Monday, December 31, 2012

A Fruitful 2012



The year 2012 is about to end and as we all look back, HIVPhilippines.com or Living With HIV in the Philippines Blog would like to report how productive the year was as it gained momentum in helping PLHIV's throughout the country and the world. The blog and all its contributors would like to thank everyone who had contributed to all it's projects, to all those who shared comments and their stories, to those who have been part of the success of this blog.

As we end the year, we would like to share what the blog has been able to accomplish throughout the entire year 2012:

THE LOVE FUND:

For the entire year of 2012, The Love Fund has provided medical and financial assistance to sixty three (63) PLHIV's. The assistance provided to the PLHIV's range from costs of lab tests and prophylaxis, medicines for opportunistic infections, food and transportation. Our sincerest thanks to Maram Bartolome for the efforts of monitoring TLF and submitting a monthly report to be posted in the blog.

PCSO BENEFICIARIES:

For the entire year of 2012, with the screening procedures of the RITM-ARG headed by Dr. Ditangco, the blog was able to assist PLHIV's  in covering the costs of hospitalization, medicines and lab tests through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Twenty seven (27) PLHIV's had been provided the much needed medical assistance through the kind government office. Listed below are the initials of all the PLHIV's that have been helped by the blog and PCSO.

1. J.E.A.
2. A.P.
3. P.B.
4. R.L.
5. E.M.
6. L.M.
7. E.J.D.T.
8. R.P.
9. A.F.
10. C.S.R.
11. D.B.
12. R.C.
13. G.M.V.
14. S.G.
15. J.M.
16. E.S.
17. W.A.A.
18. R.P.A.M.
19. J.J.
20. E.A.Q.
21. C.P.A.
22. E.A.
23. F.N.
24. D.R.
25. R.R.I.
26. L.B.
27. A.F.

ONE OR MORE GET TESTED DAILY:

Because of the blog, it has been reported that one or more people get an HIV test EVERYDAY in RITM-Satellite Clinic in Malate. This is, for us, a GREAT accomplishment as more and more people are having the courage in taking the HIV test and are becoming more responsible not only to themselves but to others. Kudo's to Lean M. Mogol, RMT and Phil Tanpoco of the RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate for helping out every time the blog refers patients to them.

ONLINE COUNSELLING:

For one year, the blog has become a channel for online counselling, sharing of ideas and a resource for HIV and AIDS-related concerns in the Philippines and for OFW's all over the world. The viewership has grown to reach up to 1,500 a day and because of this, Pozziepinoy and the other contributor's are pledging to help more and more people who have questions and concerns about HIV Testing, HIV and AIDS topics, about treatment, symptoms, treatment hubs and symptoms. 

Our sincerest gratitude to our contributor's for helping out in answering emails and writing articles for the blog to enlighten everyone about HIV and AIDS:

1. Malcolm Brown
2. PositHIVe
3. Pinoy Positive
4. Phil Tanpoco
5. SurHIVor
6. SpelMark
7. Jake Positive RN
8. Jersey M.


Year 2012 has been a fruitful year for the blog and 
we wish we can do more in the coming year 2013.


 To all of the readers, 
Thank You for all the support and 
Have A Happy and Fruitful 2012


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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by Google Image and YouTube


Sunday, December 30, 2012

Email 179: ARV's and PTB

Hi Pozziepinoy

 I saw your post  sa HIV forum. Now if I may ask you. I was diagnosed last September of pleural effusion. Na undergo na din ako ng thorax and I'm on my third month of rehabilitation ng lung ko, cat 1 patient under DOTs program and I have read some of blogs online that the possible cause of TB is HIV. If maging possitive ako (wag naman sana) pwede ba pagsabayin ang gamot ko sa TB at HIV  kasi may mga complication as per last blog that I read. I still haven't had my HIV test and I hope you will enlighten me this time. A friend of mine is positive and somehow he gave me hope na if ever na positive ok lang. Also diba free ang gamot provided by the government?

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Iloilo City Social Hygiene Clinic



If you are in Iloilo City and you want to have an STI/HIV Test, you can visit the Iloilo City Social Hygiene Clinic

SERVICES:

1. GRAM STAINING for Gonorrhea, non-Gonorrheal Infection, Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis.

2. WET MOUNT for Trichomoniasis

3. Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) for Syphilis ( Screening Test )

4. Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay (TPHA Test) for Syphilis (Confirmatory Test)

5. Distribution of Antibiotics for Sexually Transmitted Infection  ( FREE if Available )  

6. Diagnosis of Genital herpes, Genital or Anal warts and Pubic Lice.

7. HIV Antibody Test with Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT)

8. One on One Counseling 
9. STI and HIV Education Lecture for Commercial Sex Workers every Wednesday 1pm-3pm

10. Community Outreach with their Trained Peer Educators conducting HIV 101 and STI Education

11. Mobile Voluntary Counseling and Testing ( VCT )


ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:

Located at Bonifacio Tanza, Iloilo City
Open Weekdays 8am-5pm.  

For More information please call (033) 320-8151









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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: Jake Positive RN




Email 178: Question About Blood Donation


Hi Pozziepinoy,


I have a question about blood donation.

Today I encountered volunteers from a Buddhist temple announcing they have blood letting drive. I used to donate before in my college years.

I am now in Singapore.

