Can You be a Wanderer with HIV?

[Triton318]

Hello. I was diagnosed with HIV in September 2017 and immediately was put on Genvoya. Things are going well--I've been healthy, alternating between undetectable and around 30, with a CD4 count of 363.

I am 56 and want to do certain things before I die, such as riding a motorcycle from Alaska to Patagonia and cruising aboard a sailboat. However, I'm not sure this is possible, because of the necessity of being on ARV medication. Currently, I go to a clinic about an hour from me for my semiannual check-up and blood work. I get my Genvoya from the pharmacy there. It's a Ryan White clinic, and I only pay $20.00 a month for it. Were I not to qualify, the monthly co-payment through my employer's health insurance would be close to $400.00.

Is it possible to be a "vagabond" if you are on an ARV medication? Is so, how does one do it? Or, am I destined to live a more settled life?

Thanks in advance for any advice, insights, suggestions, and support you can offer!

NOTE: To be clear, I'm really talking about the logistics of getting medication while traveling long term.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

HIV meds are not a limitation as such, it's a few bottles of pills to take with you. Just make sure you bring enough meds with you for the duration of the trip and, that wherever you plan to visit does not have restrictions.

Edit, in response to the edit from OP:

Getting meds abroad depends on where and, how long you are staying. So its a bit more planning just like many people with manageable conditions have. 

Best, Jim

[Jim Allen]

BTW Slightly off-topic but any particular motorbike in mind?

[Triton318]

I was thinking about a Kawasaki KLR650 dual sport. I used to have one and really liked it.

[jongen]

I definetely think you can! I spent half a year travelling in South America. Took pills for the entire period of time. Take a letter from your doctor with the confirmation that the pills are for your own use. My bag was opened by Chilean custom officers and they wanted to know what I had the pills for. That was the only situation like that. Btw, Patagonia is beautiful! Good luck!

[MadDog125]

I am not sure you need to worry even if your using ryan white foundation support.  They have locations all over north America.   I was paranoid at first as I travel frequently for work myself.  On another side some foundations and insurance will issue larger drug supplies on request.  Meaning you could attain as much as a 90 or more day supply in a shot.
Better news politically speaking many of the countries that still restrict travel for those with HIV are discussing about and or ending said restrictions.

[leatherman]

even if your using ryan white foundation support.  They have locations all over north America.

do you mean the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program? that's federal funding granted to the states; which then is distributed to health care providers to provide meds and health care for PLWH. Each state administers their program with their own eligibility requirements, paperwork, and restrictions. You would have to apply for assistance in each state, providing medical eligibility requirements (HIV+), financial eligibility (often under 200% FPL; but anywhere from 400% to 100%), and state residence requirements.

Some ASOs (aids service organizations) and FQHC (federally qualified health centers) that receive Ryan White Funding also have 340b Drug Discount Program monies or private contributions that allow them to assist PLWH who aren't state residents or are who are waiting for state Ryan White approval.

Some programs/pharmacies (insurance, RW, 340b programs, etc) do not dispense 90 day supplies. this information would need to be researched for a specific location, provider, pharmacy.

[TGun]

i had this concern too for a bit,, im also diagnosed since sept 2017. alls well now.

i learned that insurance companies here in USA will usually give you a 90 day supply when needed and if asked, no more though.

Also, i refill my meds 3 weeks out every month, so in essence after awhile i have a few bottles in reserve already that have built up.  just check the expiration dates and use the one thats going to expire soonest.

if worse comes to worse, i figure i will fly to bangkok and see an MD there and get a 6 month supply from the thai red cross, via cash payment. 

Just a few ideas for you.  best of luck in your travels.

[Triton318]

Thank you all for the replies and the information; I really appreciate it. I guess the take away is that, yes, traveling extensively is a very real possibility with research and planning.

Thanks!