Monday, January 13, 2014

Doctor appointment day

I have a  couple of main doctors. So, it seems like I am visiting the doctor all the time. Such is the life of having HIV. Today, I am seeing my doctor for pain management. 

Having HIV for so long has caused chronic nueopathic pain. It is a common problem to have with HIV. Nerve damage happens with HIV. I take low dose medication for the pain. Which means I have to still live with a certain amount of pain, but that is okay with me. My only other option is to go on stronger pain medications like morphine and I do not want that, because those kind of medications make you feel like you are a zombie and still give about the same level of relief. Some other doctors I have seen seem to be pushing the stronger painkillers. I don't get why unless they get some kind of a financial kickback from the big pharmacy manufacturers. 

I'm glad that I have a doctor that listens to what I say, understands the side effects that I deal with and prescribes what will help me in the best possible way. 

I've just been in and out of the doctors, to the pharmacy and now to the grocery store. I am hoping to have the day wrapped up soon. I'm ready for a nap and worn out.

When it comes down to it, a day at the doctors is very stressful and to wear me out. So, try to manage stress when dealing with doctors. It's very important.

Another frustrating thing about going to one of my doctors is that my husband and I have to be seeing separately on separate visits. However, the other doctor I have to go see will see us at the same time as a family on the single visit. The doctors office that gets an F on seeing us as a couple is OU's IDI clinic (). They promises over a year ago to begin seeing us as a family on a single visit. I think I'll bring this up on our next visit. We've had a few rough times on our recent visit with the doctors because I've let him know what I think about the way they operate. But, you never get things fixed unless you address them.

So, that was my day today and some of my thoughts.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Stress is a Silent Killer

First thing -- Happy New Year! Have you thought about Resolutions for the year?

One of the first things that I was told by several doctors and my caseworker, after finding out I was HIV positive, was that stress is the major issue that could lead to having a compromised immune system. And over the years, I have found this out first hand.

Because I have seen the effects of stress bringing down my health, I have no place for stress, stressful people or situations in my life. I'm already a bit predisposed to the effects of stress before HIV. Social settings would often be a point of stress for me and still are to this day - be that going to get groceries, large crowds or even my work environment before had to quit working and go on social security disability.

So, briefly again, I want to urge you to manage stress in your life, if you have HIV or not, stress is a silent killer. Stress can impact your immune system and lead you down a path where you medications stop working and there are only so many combinations of HIV medications you can try before you run out of options. The lack of options is where I currently am at in my medication therapy.

Take Inventory: Manage your stress and be fully aware of the ways stress and anxiety affects you. My advice can help save and prolong your life. So, take a good inventory of the things going on in your life. Seek out professional help to deal with emotional issues, even if you don't think you have any issues. Preferably by someone who is familiar with HIV and works in that arena of care.

Medications: It helps to work out a schedule for you medications - even using a pill planner for the month. Missing a dose of medication because you forgot is not good for you and can cause you to become resistant to medications - HIV is a smart virus and will adapt quickly. A daily pill box is an easy way to visually see if your medication has been taken for the day. Fatigue can set in when you are trying to pull pills out of the bottle a few times a day, everyday. This is what I call "Pill Fatigue" and if you have been on a treatment plan for a while you may already understand.

Support Systems: It is important to have a support system in place. Learn to lean on loved ones. If you have people in your life that you have always been able to speak to when things are getting to you, keep them in the loop. Also, it can be important to seek out professional help as a support system for depression, stress or anxiety. You have to let of a little steam every now and then, so, do it. Listen to the advise that is given back to you as well.

Set some daily health goals: Having HIV is all the more reason to have some basic health goals in mind. Make sure you eat healthy and regularly- don't skip meals. Do some regular exercise. Some HIV medications will cause your cardiovascular issues like cholesterol issues and exercise can help you feel better and hopefully avoid additional medications into your life. Make sure to get enough sleep. You body needs regular sleep to maintain a healthy life, even if you don't have HIV. Having simple health goals help you in mind, body and soul.

So, here is to a New Year and healthy living. Take some time to reflect on some things that will help you in a practical way, not just in the new year, but every day in some small way.