases or they become resistant to a drug. The best way to find out is to do a blood test. Most people with HIV today do not develop AIDS. However, if you haven’t been treated for a long time, it can damage your immune system. This can make it more likely that you will get certain infections, cancers, or AIDS.
Call your doctor right away if you:
If for any reason you are concerned about your HIV treatment or symptoms, it is best to speak to your doctor right away. Asking them questions can help you understand what is going on in your body.
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“I tell my patients all the time,” I want you to know what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s ugly, “White says as little is going on as you want. “
After your care team works out why your viral load has changed, they will either advise you on how to get the same treatment or start you on a new medication.
Lean on your circle
During your HIV journey, you may not be sure how to do the next few steps. In this case, inhale – and find your support system.
“There are ups and downs in life,” says Kalee Garland, an HIV patient and activist. “We can be our own worst enemies. It’s important to have strong mental health, be open to advice, and have good friends who can be relied on. “
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Garland, 34, was born with HIV and has overcome change during her HIV journey. She says the best way to deal with setbacks is through social understanding.
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“HIV is an acronym and the first word is human. … what if it concerns your best friend? What if it involves someone you love? “
A difficult part of HIV setbacks is passing information on to other people, especially your partner or anyone you may have a sexual relationship with.
Garland encourages himself and others to feel empowered in these discussions.
“You never know what you’re going to get. It’s the most vulnerable thing, ”says Garland. “Just try to take a deep breath. You are emotionally open and honest with them which is the most amazing way to treat someone. “
While you may get ignorant answers on occasion, it’s important not to cut yourself off from deeper relationships. Garland emphasizes that there are many “emotionally intelligent” people out there who will accept and support you.
If your viral load is undetectable and you are in a relationship with someone who is HIV negative, it can be difficult to deal with. However, there are many solutions that can help you and your partner feel in control.
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As a therapist, Kennedy speaks to many couples about precautions to use if any of their viral loads increases.
“We can talk about condoms,” he says. “But we can also talk about different creams that are approved. We can talk about PrEP. “
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug that people without the virus can take to prevent them from getting HIV. Discuss it with your medical team.
Regardless of the situation, Kennedy believes that acceptance is the best way to overcome setbacks.
“Let me accept the fact that this particular thing is happening,” he says. “Only then can I go back and evaluate. What are the next steps I need to take to keep moving forward? “
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