A few weeks in..

[tavopav]

I apologize that this turned into more of a relationship-y post.

I'm a 25 y/o gay male

Nearly 2 months ago I decided to get medical attention for a pesky rash I'd been experiencing. At the time I was in a long term relationship of 3 years. What started as a fun adventure with the goal of meeting new people (and moving on from a past relationship) turned into a seemingly inescapable roller coaster of unhappiness, stagnation, and guilt. As I look back, it was not really like a roller coaster at all, but there were sprinkles of happiness throughout.

All the while I discovered and, admittedly, partook in infidelity. Mine was mostly emotional; his was much more. But I still did not leave. Sitting here I cannot really explain why. It was just easier to let days, months, and eventually years pass by without having to deal with the fallout of ending it.

But here I am now dealing with the fallout. I have a positive preliminary blood result. I have found out that so does he. I am doing my best to keep my mind in a good place and have reached out to a special person for support. However I have not told any other friends or family. My plan was to wait for the confirmatory test result, but I have run into setbacks.

The community center where I got tested is not able to cover most of the important additional tests and they do not take my insurance. When it comes to insurance dealings I'm like a lost puppy.

Does anyone have any advice about insurance related things? I am beginning to feel pretty lonely and lost. Any input at all would be greatly appreciated.

[mecch]

If you live in the usa, you should find and use a HIV or AIDS service association to figure out how you are going to meet the challenge of paying of HIV-related healthcare.   Or a gay health centre that has social workers or anyone, really, who can advise you how to access the health care that is now essential. 

You need to get that western blot test asap to put things in clear light.

[Ann]

Welcome to the forums, Tavo.

You do need to have further testing (including a Western Blot) to confirm or rule out hiv infection. False positives can and do happen.

You can find testing centers near you by putting your zip code into poz.com's Health Services Directory. Use the top search box - it's the one for testing. There is bound to be some place that will do the confirmatory testing without all the insurance palava - ring and ask.

I need you to stay in this thread only until such time as you have had your diagnosis confirmed or ruled out. Thank you for your cooperation regarding this.

Good luck with your testing - please keep us updated.

Ann