Need Help From Someone Who's Gay, Poz & Living in Montreal

[greatcyber]

Seems like my hubby and I are going to be going from placidly doing nothing to packing and leaving the country on our way to Montreal.  He is a Canadian citizen who hasn't lived in Canada since he's been 5.  I have private insurance.  Can someone please tell us what to expect and what to do and if we can have our own doctor.  All of the sudden the freak-out factor is setting in! 

HELP!

Stephen and Joe

[DanielMark]

Hi Stephen,

I live in Ottawa and unfortunately know nothing of how things work in Montreal. Hopefully someone else here can help you. Have you tried contacting any ASOs or perhaps a hospital there for info?

Daniel

[greatcyber]

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your input.  No, I haven't tried any ASOs yet.  I'll try that.  I think COC is one in the area.  We are most likely going to go to Montreal in October for a house hunting trip and will try to get as much info in person.  The problem is we don't speak French too well at this point.  Of course, that will change rather quickly.

We are also interested in how the government handles medical marijuana.  Here, in the states, we use marinol for nausea as well as pain relief and other associated side effects.  I was wondering how most HIV docs feel about prescribing it.  I have chronic pain from neuropathy.

We also want to find out if there might be any programs that will help us with getting a mortgage with little or no money down, perhaps due to the disability angle there might be special programs?  We are basically walking away from our house since we no longer can afford the $4500 USD mortgage payment (and escrow) monthly and it will be easier to start over.  We have decent inicomes so paying our bills and saving shouldn't be a problem.  Even if that means renting a place for a year or two before we buy.  We should be able to save a minimum of $50K for a down-payment in two years.  We also have 2 indoor cats and 3 little dogs (not much bigger than the cats).

It's starting to become a little overwhelming.  Hopefully, the right person will read this post and have some real answers to put our minds at rest a little bit.  Thanks to everyone.

[redhotmuslbear]

The problem is we don't speak French too well at this point.  Of course, that will change rather quickly.

My experience in travelling to Montreal for business and pleasure is that Montrealiers seem eager to speak English with an American, while they'll stonewall a Canadian anglophone who cannot speak French.  This can make for rather strange conversation for someone with 11 years of French instruction whose dormant language comes alive with about 10 minutes on the street alone.  Of course, learning the language won't hurt you any, one you master the damned vowels.

Cheers,
David

P.S.  Have you spoken to anyone at the Canadian Embassy about the transition?  They are super-queer-friendly here in DC -- and friendly to non-super-queers, too!

[Ann]

Hi Stephen,

I'm thinking you might get more responses if this thread were in the Living forum, as this forum doesn't get all that much traffic.

Just say the word, and I'll move it for you.

Ann
xxx

[greatcyber]

Hi Ann,

I had originally thought about putting it in the living forum but then opted for long-term since I only wanted real info from treatment experienced folk and not from naive but well-intentioned posters.  At this point, I don't have the luxury of pouring over dozens of 'hypothetical' ideas...I need real world answers...and fast as our move is all of the sudden on fast forward.

Thanks for your input, I value it and trust your opinion as you certainly have more exposure and experience with this site than I do.  Joe appreciates it as much as I do, as well.

I am really hoping that we will be able to pick a doc who fits well with what we expect from a practitioner.  One that will not change from visit to visit.  Of course, for me keeping my private insurance might make all the difference in the world, but Joe doesn't have that luxury.  He will be at the mercy of whatever Canada offers up.  So if we can get some real experiences from real pozzies in Montreal it will be most appreciated.

Stephen

[J.R.E.]

Stephen and Joe,

I can't really offer you any advice, but I do want to wish the both of you the very best in your move to Canada. I remember you had been mentioning this for a while. I know it has to be quite an undertaking, hopefully things will fall into place very fast, and you'll get settled in !



Take care----Ray

[northernguy]

..I am really hoping that we will be able to pick a doc who fits well with what we expect from a practitioner.  One that will not change from visit to visit.  Of course, for me keeping my private insurance might make all the difference in the world, but Joe doesn't have that luxury.  He will be at the mercy of whatever Canada offers up.  So if we can get some real experiences from real pozzies in Montreal it will be most appreciated.

Stephen

Having private insurance won't make a difference in getting a doctor in Canada.  Your partner will have the same ability to choose a physician (one that is accepting patients) that you do.

[bahbayb]

Hi Stephen and Joe,It happens I am a Canadian who has just moved back to Canada after over 20 years living in San Francisco.First of all,in order to be admitted into the Quebec Government  Insurance Plan,plan on having 3 months of meds ahead of time because there is a 3 month waiting time.I had to prove that I would not return to Us( I even had to renounce my Green Card) You have to sympathize with them because they have been burned by Canadians living in Florida,coming back just to get free medical procedure. Keep all documents Airline tickets,Customs Forms,etc.. and have Passport stamped when entering Canada, you will need this to prove your entry, Go early that morning to their office as there are usually long lines,though very civilized and organized.AS far as Doctors are concerned it is up to you.There are very good Aids Clinic.I chose Clinique Du Quartier Latin which is great because they not only treat your HIV but are family Doctors all in one Clinic,whicih is what Quebec lacks is Family Doctors. The Pharmacy ,where I get my meds,is right in the Clinic.My total cost for Virramune Videx and Viread plus a small dosage for blood pressure costs me 75.00 monthly.
Any more info I can be of help with do not hesitate to email me.I have just been throgh so much paper work,in the last 2 years I have become an expert,especially for Canadian Old Age Security,I am 67.This something to think about depending on your age and is based on the amount of years lived in Canada after age 18 up to 65,and there also I had to keep records Airline tickets etc.In ending,I made an appointment at the Clinic in July for September even though I did not have a Medical Card yet but expected to get it by the September 04 appointment.In case you are wondering I am very happy to be back.Bonne Chance.Robert