What To Do When You Find Out That You're a Pozzie

Your initial steps to take once your HIV test result becomes positive:

If you're ASYMPTOMATIC (no signs of illnesses) and you just took the test out of curiosity and found out you're positive:

1. Talk to your doctor and ask what is the next step is for you. Usually the first result will tell you that you are HIV positive but it will still be sent to San Lazaro Hospital or RITM for confirmation. Sometimes there are results that are only false positives, so they just want to be sure of the diagnosis. Usually this takes from 2-3 weeks.

 Two options that you can do next, of course with your doctor's approval:
     a. Wait for the confirmatory result
     b. Have a CD4 count done early. Ask your doctor about this if he is ok for you to get your CD4 while waiting for the confirmatory result. The normal CD4 count is 500 up. There's nothing to lose anyway, except the cost of the test. If your CD4 count is below 500 ask your doctor about the items in #4 (See below).

2. When you leave the hospital, talk to someone. May it be your partner, friend, parents, siblings or anybody close to you. It's best to clear up your mind from the news that you just received.

3. Don't waste time. Do your research. Know about the things pertinent to the disease:
     a. Surf the net about HIV, AIDS, ARV Treatment, CD4 cells, Viral Load.
     b. Research about the HIV/AIDS treatment hubs near your place.
     c. Be a member of PhilHealth fast. If you are already a member, make sure that you have your MDR ready. Research about the benefits of PhilHealth when it comes to HIV/AIDS. Trust me, they have a package that will cover the cost of treatment.

4. Once you're confirmed to be HIV positive, ask the doctor for the next step:
    a. Get consultation from your chosen hub
    b. Ask if laboratory tests  and blood work are needed
    c. Ask for your CD4 test schedule.

5. If you took all lab tests and blood work and the CD4 test, you will have to wait for awhile.
    a. The lab tests will tell you if you have untreated illnesses. If you have untreated illnesses, your doctor will tell you what you should do next.
    b. The CD4 will reveal status of your immune system. It will also tell you when you need to start with the treatment or not.  If your CD4 count is below 350, you will be needing treatment already.

If you're SYMPTOMATIC:

1. Your attending physician will:
     a. get all lab tests and blood work done
     b. Request you to have an HIV test especially if they diagnosed you with one or two opportunistic infections.

2. If the result becomes positive, still it will be sent to SLH or RITm for confirmation. This will take 2-3 weeks. While waiting:
    a.  Talk to someone. May it be your partner, friend, parents, siblings or anybody close to you. It's best to clear up your mind from the news that you just received. It's better to relieve the burden off your shoulders so you can get better with your existing condition.
    b. Seek consult from an Infectious Disease on the next steps to take
    c. Ask the ID doctor if you can get your CD4 done to know the status of your immune system. This is what happened to me. My doctor instead of waiting for 2-3 weeks requested for me to get a CD4 count fast. In RITM you'll get the result in only 4 hours. Would cost you P3,000 but at least you don't have to wait. In SLH it's only P2,500.

3. The doctors will first treat your infections until you become stable.

4. Once you have a confirmation that you are HIV positive and your CD4 result is out, your ID doctor will take charge and will tell you if you need treatment or not.

Your doctor still knows best. Of course, it is better that you have knowledge on what to do too. Evaluation and treatment involve a partnership between you and your doctors. Question everything. Do your research. It is after all your health.. and your life.

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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