Am I Positive?

  Chapter 3

  Infectious Disease consultation

  They applied to ID policlinic, one by one. Doctor Hussain, originally from Pakistan was working there. He talked to Alex first. And he wanted Alex to be honest and he told him that he would never share his personal data. So he convinced Alex. Alex started to tell everything. He told doctor that he was an IV drug user, he was grown at streets, he had no family, no relatives, all of his friends were homeless people. Hussain was so sad when he listened his story. He said,

  “Dear Alex, yes this is true that HIV is a very dangerous virus. But, you can live very long with this virus if you take care of yourself, and visit us very regularly and follow our advices and take your medicines regularly if you need to use medicine. So, please just don’t worry, but take it serious, do all you have to do and trust me. Ok? ”

  Alex was so surprised. He was thinking he was gonna die very soon.

  “Oh my god, really? Can I live very long? I thought i was going to die from this illness in a few months..”

  Dr. Hussain, relaxed him. Hussain was so sincere and he really was wishing to help. Alex was so much happier than first time he heard that test positive. Also, Dr. Hussain added,

  “We are still not sure if you are HIV positive. We need to do extra tests. So if you accept working with us, i will want you to give new blood samples. ok?”

  Alex answered “Yes. I would be very happy doc…”

  Then, Dr. Hussain wanted new tests from him and sent him to laboratory to give blood samples.

  After him, it is was Brian’s queue. Brian was so much worried. He saw Dr. Hussain with a smiling face. And he wanted him to tell him everything honestly, and he made him sure about everything will remain secret between them. Brian was so anxious at first but then, he trusted Dr. Hussain. He told him everything. Dr. Hussain felt sorry for Brian and Alex. He told Brian,

  “Brian, please get relaxed at first, don’t worry. Now you are with us and we do know what we have to do. About your test result, it seems you are very close to negative. So we need to do confirmation tests. Please trust us and visit us regularly on time. Inshaallah (God willing) we will be sure about your situation if you are positive and negative. And if you are positive, we will start treatment earlier before it makes you very sick, so you can live very very long normal life if you take care yourself and follow our advices. Deal?”

  Brain, “Yes doctor, please..” Brian was so surprised about this doctor’s attitude.

  Afterwards, Brian started to tell about his drug addiction habit. Dr.Hussain was so shocked. He asked Brian if he ever used someone else’ needle. Brian was so worried and couldn't talk. Because he was very scared to go to jail. Dr. Hussain tried to relax him again.

  "Don't worry, this is our secret." he added again.

  Then Brian told him "Yes, I used Alex' needle.”

  Hussain's face changed. Because Alex seemed positive according to his guess. That means, infection risk of Brian increased. Hussain turned to normal, because he had to be strong. He really wanted to help Brian.

  "Ok Brian, please follow my advices" he told him. He wanted to learn if Brian was addicted. Brian said "yes, I am told that I have crisis when I can't reach drug".

  Hussain asked if he wants to get rid of this addiction sincerely. Brian said "Yes, but I am very lonely, drugs help me".

  Dr.Hussain told him he could get psychiatric help.

  Dr.Hussain: “Would you like to get psychiatric help? I have a psychiatrist friend. He can help you.”

  Brian: “Sir, i am worried to go to jail. Jail is full of jerks, it is not easy to stay alive and healthy there. I really need help but i feel i need real friends to guide me in this horrible life.”

  Dr.Hussain: “ My friend is such a guy. He is a medical doctor, he hides secrets and tries his best to guide his patients. He really loves his job."

  Brian: “But i don’t have health insurance”.

  Dr.Hussain: “He is a private MD. He has his own office. I will talk to him, i guess he would be very happy to help you for free. Because, we believe in Allah (God of Muslims) and Allah wants us to help people who need."

  Brian: “Really? But i prefer you doc.”

  Dr.Hussain: “Ok, give me your phone number, i will try my best to help you, deal?”

  Brian: “Thank you so much sir, i am very happy now. But i have a question about HIV?”

  Dr.Hussain: “Yes, please?”

  Brian: “Your face seemed worried when i told you about that i used Alex’ needle. Do you think i have HIV from him?

  Dr.Hussain: “Brian, we need to wait for confirmation test results both for you and Alex. We will talk to you about this next week, ok?”

  Brian:” Ok Sir, now let me go, i will wait for your call”

  Dr.Hussain: “Ok take care, may Allah protects you.”

  Brian: “ Oh you Muslim? I really don’t know your religion and God.”

  Dr.Hussain:” We should meet sometime Brian. I would like to talk to you.”

  Brian: “ That would be great Sir. I will wait for your call then.”

  Dr. Hussain: “See you.”

  Brian left doctors office very happily. Because, he thought he gained a new friend: “Dr. Hussain”. Also Brian and Alex went to give new blood samples for western blot test and HIV RNA test.