ABSTRACT
Maureen had been tested and diagnosed positive for HIV through an anonymous testing site. She had been feeling very tired and was having frequent headaches. She did not feel connected to any one physician or clinic. When she occasionally had a health problem, she went to the nearest walk-in treatment center or emergency room. Most recently, she had been treated for a vaginal infection. She had unsuccessfully tried the usual over-the-counter remedies before she sought medical advice. When she was warned that the infection could become chronic and debilitating if not treated aggressively, she reluctantly agreed to hospital admission for three days of intravenous antiobiotics. Previous to this episode, Maureen's health had been stable other than the cough and bronchitis she tolerated each winter, occasional oral candidiasis, and dermatitis. Knowing she would not consistently take any medication, she had always refused any prescriptions other than a few days worth of pills or an ointment for a specific problem.
