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question about HIV disclosure
#262946 - 05/08/12 12:00 AM
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Thought I would throw this out there to see if anyone has had a similar or close to similar situation. I am thinking about having gastric bypass and the bariatric center wants all my medical records. I know some may disagree with this but I don't mind them having my medical records excluding any records regarding HIV. On the application for surgery they don't ask if I have any STD's so it's not like I'm lying. I do know I won't be excluded for having HIV but I don't want to take a risk that in some way it would negatively affect the surgery. I'm sure I'm being paranoid but that's how I am. My primary care doctor is not treating for HIV but they are aware of it due to my disclosing it to them. I think I may have even gave them a lab result from my ID doctor to which they scanned in, but I don't want any of that information to go anywhere. Any advice or anyone know how I can ensure that information never goes anywhere.
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alive2
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Guardian
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Reged: 03/08/07
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Posts: 336
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i might be a bit off base on this, but, i would like to just tell you its a grueling process. my wife had it done and lost 110 lbs. she has endured many different issues, like being able to eat certain things, and then being able to hold it down too.
you will end up having to take vitamins everyday. and your digestion will not be the same and high protien foods are a must. bieng your stomach will not be as large, your food wont digest the same and taking up space in there means you wont be able to snack on foods you may like now.
after the body will be sore for some time, which is expected with all surgeries though.
i love my wife no matter what size she wears, and she said she wanted it for her so i didnt stop her, afterall she gives of herself so i can keep on going.
when your done losing the amount of weight that drops to a healthy amount, you may have excess skin on your hips thighs and elswhere that will not be pretty, but your only half way to where your tring to get. you will have to get another surgery to remove excess skin and tissue.
as with any surgery you must read all you can, because once its done you cant undo it.
as a reminder, after all this your stomach can still strech back out, and that is why you have to adhere to the food guidlines and really watch what and the amount of food you take in.
my wife looks beautiful now shes done losing weight now, but its been a long road. by the way my wife was beautiful before surgery. i hope this helps, good luck, take care.
as for the disclosure,thats up to you. i would want to know what your id doctor thinks about it, and know the outcome too. please keep us informed, thanks.
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genuinered
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Reged: 03/18/12
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Posts: 12
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Loc: MN, USA
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For me personally, I would go the opposite way. I trust my doctors and have found them to be very supportive and honestly a good source of information that may be helpful for me. For example, I am currently having issues with my body not reacting well with fiber and veggies but my ID doctor doesn't want me to take any supplements. I don't want to go against his wishes but I don't have a clue where to start research on the supplements I want to take and see if they have a known interaction with my meds. My chiropractor and holistic practitioner would be a good resource for that. I have yet to tell them but It would be nice to at least have someone to talk to that can help guide me. The bottom line for me is to use the medical staff as resources for my health. To me, omitting this piece of information raises the chances that something negative would happen. I know that majority of the times they ask for medications and my medications spell it out any way.
I do wish you luck and hope this helps but regardless, it is your choice and i am sure you will do what is best for you.
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Thank you for the post and you are correct, they have asked for a list of medications and I do fear but not disclosing I take Atripla could possibly negatively impact me with medications they give me or the surgery. I just have this awfil re-occuring dream that during the surgery they are so afraid to get my blood on them that they miss something or they do less adequate work which could really mess things up. I'm probably just creating drama that doesn't need to be there. I have an appt with my primary care doctor today to discuss with her and will do some more research. Thank you for your well wishes.
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It sounds like your wife is a very lucky lady. Thank you for the info. I will keep everyone posted.
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I think any decent doctors and medical staff that are practicing in good hospitals would have to just assume that everybody they are working with is potentially positive and act accordingly because there are so many people who are positive and don't know it yet, or do know it and keep it quiet.
I think that in your case, it may be a good idea to disclose to your doctor in case the results of the surgery may affect how well you are able to digest and absorb your medications, or how the medications may affect the healing process, since they have to pass through that area.
I completely understand your desire to not disclose - I am there with you - but because of the nature of this procedure and the organs that it involves, I would really consider doing it; to make sure that you can stay healthy and not have future complications. It's just my opinion.
Good luck! Keep us posted
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lovableo
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Regular
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Reged: 11/22/11
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Posts: 48
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Loc: Illinois
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I'm not sure if I remember correctly but I always thought you had to disclose to your doctors your status. I might be incorrect but its worth checking out to make sure there are no laws out there concerning it. Best wishes on your decision.
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"I have HIV, HIV does not have me!!!"
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From what I understand, in my state it's actually the reverse. If your a doctor or dentist and have HIV, you have to disclose to your patients. It is probably a good idea. I'm leaning that way. For me personally, I think I'm going to take my primary care doctor's advice and have an "off the record" conversation about the issue. My PCP said if I ask the doctor prior to conversation to keep what I'm about to say off the record, and he agrees, then he has to comply. I'm sure he'll have his personal notes from the conversation which is fine as long as it's not linked to my file. Sadly I have to worry about this .
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Hi by law they cannot expose anything about you without your consent, plus you would have to sign something saying you give permission.
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