Email 108: About Diarrhea, CD4 and Treatment Hubs

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 9:01 PM

Hi Pozzie,

First of all, thank you for people like you. This blog of yours is really helpful. I admire the work that you do for others.

I got tested yesterday and it was reactive HIV 1, non-reactive to HIV 2. I was told it meant I am HIV+.

I have been suffering from diarrhea over the last month. When I went to see a gastro, he asked that I get checked too for HIV aside from the routine tests he will do for my digestive issues.

I have so many questions in my head right now, but here's a few I hope you could help me with.

1. I was referred to go to RITM in Alabang for baseline tests. I am just z bit concerned that the travel may stress me out. I wasn't feeling any other discomfort aside from the diarrhea but after I found out about my status I began to feel feverish (probably psychosomatic).

 I called TMC and they do the baseline tests for a certain amount Php1000++, but they could charge more if I get seen by a doctor. What do you recommend I do?

2. How long do I get the results for my CD4 count after I take the test?

3. About my diarrhea, it's been over a month now, and I really thought it had something to with my hyperacidity. Would that be an indication of any clinical stage I am at? Because of diarrhea, I have lost weight.

These for now. Thank you Pozzie. I can't wait for Monday to get started.
XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE


Hi XXX,

Thank you for your email. thank you for finding my blog. I wish you can be enlightened by my blog entries about HIV.

I am proud of you for getting an HIV test. I wish that other people will do the same and be proactive with their health like what you are doing. Being responsible to oneself and to others is a virtue that everyone should emulate and I salute you for having that.

Regarding your questions, let me answer them in the order that you asked them.

1. RITM-ARG in Alabang is one of the best HIV/AIDS treatment hubs in the Philippines that I really can recommend to you. The hub provides free lab tests, CD4 test and consultation. The staff are all professional, non-judgmental and discreet. When you are there you will feel that they are really willing to help you with your condition. The clinic is also clean and their system is organized.

However, I would recommend a hub that is nearest to you. I agree that RITM-ARG is far from Manila and travelling there might be stressful for you.

The Medical Center's (TMC) I-React is a private hub. However, of course you have to pay for all the lab tests. I was once a private patient there and I spent almost 5k for all my lab tests. That didn't include the CD4 which I spent P13,000 (that was last year, and I believe it is only around P6-8,000 now). It is true that the doctor can dictate what tests to take so be prepared for the costs. The doctor also might require for a Viral Load Test which is also around P6-8,000.

2. CD4 test results come out in private hospitals from 2-5 days. In RITM-ARG, the CD4 test results come out  on the same day. In the other HIV/AIDS treatment hubs, the CD4 test result comes out after 2 weeks.

3. Persistent diarrhea is a symptom of HIV infection. I had persistent diarrhea before too but it stopped after I started HIV treatment. It would be hard for me to tell you what stage you are in since I am not a doctor, so it is best for you to see an HIV specialist and you both can discuss about it.

I am happy that you are taking the steps on Monday. Please email me your contacts at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com if you want me to guide you with your treatment. You can also email me again if you have other concerns.


Stay healthy,
Pozziepinoy


"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


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