Barts and The London HIV Service >> Visiting us >> Regular medical consultations
Regular medical consultations
After your first consultation with your nurse, you will be referred to your doctor who will be responsible for your treatment, and will discuss the best care for you. Please ask your doctor to explain anything you do not understand. Your doctor will tell you if it is necessary for you to start treatment. People with HIV who are well, with good immunity, do not need drug treatment and simply have to attend clinic to check on their progress. This might be every 6 months.
Once you have begun HIV treatment, the key to keeping good health is to keep taking your drugs regularly to protect yourself from the virus. It is vital you take your medications and to be prepared to continue taking them. Our nurses and pharmacists will support you with this. HIV patients normally start on a simple regime with a minimum amount of tablets. You will be prescribed a medicine that is right for your HIV status and we will take into account your occupation and social lifestyle. If you would like to find out more about treatment programmes go to http://www.aidsmap.com/cms1189782.asp
Once you and your doctor are happy with your therapy – this normally takes approximately six months - you may become what we call a ‘stable patient’. As a stable patient on treatment you will have a consultation once every four months, which may be with a nurse or doctor.
Two weeks before one of your regular medical consultations, you must go for a blood test so your results are ready in time for your next appointment. The emphasis is very much on you to attend clinic for a blood test.
