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I just went to my dentist to have my teeth cleaned. This was my 4th visit and I had woman clean my teeth that I had not met before(but she has been with dentist a long time). I did disclose my HIV status right from the start and its in my chart. At the END of my last cleaning and up at the front deck with many staff and fell patents at or near counter the hygenist Said very loudly (Oh ar you HIV or AIDS?) I had & I was in shock!I did eductate her about privacy issues & the law. Shocked me
I was visiting the local VA urgent care for a lung infection. The DR stood across the room to examine me (my mother-in-law was witness). He didn't even listen up close. He ordered a prednisone pack and sent me on my way.
HIV is our opportunity to empower ourselves as medical consumers! Every state has a Medical Licensing Board and it is THERE that we should direct our concerns each and every time we are faced with compromised care because of our HIV status. I have looked a physician in the eye more than once and said "You're Fired !" because I knew I was not receiving top-notch care. The key is Do Your Homework. Learn as much as you can about treatment options, etc. and show them what makes us survivors
Not much has changed in the minds of many medical personnel. Went to pick up my HIV meds at a pharmacy connected with my health plan, the pharmacy tech was pleasant, got my prescription, looked at it and then his demeanor changed radically, pushed it at me, I signed the charge slip and he didn't even say thank you. I have learned, in many cases once someone knows you have HIV, you are no longer a person, just a virus carrier.
Joey
Why do people tolerate this? Did these people learn nothing in med school? Complain to the higher ups at every level every time!
September 25, 2007 • Long Beach,CA