When tests, treatments, and hospitalizations become frequent, the life of the person with AIDS and the lives of loved ones lose their normal daily patterns and often become very difficult. If you find yourself in this position, the following ideas may be helpful. Patient Advocacy Confronting the medical establishment can be overwhelming for a person in good health. The unknowns about AIDS often mean that there are numerous tests, reports, opinions. It can be very helpful to have one or two others who are close to your loved one to listen to the doctor's reports, ask questions, and take notes.
Information can help reduce fear.
You can also help establish a rapport with the medical staff in the clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. Let the staff know you are interested, and that you will politely, but firmly, follow through to fulfill the needs of the patient. Become a partner in the medical care, and ask questions when you need to. There is a reason for assertiveness in the hospital. All institutions have their own daily routines that seem to work best for that facility.