Email 37: Another Poz' Journey

"Hi Pozzie,

I came across your blog when I searched it through google. I feel that it is very informative. I was tested positive last April. At first I was really afraid to get tested for HIV. I think it's the fear of knowing that I might have the said condition and rather die without knowing it. 

But by the time that my hunch was confirmed, I just told myself, life must go on. Wala na akong magagawa andyan na yan eh. I think I'm just blessed that the doctor referred to a specialist here in our place who handles people living with HIV. Now I’m taking my ARV’s for almost 4 months now and all my tests are free except for the CD4. I’m also thankful for the support of my family as they are open minded regarding this condition. I am more paranoid than them. I am the one putting restrictions like I should have my own utensils, etc etc. With research I continue to educate myself about HIV. We also have a support group in our place but I haven’t attended any meetings yet. 

I also wanted to write about my new journey but I don’t know where to start. I hope to keep in touch with you via email and sms. Maybe I can have a vacation in Manila soon to meet you as well.

Best regards and God bless,

XXX"

POZZIEPINOY’S REPLY

Hi XXX,

Thank you for reading my blog. Thanks too for having the courage to write me.

I am proud and happy for taking charge of your health.

First, for taking the test and overcoming the fears inside your mind. Taking the test is the initial test of you being responsible for your health. It is really scary at first but it is better to have it done as early as possible so one will know what to do next and become proactive in taking care of one’s health.

Second, for believing in your ARV’s as I believe that you are taking them for 4 months now and following the orders of your doctors.

Third, for having a family who love, supports and understands what you are going through. Our families, no matter what will be there for us and I am happy that you had the courage to tell your fast.

Fourth, for having an HIV specialist who is guiding you with your treatment and finding a hub that provides you with free services.

Fifth, for increasing your knowledge about our disease by doing your own research.

Sixth, for identifying a support group in your community even though you haven’t attended any meeting yet.

I am glad to hear a fellow poz like you who have a positive attitude towards your journey with HIV. I am pretty sure that with a good hub like yours, with a good doctor supervising you, your journey is something to be read about.

I will send you my phone number so in case you would want to ask questions or just talk. We can also meet when you take your vacation here in Manila.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

                                                             *******************

*** Please donate to the LOVE FUND. It is for the benefit of the indigent pozzies that are in dire need of financial help especially for their initial lab tests and OI medications. This is a project of Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco.

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

                Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

1. Personal cash donations to RITM-ARG and look for Ellen Domingo or Maram Bartolome. 
2. Also accepting donations in kind:

*** Medicines for OI Prophylaxis

a. Cotrimoxazole -800mg

b. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com. I will give you the details of the LOVE FUND. Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!