HIV? AIDS? WTF? Alternative medical treatments

by Mary Turner
Gayly Columnist

Every semester, I ask my psychology students to explain the difference between the “hard” sciences and the “soft” sciences. Almost without fail, they believe that the deciding factor is the math requirement. Given how many people feel about math, that seems reasonable, but it is actually very wrong. The “soft” sciences often require as much math as the “hard” ones do (think, meteorology, psychology, medicine). People are unique and difficult to make predictions about. That’s why you must be a partner in your healthcare interventions and treatments. Doctors are people, not gods. They know what they know, but they can’t read your mind or look into a crystal ball to predict how you will respond to various HIV treatments.

While some of you may tolerate HIV drugs fairly well, for others, the side effects are just too extreme. Sure, you might live longer, but do you really want to? Perhaps you survive HIV only to succumb to a heart attack or liver failure caused by the meds that are supposed to keep you from dying of AIDS. That’s not a good trade-off.

Rather than relying strictly on Western medicine, many people have begun exploring alternative medical regimens. In many cases, these substances and treatments have been around much, much longer that what we in America consider “medicine.” While many people report feeling better and stronger on alternative therapies, it’s important to remember that they are not without their problems.

The goal of alternative medicine is to help the body use its own natural resources to boost its immune system and keep it strong and healthy. To this end, some people use vitamin, mineral, animal, or plant supplements to help their immune systems heal. Some use supplements in conjunction with traditional Western medicines. NOTE to self: These substances may or may not play well together.

For this reason, you must tell your doctor/health care provider what you are taking and in what strength. Some foods may not play well with one or both forms of treatment, so ask questions. Remember, this is your life and your body. You have to communicate in order to live as long and as well as you can. If you’re thinking, but Mary, I’m kind of shy and I forget what questions to ask, and I get embarrassed, remember that embarrassment is the least of your worries if you are HIV positive. Your silence might mean unnecessary setbacks and pain and suffering that you don’t want or need. Write your questions down as you think of them so that you can take them to your next doctor visit.

Just as you should inquire about the credentials of the doctor you are using for traditional treatments, you must inquire about the training and expertise of those who provide your alternative treatments. It is very easy to put a sign in a window and say you’re open for business. That doesn’t mean that you truly understand what you’re doing or that you have experience working with HIV positive individuals.

Ask questions, observe whether the person takes the time to get to know you, and don’t feel pressured into making a decision. If the person promises a “miracle,” or if you feel like someone is trying to sell you a used car, smile and walk away. The study and treatment of people is a soft science, and you need to feel that your health care team recognizes you as your own person. It’s possible for you to live a long healthy life, but only if you keep your wits about you and work on making that possible.

August 10, 2013