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.
|
|
 |
 |
depression and hiv
May 14, 2008
I found out eight months ago I was positive. My partner is positive and I knew the risks. We didnt have unprotected sex but a few times, but I guess that was all it took. He is in jail now and is going to be doing time in prison. We have been seperated for five months. I have been really depressed since the sepperation. Is the stress from the sepperation going to have any effect on my meds?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hi,
Actually all it takes is one time for HIV infection to potentially occur. Fortunately that doesn't happen often, but each unprotected episode of penetrative sex is like playing Russian roulette. I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and your partner's jail time! Depression in and of itself won't affect your HIV medications. However, depression might affect your adherence to taking your mediations as directed. It can also cause sleep disturbance, decrease in appetite, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. If stress and depression are becoming a problem for you, discuss it with your HIV specialist. He may refer you for counseling or provide other treatment to help you during this challenging period.
Good luck. I'm here if you need me, OK?
Dr. Bob
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
|
