Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
Declining Treatments
Jan 16, 1998
Michael
I am HIV+ for about 10 years. I am basically asymptomatic with few problems. I have chosen to decline the available drugs. I have found them to be experimental with too many possible side effects (for me). My last CD4 count was 200 about 2 years ago. The doctors have stopped ordering the test....they seem to be very upset with my decision calling me stupid and accusing me of giving their school of medicine a bad name. I DO understand that some of them are concerned with my well-being but they seem to be looking at this issue as a right or wrong one. What about freedom of choice? I really don't want to get caught up in these treatment protocols. I worry about becoming too dependent on doctors, pharmaceutical compainies, insurance companies, and possibly even the government. One of the Body doctors called me paranoid....among other things. Whatever my reasons, shouldn't my decision be respected as just that? Am I the only HIV+ person that says no to these drugs? It's not that I want to commit suicide....or "end it all" quickly. I just want some control over my body. I've lost enough of it already.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Mr. Shernoff
I really applaud you for taking charge of your health care. You are by no means the only person with HIV who has chosen not to utilize western medicine and these new treatments.Several of my patients are feeling fine refusing to take any antiretroviral medications which in the past have made them sick from the side effects, though their lab results show high levels of viral activity. One of my patients does not have high viral loads and he has never taken any anitretroviral drugs. The decison of whether or not to take any drug has to be made in partnership between the patient and his or her physician. Are you able to shop around for other doctors who might support you in your desires for a more holistic approach to HIV care? Perhaps the teaching hospital your doctors are at has its own department of "nontraditional medicine." One way to begin to try and locate such a professional is to ask other PWAs. Remember it is your body, your disease, and your right to choose. Do not be bullied.
Michael Shernoff, MSW
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
