Her HIV care has been a source of struggle between us, since she habitually refuses to have her blood counts done. “I can’t know what treatment you need,” I explain, “if I don’t know the state of your immune system.” Once, in utter frustration, I tried to coerce her into having the blood tests by threatening to withhold her methadone. A week later I recanted. “It’s not my right to force you into anything,” I said by way of apology. “The methadone has nothing to do with HIV. Whether you get yourself tested or not is entirely up to you. I can only offer you my best advice. I’m sorry.” “Thank
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