positive for 5 years no meds help

[jackh]

i am 45 years old, been positive for 5 years, i have no health insurance (i do work contractor) but it cost to much. i tried the government system, but felt like i was a test subject, then they tried to bill me when they said it would be free. i am symptom free except for jock itch which i am having trouble getting rid of.
besides the hiv of live a healthy lifestyle, eat organic and take vitamins. can anyone help me.
thanks
jack

ps i live in northeast pennsylvania, my problem with the government system:
1. i had a case worker who told me everything was free then i received a bill for 2,000.
this is my problem, now they have a collection agency after me. i feel i am all alone in this battle, i have not told anyone about me being positive because of the stigma that goes along with it, but i feel one day i will.
can any give me some advice

[Miss Philicia]

You need to give more details of this "government system" and what exactly happened that you didn't like.  No one here will be able to read this post and have one iota what you're talking about.  It would also help to put in your profile where you live, so that others might offer you some advice on where to obtain treatment with your lack of insurance.  I never understand why people don't fill out these portions of their profiles when they register here.

But whatever, welcome to the AIDSmeds forums.

[Moffie65]

Hi Jack,

First off, stay on the organic, and it will help alot.  

Jock itch could actually be Foliculitis, which if you look up on WebMD, you will find a description of same.  I had it for the first 10 years of my infection, and didn't even know what it was.

I would highly recommend that you look up your nearest HIV/AIDS service organization and see what you can do about getting into a doctor.  If you make too much money to qualify for medical treatment, they will still have references to the best doctors in your area.  If you don't like the government system of care for HIV Positives, then you'll have to dig deep to pay for everything yourself.  Currently my meds cost the VA health system about $52,000 a year, which I couldn't pay for at all.

If you are a veteran, the VA will welcome you and they have a really good HIV setup.  You might however, have to travel a bit to get to a VA hospital.  

Good luck, read the lessons here and learn as much as you can about this disease.  I have owned a commercial semi truck, an apartment complex, and opened two HIV service organizations since I have become positive, so never let anyone tell you it is over.

[mjmel]

Welcome jackh. Yes, one can feel like a piin cushion or test subject now and then but it's all part of the procedure of monitoring your system (blood) for appropriate treatment timing.
As suggested, you could give a bit more info on yourself and still have identity issue covered. Bottom Line: It's all about what each individual is comfortable with sharing.
i.e. I live in southern Ohio but except for friends/acquaintances I've made here and there, that's all I care to reveal concerning location.

re: universal heathcare system in good olde USA.

Mike