I had to talk with someone to help my find a new one. My doctor isn’t a bad doctor or anything but, I’ve gone to him since day one of my treatment in 2021. I was out on biktarvy and wasn’t quite undetectable but close within 3 months. From 9mil copies to almost undetectable. I wasn’t there yet so he added two more medications that I took for a year. (Norivir) and (prezista). The past year I’ve asked about switching medication, so I’m not worrying about a daily option. He said once, that he wants to make sure I’m sticking to my routine, and I understand but I have been at 60 or less copies since like August 21’. So. Or only do I feel like I was put on two extra medications that I’m not sure I needed. He also makes assumptions about my lifestyle that aren’t anywhere close to accurate. I feel as my doctor he should be in this thing with me but I feel like I am navigating blindly and I’m just extremely frustrated. And as much as I want to say otherwise, no I don’t think he does. I believe I’m just a number not a human being.

100%!!!
I amaze my doc at what I've put my body through, including a few dog bites(I rescue.)and a nasty case of frostbite a year ago on feet and hands. He totally understands that I can take care of myself pretty good and, currently, am on only one HIV medication. My numbers bounce around based on allergy season so he doesn't worry like he used to when they would 'tank'. I simply told him why and to trust that the next lab results would be back in line. He even documented a nasty reaction to Doxycycline and me being in the sun too much to use for a case study and, most likely, at the next HIV symposium once Covid restrictions are lifted. He's also invited me to speak there. Yeah, we have a very symbiotic patient/doctor relationship!

I had an HIV doctor for about 7 years that was close to where I lived. However he would double book appointments and make me wait over an hour and a half each appointment. During that time he never touched me and would just talk into his recorder and prescribe my meds. When he changed my meds and I suddenly developed a viral load I decided to switch doctors. Now I drive an hour away but am in better care. Go to an HIV support meeting and ask who is the best doctor in town and listen to what others in the group say. Word of mouth is really good especially with our needs in our community.

Trusting one's doctor is teamwork. We as patients must do the research, educate ourselves, and share with the good doctor information to determine his/her thoughts. Prior to scheduled visit, I write down questions/comments that need to be addressed. I've been able to negotiate the meds prescribed that may cause reaction or dosage increase/decrease depending on the symptom history. They don't have all the answers. However, I trust my doctor who sees many patients who are HIV+ or have AIDS related symptoms, or immune compromised.

One of my doctors, yes. The other… yeah, not so much.