Living with HIV can be exhausting. There are generally multiple drugs that have to be taken every day, often on a complicated schedule. Unpleasant side effects show up at the most inconvenient times. There are time consuming visits to one doctor or another. Tests. Fatigue. Safe sex. The occasional (or not so occasional) seemingly unrelated health problem. Constant planning. Etc. etc. etc.

At the same time, HIV often brings a new perspective on life -- a reaffirmation of the will to live, an understanding of the preciousness and fragility of life, and the importance of people.

There are steps you can take to help keep HIV in check, to maximize your immune system, minimize HIV's long term effects, maximize your finances and work situation, and to seek fulfillment. Following are time tested techniques to consider:

Medical Care

• If you don't have one, look for a doctor with a large HIV practice who is connected with a quality hospital - in a different locale if necessary. Learn how to maximize your time with doctors. You can switch doctors if necessary.
• Work with your HIV specialist to determine the best drug(s) for your health situation and lifestyle. Which treatment(s) to use will likely change over time. If you have any question about which treatment to take, get a second opinion.
• Learn what you need to know about HIV.
• If you haven't started treatment yet: Follow the suggestions of your HIV specialist about how often to get tests to determine if it is time to start treatment.
• If you have started treatment: Keep to your agreed regimen every day. Don't take a drug holiday without first consulting with your doctor. Learn about purchasing, storing, and disposing of drugs. Free drugs may be available.
• Non-western treatments should be complementary, not instead of Western treatments.
• If lab or other tests are unexpectedly bad or good, ask for them to be taken over again, preferably by a different lab.
• Tell every doctor or other medical person you see about your HIV status. Keep a List of Medicines with you at all times in case medical personnel need to know.
• Help your system fight the virus by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
• Keep in mind that you do not have to live in pain or other side effects.
• Do what you can to make your home environment a healing environment.
• If you don't have one, get a pet. It doesn't have to be a dog or a cat. Pets are proven quality of life enhancers and life extenders.

Emotional and social needs

• Be a person living with HIV disease. Don't let HIV define you.
• Share your emotions. Make contact with another person who is going through a similar experience. Consider joining a support group and/or professional counseling.
• If you get stuck in a down period, talk with your doctor or a therapist.
• Don't allow any physical or emotional effects from HIV or your medications keep you from a social life or physical intimacy with your spouse or partner.
• Decide who to tell about your HIV status, and when. Your answers may be different for family and friends, children and work. If not before, tell your children if you have symptoms.
• Watch your underage children for lingering effects.
• If you have a pet, learn how to best live with it. If you don't have a pet, consider getting one. They are good for emotional and physical health.
• Think of family and friends as part of your health care team. Ask for help when you need it.
• Once symptoms appear, family roles likely shift as your needs change. It can take time to adjust to changes or work through a new one that works for all members.

Health Insurance

• If you don't have health insurance, do everything you can to get it. If you have health insurance, do what you can to keep it. Learn how to maximize your health insurance including how to make appeals.

Finances

• If you are in a financial crunch, create a plan to pay down debt as soon as you can while keeping a healthy lifestyle. Once you are out of debt, set up an Emergency+Fund to tide you over any rough times. If you are over your head in debt, consider bankruptcy.
• When debt is under control, get back to working on your goals. Focus on what would make life fulfilling. Then do what you can to go for it. Financial planning helps.
• If your goals involve changing jobs or even careers, your HIV status by itself is not a reason to keep you from making a change.
• Reexamine your investment strategy to fit your current situation.

Work

• If you work:
  • Learn about your legal rights and benefits and how to get them.
  • Look for an advisor in the company.
  • Prepare in case disability happens by taking such steps as increasing credit and life insurance.
  • Keep track of job evaluations and good comments about your work.
• If you are seeking work, a new employer cannot ask about your health condition.
• If you are disabled:
  • If you haven't before, apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in a manner most likely to receive a "yes."
  • If you receive a disability income, learn what to do if your case is reviewed.
  • Retraining is likely available if needed to help you reenter the workforce.
• Self employed people and business owners are advised to think about planning for continuation of your business in the event you become unable to work.

If you haven't already:

• Learn about safer sex and other means of transmitting the virus. If you knowingly transmit the virus, you may be liable for money damages and criminal penalties.
• Learn about the HIV resources in your community.
• Put your legal affairs in order. Everyone should at least have a will regardless of health condition.
• Talk with your family about what kind of medical care you would want or not want if you become unable to speak for yourself, and what kind of funeral you would want. Ask them to do the same.

NOTE:

• You can personalize the steps to your medical, insurance, economic, work, and social situation by getting a Personalized Survival Guide. If you don't feel able to take these steps yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to help.

• If you believe you are at the end of your life, see: End of Life.

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