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 to 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 are gay, a good relationship of trust can hardly be established, 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 important (forms of therapy, effects, possible side effects) with your doctor before starting HIV therapy
- The HIV medication is always taken at a clearly defined time.
- At the beginning of HIV treatment, side effects such as diarrhoea, headaches or nausea may occur.
- 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 the combination therapy. In this way, side effects (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.
