Health

WHAT ARE PID SYMPTOMS?

WHAT ARE PID SYMPTOMS?

DEAR COUNSELLOR:

Recently I was diagnosed with PID. I heard that PID is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. I also read a lot about it but I am still unclear about the general symptoms and so I would like you to tell me some of the general symptoms of PID.

J.J.

Dear J.J.

Thanks for your letter. You are doing the right thing by trying to learn more about an infection that affects you. The general symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) are:

* Pain in the lower abdomen, may be moderate to severe

* Fever, which may be high or low-grade.

* Nausea, stomach-aches, diarrhoea and vomiting.

* Painful intercourse.

* Irregular or unusually long and painful periods with heavy bleeding or discharge, or blood clots.

* Spotting and/or pain between periods.

* Pain in the lower back or legs.

* Unusual vaginal discharge.

It is important for you to know that the type and severity of symptoms depend on:

* The kind and strength of the infecting germ. * The organs affected.

* Overall health of the patient. Symptoms will be more severe if general health is poor.

Please note also that while males don't have PID, they can be carriers of the germ that causes PID. Therefore, it is important for the male partner of infected female partner to get tested too.

PARENTS LIVING WITH AIDS

DEAR COUNSELLOR:

I need your help. My parents are both living with AIDS. While my mother is not doing badly my father is very ill. Is there a place/a home you could recommend that I take them to? What about having them hospitalised?

Worried Daughter:

Dear Worried Daughter:

One of the best places for people with AIDS, the disease caused by HIV, to be cared for is at home, surrounded by the people who love them. Many people living with HIV/AIDS can lead an active life for long periods of time. Most of the time, people with AIDS do not need to be in the hospital. Being at home is often cheaper, more comfortable, more familiar, and gives them more control of their life. In fact, people with AIDS-related illness often get better faster and with less discomfort at their home with the help of their friends and loved ones.

REGULAR CHECK-UP

You should get regular updates from your parents' doctor/health care provider on what kind of care is needed. Many times what is needed is not medical care, but help with normal chores of life. Also remember that HIV/AIDS causes stress on both the person who is sick and you as you care for them. Caring for someone with AIDS is a serious responsibility. You will have to work with your parents and in particular your father who is very ill to decide what needs to be done, how much you can do, and when you need to get additional help. But by rising to the challenges of caring for your parents who are living with HIV/AIDS, you can share emotionally satisfying experience, even joy. You can also find new strength within yourself. But you need to take care of yourself as well as your parents.

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