Dear Counsellor:

My heart is bogged down. The situation is that my husband went, on the hotel programme, few years ago. He ran off, but he kept in touch by telephone. He cared for me and the children. He sent their school fees every term and paid the mortgage monthly.

Counsellor, I really could not complain about monetary support. However, in late 2008, he got deported and was very sick. We tried everything we could to help him but just could not get him better. One doctor suggested he take the HIV test. Counsellor, he refused to take the test, and although I insisted that he take it, he still refused.

I noticed that when he came home he did not want us to have sex, and so I immediately picked up that something was wrong, for he was never a man to refuse sex. Counsellor, my husband is getting weaker, he can hardly help himself, and to my surprise, my sister-in-law is now telling me he has AIDS and she knew this long ago.

Counsellor, I enjoy taking care of my husband no matter what his condition, and now that I know it's AIDS he has, I'm concerned about his nutrition. He is refusing to eat. Should I take him for nutrition counselling?

Caring Wife

Dear Caring Wife:

Yes, it is necessary for your husband to get nutrition counselling. It is particularly important for all persons with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to receive nutrition counselling since consuming a balanced diet will help them maintain a good nutritional status. This will help the immune system fight infection, prevent muscle wasting and the depletion of body nutrients. However, being infected with HIV can sometimes cause eating problems or inability to digest certain nutrients.

Ensure that your husband follow shis doctor's instructions carefully. I hope that you will continue to be there for him at this very important time. Family support is very important for the HIV-infected person.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764, or toll free at 1888-991-4444, or write to AIDS Affair, c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.