🏳️‍🌈✝️ Recently Diagnosed - Being Mistreated?

Question and answer at The Body

Dr. David Fawcett 

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Bipolar, newly diagnosed, stigma 

Jul 2, 2017

 

I was diagnosed with bipolar 16 years ago. Over the years I've learned to deal with the stigma surrounding this serious mental illness. I've had some discrimination in the workplace and am always torn with telling them the reason for my frequent appointments. Outside of work (where I live very openly) I mostly find support. 

I was just diagnosed HIV+ 2 days ago. I shared the new diagnosis with my chiropractor today. I felt treated differently. I had to see a new doctor in my new primary care clinic (my insurance changed). I felt like he rushed the the visit, not properly treating my concerns. When I read the plan notes, there were a lot of things that they said he did that were not done (discussing diet and exercise for example). 

Tonight I've had a number of health things going on today and had to go to the ER for evaluation. When they were checking me in (both at registration and triage) they seemed to be taking extra precautions (hand sanitizer, a biohazard bag for my urine sample, etc). From the research I've done in the last few days, I know that nothing that they have done puts them at any risk. 

Do they not understand that treating me differently than they do other patients is damaging? I would expect medical professionals to know the risk factors and treat patients with maybe a little extra compassion. 

Perhaps I'm just super sensitive right now. I was infected by a partner who knew for more than 4 years he was positive and did not disclose. Yes, I chose to take risks but never did I dream that I would be sitting here, facing a life of dealing with two of our societies worst stigmas (mental health and HIV). 

Response from Dr. Fawcett

 Thank you for writing. I'm sorry to hear about your recent HIV diagnosis simply because of the additional stress it creates for you. Stress, as you know, can aggravate your bipolar symptoms, although having been diagnosed over 16 years ago you seem to have managed your symptoms very well.

Although HIV is a manageable diagnosis it still comes as a shock (for some even a trauma). At just 2 days post-diagnosis you are most certainly still in shock so I encourage you to take extra precautions with your rest and other aspects of self-care, including being sensitive to mood swings. 

You are no doubt acutely aware of stigma right now, and it certainly still exists, so it is important that you find providers who are supportive of you and who understand what is risky (and what is not) concerning HIV. You don't mention where you are but in most urban areas one can find high quality and informed HIV care. 

You and your primary care (or infectious disease) specialists need to be collaborators as you determine the best course of care. Many clinics are rushed. Find one where this is minimal and, in any case, make a list of your concerns to bring with you into the appointment so that it is focused. 

You should find a case manager at a local AIDS service organization that can help you locate providers and schedule services like those listed in your treatment plan. Medical providers often simply don't have the time to do this. 

Finally, it is extremely important that you find a social network that can provide the support you need. This may include close friends, facilitated support groups, a psychotherapist, and a psychiatrist. 

Being diagnosed and engaged in care early has great benefits. You simply need to employ the skills you already have to managing HIV. 

All the best,
David
  
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