Hello everybody,
I have an extremely unusual situation here, and I was wondering if
anybody has encountered anything similar or can offer advice. Let me
explain:
A client/patient came to the office (walk-in, no prior appointment), and
I did an evaluation. The person is approx. 35 years old, left
transtibial amputee secondary to vascular disease. She is currently on
anti-depressive medication and experiences mood swings. She is also
HIV+.
She mentioned to me that she is HIV+ because she used to work as an
adult film star and call girl. She keeps asking me if I know of anyone
that can put her in touch with people called “devotees”. These devotees
are people who are attracted specifically to amputees. She has read
about them and, I think, heard about them on the Howard Stern radio
show.
I have told her several times that I don’t know anyone of the sort and I
try to change the subject. She, however, persists upon asking again and
again. Judging from her recent background, I’m assuming she intends to
find these devotees for the purpose of making money off of them. I
really don’t know that for sure, but given her past and her desire to
locate them I have to assume it’s for some form of self-exploitation.
I am extremely uncomfortable with this whole situation. What she does
is her business, but I am concerned. I mean, even if she does locate
some people like that, will she disclose her HIV status??? At what
point and how should I disassociate myself from the whole thing? Should
I recommend she check out Amp-L and the St.-John’s Listservers (just to
get her to stop asking me)? Is it ethical to recommend she go somewhere
else? Or is it unethical to not try to help her? The issue is
clouded… exactly what is my professional and ethical responsibility at
this point?
Frankly, I don’t know what to do. Has anybody ever had a similar
patient? Please advise.
Bill Lifford, CP
ARIMED Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
Brooklyn, NY
