Do I have the right to insist on starting treatment regardless of what the doctor wants?

Question

I've got HIV and Hep C from idu, infected in 2006 diagnosed 2009. My CD4 count is 450 and T8 ratio is .33 unknown VL (they've continually screwed up the tests as results are time-limited and the nearest lab that can handle it is over an hour away)
I want to start treatment on HAART immediately as from every study I've read & from talking to people I know who are similarly afflicted that guidelines are about to change at a CD4 count of 500 soon. I live in a rural, conservative area, and the specialist is no different, to her if the book says 350 then treatment should be withheld until it reaches that point,. Knowing how I feel physically and from symptoms that have begun to appear I think it's best to begin right away. Do I have the right to insist on treatment regardless of what she thinks?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You would be MUCH better off speaking with your doctor and working out a treatment plan together rather than you storming in and demanding things.

While you are fully in charge of your own health, please take it as a given that your doctor has a lot more knowledge about the subject in general. If you have any questions or concerns, I would strongly advise you to speak openly with your doctor.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, it makes a lot of sense. I've been frustrated, it takes months to get an appointment with a specialist and then find out they screwed up the blood tests so they couldn't even make a proper diagnosis. Living in a small town that's stuck in 1955 it's hard to find answers to my questions

Answer 2

i think u should be able too, if she doesnt treat u then find another doctor that will, doctors are there to help and 'doctor' sick people. i am sorry to hear about ur illness. u need to find a doc who will be there for u, in most cases the patient knows best.