HAVING SEVERE COMPLICATIONS

Dear Counsellor:

A few weeks ago I was very sick and had to be hospitalised. I was diagnosed with AIDS. I have a lot of complications - severe kidney infection, my lungs and my liver are also affected.

Counsellor I am really sick. To tell you the truth, counsellor, I am not surprised of my HIV status because my boyfriend died about 15 years ago after a short but severe illness.

His family refused to tell me what had caused his death. As a matter of fact, when he became sick they hid him away in rural Jamaica, in some far-country place. I heard about his death long after his funeral.

A cousin of his whisper to me that AIDS had caused his death. It was difficult to believe because he was not the run-up-and-down type. I was afraid to get tested, every now and then, I would think about it.

I have been getting support from my best friend. whereas I appreciate her help, I got very upset with her yesterday when she told me I should include writing a will in my list of things to do. Writing a will sounds as if I'm going to die right away. Counsellor with all the treatment I heard about, I cannot understand why my friend is so negative. Do you think I need to write a will?

Living with HIV

Dear Living with HIV:

I'm sorry your friend's suggestion of writing a will cause you to feel upset. Yes, there are many treatments available to the person living with HIV/AIDS. However, a person does not have to be infected with AIDS to die. writing a will makes it easier for those left behind. Relatives/love ones no longer have to guess what their friends or loved ones would have wanted. So, my suggestion is to get started. write your will because that has nothing to do with whether you will die soon. Writing a will is the responsibility of all responsible adults.

I NEED A HOME FOR MY FATHER

Dear Counsellor:

My father is infected with AIDS and is living at my house. I don't think I can care for him enough at home. it is not because I am scared but I want him to get the best care. Can you give me the address of somewhere I can take him? Shouldn't he be hospitalised? He does not take his medication.

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned Daughter:

One of the best places for people with AIDS, the disease caused by HIV, to be cared for is at home, surrounded by people who love them. Many people living with AIDS can lead an active life for long periods of time, especially now that the treatment is widely available and is free.

Your father must be encouraged to take his medication. Most of the time, people with HIV/AIDS do not need to be hospitalised, especially if they are taking their antiretroviral treatment. Being at home is often less expensive, more comfortable, more familiar, and gives them more control of their life.

In fact, people with AIDS-related illness often get better faster, with less discomfort, at home with the help of their friends and loved ones.

You should get regular updates from your father's health, care providers on what kind of care is needed. Many times what is needed is not medical care, but help with normal chores of life.

Also remember that AIDS causes stress on both the person who is sick and on you, as you care for them.

Caring for someone with AIDS is a serious responsibility. You will have to work with your father to decide what needs to be done, how much you can do, and when you need to get additional help.

By rising to the challenges of caring for your father who is living with AIDS, you can share emotionally satisfying experiences, even joy. You can also find new strengths within yourself. However, you need to take care of yourself as well as your father.

Early symptoms of HIV

Dear Counsellor:

What are some of the early symptoms of HIV infection? Can a person transmit HIV if they are not showing symptoms?

Concerned

Dear Concerned:

Many people infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, have no symptoms at all, and may not even know they have the virus. Some persons may develop mild, temporary flu-like symptoms, (which is common to any viral infection), that disappear after a few days, or weeks, following infection. It is important for you to know there are no specific symptoms for HIV or AIDS. a diagnosis of HIV can only be made through the HIV-antibody test.

All persons with HIV infection, whether they have symptoms, can transmit HIV to others through sex (oral, vaginal and anal) or through infected blood.

Women infected with HIV can also transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or through birth. For this reason, a pregnant woman should inform her doctor, as soon as possible, about her HIV status so she can start treatment to prevent her child from becoming infected. Remember, you cannot tell by looking. HIV can be prevented if you use a condom every time you have sex.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444.