joeblowyoudontknow

I do feel like it should be clarified that the $50k+ medical bill was (as far as I can tell from the details) for a month in the hospital and a gall bladder removal surgery, and not for testing HIV+, which probably occurred during standard testing in the hospital. I say this only so as not to discourage people from feeling that they can get tested without fear of a random astronomical medical bill. Most testing is free and anonymous, and meds can be attained though community health care services if/when needed. No disparagement on the OP is intended, I just feel like that should be spelled out clearly.

I am also undetectable with a strong t-cell count, and in pretty good health (for a 45 year old). I very rarely get sick, less so it seems than a lot of my HIV- friends, and I attribute a lot of that to keeping a positive mental outlook. I don't overly sanitize my hands or anything, I just try to be smart about things when I can. The only side effects I get from my particular meds are 'strange' dreams and a slightly dizzy/druggy feelings, which is why I take them before I go to bed, and I wake up feeling well-rested and with no problems. In the beginning there was some nausea as I got used to the meds, but that wore off before too long. They have really come a long way since the early days of treatment.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to make it sound like a walk in the park or something that I encourage people to try, but believe me, it can always be worse. A good friend of mine got Hepatitis C from an Ex, and there is no treatment available for that.

And it may be easier to say than to do, but you should try to ease up on the transmission fear if you can... I know exactly where you're coming from, but as long as you're honest, and use protection, it's not something that is actually that easy to transmit. The only way someone could catch it from a cut on your finger is if you then stuff that bleeding finger into one of their sexual orifices. It isn't leprosy, as much as the stigma may suggest otherwise.

The new insurance laws (Obamacare) stipulate that you cannot be refused for a pre-existing condition, including being HIV+.

A month in a hospital is unfortunately very expensive, regardless of the reason you are there. Most hospitals are run for profit in the US, and there's a lot of money to be made from suffering.

Glad you're getting your meds for free, I was going to suggest moving to one of the larger cities where you can get affordable care before I read this. I've been HIV+ for over 10 years now, and it is hard, but it doesn't mean life is over and it could always be worse. Try to keep a positive outlook if you can, and do what makes you happy.

As for your bill, I wouldn't sweat it too much, they can't get blood from a stone, and with medical bills there isn't really much they can do to get the money from you. Your credit may be screwed for 7 years or so, but I'm not even sure if they can hold medical bills against you in that sense.

Good luck in the future with everything. And remember, you are not alone.

No problem, and thank you. Hopefully things will get better and better as time goes on. I don't know if you know any other poz folks in your town, but you may want to consider that, possibly looking for a support group through the community health services, having a friend or two that can relate to your situation can make all the difference.

Anyway, chin up, and keep on keepin' on!