Content Overview 
- Summary
- Be a person living with HIV - not one dying of it.
- Commit yourself to doing everything you can to keep the virus in check.
- Look for a doctor who is a specialist with a large HIV practice who is connected with a quality hospital. Learn how to maximize your time with doctors.
- HIV. Basics
- If lab or other tests are unexpectedly bad or good, ask for them to be done again - preferably by a different lab.
- Decide whether to start treatment. If so, choose a treatment that fits your life.
- Once you choose a treatment, follow the prescribed regimen. Learn to be wise about purchasing, living with, storing and disposing of drugs. Free drugs may be available.
- Non-Western treatments should be complementary, not instead of Western treatments. If needed, cutting edge treatments are available through clinical trials.
- Decide who to tell about your HIV status, and when.
- Tell every doctor and other medical professional about your HIV status and drugs.
- Think of family and friends as part of your health care team. Ask for help when you need it. Family roles may change as your needs change.
- Share your emotions. Seek someone who is going through the same thing you are. Consider joining a support group.
- Examine your insurance and financial situation to determine how to pay for medical care and drugs or access them for free if you don't have the resources. If you don't have health insurance, do what you can to get it. You still can.
- Pay attention to your financial basics. Start improving your financial resources. Do what you can to get rid of or minimize existing debt. Refine your investment strategy. Keep track of medical expenses.
- When debt is under control, start working on your goals.
- If you work: Learn how to navigate the potential mine field.
- If you are not able to work, learn the best way to apply for disability income benefits. If you receive a disability benefit, learn how to keep it.
- If you are returning to work or changing jobs, a new employer cannot ask about your health condition.
- Self employed and business owners
- Be sure your legal affairs are in order, including Advance Care Directives. HIV only makes this need more urgent. It will help you feel in control.
- Learn about the HIV resources in your community.
- Drugs do not work in a vacuum. Live a healthy lifestyle. It helps make drugs and other treatments most effective.
- If you have a pet, learn how to live with it safely. If you don't have a pet, consider getting one. A pet is good for your health.
- Although a major source of transmission of HIV is through bodily contact, you can still be physically intimate with people. Learn how to avoid transmitting HIV to other people.
- Watch for depression. Depression, and all other side effects, can be treated.
- Learn About Other Diseases That Can Show Up When Living With HIV, How To Help Prevent Them And Symptoms To Watch For.
Living With HIV
Once you choose a treatment, follow the prescribed regimen. Learn to be wise about purchasing, living with, storing and disposing of drugs. Free drugs may be available.
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Before agreeing to take any drug, consider the pros and cons, as well as the alternatives. Keep in mind that all drugs have risks. The longer a drug has been on the market, the more that is known about its effect (both good and bad).
Even if you have health insurance, it is in your interest to purchase drugs for the least price. Also consider other factors such as convenience and what happens if you need an emergency supply.
Drugs which are prescribed for purposes other than those which have been approved by the FDA are known as being used for "off label" use. If an insurer refuses to pay, appeal with your doctor's help.
Take each drug as directed, when you are supposed to, and for as long as you are supposed to. To repeat: Keep to your agreed regimen every day.
You can keep track of your lab test results on a tool at AidsMeds.com. See:http://cllsociety.org/toolbox/keeping-track-of-lab-results/ 
If it becomes difficult to take a pill, there are tips to make it easier. For example, if you have trouble swallowing, take the pill with a carbonated drink.
Sometimes taking a pill can remind you of your HIV status. If you don't want to be reminded of your status, you may not take a pill. It may help to think of every pill you take as an affirmation of your desire to be healthy and to live.
Find out what to do if you miss a dose.
If you travel across time zones, ask your doctor what to do about when to take your medications.
Let your doctor know if you miss doses.
Don't take time off your drugs (known as a "drug holiday") without first consulting with your doctor.
For drugs that you take on a long term basis, talk to your doctor about finding out if a lesser dose will accomplish the purpose.
Learn how to safely store drugs, and to dispose of unused drugs.
For additional information, see:
- Drugs 101: Everything You Need To Know
- Drugs: Off Label Use
- Treatments 101
Please share how this information is useful to you.
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