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Advanced HIV/AIDS
Jun 12, 2006
My brother (and his partner) was found to be HIV positive in October, 2002. He didn't start on any medications at that time - I think it was fear. His partner died in May, 2003. In May 2004, my brother was extremely ill. They told him at that time he had full blown AIDS. He started on medication at that time, started feeling LOTS better - put weight back on - looked, sounded and felt healthy. He then stopped taking his medication because he felt God had 'healed' him. Despite my attempts, he refused to change his mind. Now (within the past few days) he's sick. Really sick. He had a chest X-ray, and he has spots on his lungs. He returned to the Damien Center to meet with his advisor, he won't say exactly what she's told him, but he's seeing her every couple of days. He's back on the meds that he can restart.....but it is too late? He can't even wash a window (small) standing still without sweating profusely and sounding as if he just tried to run 10 miles. He's always been my best friend - literally - I know he's scared, I'm scared. What can I expect, and how can I effectively help him at this point? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Response from Dr. Horwath
He had a good response to treatment in the past, and hopefully he will have a good response again. The fact that he stopped medication completely makes it hopefull that he has not developed resistance to the medications that worked before. If he can pull through his acute illness, hopefully he will recover to his previous state of health.
The best way to help him is to be there, encourage him to take his meds, and help him to remain hopefull.
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