One of the most important tools that you have in fighting HIV disease is your relationship with your doctor. It's worth spending time looking for the right doctor, and being ruthless about changing doctors who don't work for you. Studies have shown that a person with HIV whose doctor treats lots of other HIV-positive patients lives longer than a person whose doctor only treats a few HIV patients. In other words, if at all possible, find a doctor who specializes in treating HIV!

If you don't know where to go or who to ask for advice on finding a doctor with lots of experience treating people with HIV, then try contacting your local AIDS service organization—they usually have a list of recommended doctors in your area. You can get the name and number of your local AIDS service organization by calling the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS.

Talk to your doctor—see if you feel comfortable with him or her. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your most personal stuff with the doctor (your sex life, your bowel habits, the weird growth in your groin, or your recurrent yeast infections) then maybe you should change doctors. Remember—your doctor works for you. Would you hire a plumber who made you feel uncomfortable discussing your sink?