Question
Will scans from outside the NHS affect my free HIV care?
10 April 2009. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Other tests.
Hi
I’m a 49 year old male. I was diagnosed HIV-positive 15 months ago and have been on medication for 13 months (Atripla).
My last test results were CD = 486, viral load = less than 50 copies/mL , CD4% = 17. I get very good care from my local NHS hospital. I have blood tests every 4 months.
My question is whether you recomend, if someone is able to do any tests outside of NHS, such as Dexa scan, or MRI scans (to detect ealy signs of any cancers), as older HIV-positive people may be more suceptable).
If i went outside the NHS, will I be putting my NHS care at risk? Should i raise these questions with my clinic doctor
thanks,
Sam
Answer
Hi Sam
Anything that you worry about relating to your health is important to talk to your doctor about.
S/he will be able to talk about your particular worries as well as your risks for a range of complications that increase will age and HIV-status, and help you take other precautionary measures.
Dexa scans are used more for fat/muscle sitribution and also for bone strength – an important issue that still is not closely monitored. Scaning for cancer is more complicated, expensive and specialised. You may be eligible for routine screening under the NHS.
Many people think that every HIV-positive person should have a Dexa scan before starting treatment or whne they are diagnosed, so that baseline levels are recorded.
If you chose to access any of these tests privately or under existing medical insurance, this should not affect your HIV-treatment on the NHS.
If you have other questions after speaking to your doctor, pls get back to us.
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