Email 177: Anal Warts Removal in PGH


Hi Pozzie, 

 Thank you for this blog site, we would be able to communicate in our simple way as we can.

I am a newly diagnosed PLHIV. I was shocked that I cannot move on when I first heard it but, because of this site and RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate where advise was given to me, I was able to move on and face the reality.  I am enrolled right now in RITM-ARG in Alabang and somehow happy to say that I am not yet under HAART because my CD4 count is 555.

Email 176: Where to Get Treatment?



Hi Pozziepinoy,

 I'm Zared (female, not my real name). I just needed some assistance. A special friend of mine just tested positive. He's a nurse and so am I. We're supposedly leaving for job overseas. Where should we start with his management? We're from Manila.

 Thanks.

Looking for Contributor's


We are looking for contributor's or writer's who have first hand experience in the services of HIV/AIDS treatment hubs in the Philippines, aside from RITM-ARG, PGH-SAGIP and Makati Medical Center. We want to promote all the hubs in the country not only a selected few so if you think you have the skills to write about your hub's services and facilities, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com.

We all need to join hands in helping those who are in need, especially the other PLHIV's who asking for answers.

Thank you so much.

Pozziepinoy




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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by Google Image






Email 175: Anal Warts and ARV's


Hello Pozziepinoy,

First of all I would like to greet you a Merry Christmas and thank you for this blog site.

I'm a newly confirmed and was advised to take the ARV's treatment this coming January. I have anal warts and it's now multiplying. Because of your blog site I was able to know that RITM satelite is opering a procedure for warts removal. My question is... Do I need to remove the warts first before undergoing ARV? or can I do it while undergoing the treatment? 

Email 174: OFW Concerns


Hi Pozzie,

I stumbled on your blog months ago but I just gathered the courage to email you regarding my concerns. I have been diagnosed with HIV in 2010 when I was still in Singapore and went to Thailand after a month to get a second opinion (I was still in denial). Prior to this, in August 2009 I had this skin disease called Herpes Zoster which according to the doctor was caused by my weak immune system. Well to cut short, I took some medication and it went away but I never thought about an HIV carrier until I applied for my working pass in Singapore.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Email 173: Concerned About Free ARV's


Dear Pozziepinoy, 

Una po sa lahat ay nagpapasalamat po ako syo dahil madami po kyong natutulungan dahil sa blog site nyo at isa na po ako dun.

Email 172: A Message of Thanks



Merry Christmas Pozziepinoy.

Pagpatuloy mo lang po ang ginagawa mo dahil ang dami mong natutulungan. Nakakalakas ng loob ang ginagawa mo binibigyan mo nagpag-asa ang madami na kahit may sakit sila na wala panglunas sa ngaun ay normal pa din naman mabuhay. Maraming Salamat.

(Translation: Just continue what you are doing becase you are helping a lot. You are giving strength and hope to a lot of people, to live a normal life even though there is no cure yet.

Thank you.

Stay healthy and Godbless you.

 XXX

My Best Christmas Gift: A Christmas Prayer

MY BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT


A Christmas Prayer



On this Christmas Day, 
may we all remember that 
LOVE 
is the only thing that can bind all of us. 

 The world has full of problems, hatred and disorder and if we can only start spreading love, then peace will prevail.

I pray that everyone should appreciate their lives and those of others, their families and friends.

 I pray for good health to everyone and that everyone should value their health and protect the health of others.

I pray for all those who have lost their lives through all life's battles and that we all should learn from how they have lived. 

I pray for all those who are unselfishly giving time to help and share love to others and that others would do the same.

I pray that everyone should count their blessings instead of focusing on all their misfortunes.

I pray that everyone will have the courage to smile inspite of all the problems they are facing.

I pray that everyone should not be afraid to reach out and embrace those who are in need.

I pray that someday, everyone will be treated equally.

I pray that everyone will respect one another.

I pray that everyone will inherit the value of giving back, in returning the favor, in paying forward.

I pray that everyone will have the courage to deal with all the heartaches, diseases, problems and inabilities.

 I pray that everyone will always have hope and optimism in their hearts.

This holiday season, we should reflect on how we have loved and plan on how we can love more in the next years.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

 from 
POZZIEPINOY

and 
from all the
CONTRIBUTORS
of
www.hivphilippines.com and
LIVING with HIV in the Philippines
______________

 To all our avid reader's, 
this is for you!



Monday, December 24, 2012

Best Christmas Gift No. 2: Appreciate Our Health Care Providers

Pozziepinoy's countdown continues...

The best Christmas Gift that one can give TODAY is by showing appreciation by sending gifts, cards, text messages and emails to all our health care providers, our HIV doctors, our nurses and the staff of our HIV/AIDS Treatment hubs. They have been tirelessly assisting all of us so that we can get the best possible treatment, so that we can regain back our health and live our normal lives. It is the best time to tell all them how grateful we are that we are living because of their unselfish love and support.






Email 171: Do Private Hospitals Give Free HIV Services?


Hi Pozzie.

Just want to know if The Medical City or Makati Medical Center is offering free services (testing and treatment) for HIV+, or what hospitals or clinics are providing free services for less fortunate patients. 

 Thank you.

XXX


Best Christmas Gift No. 3: A Gift to PLHIV''s in the Hospital

Pozziepinoy's Countdown continues...

 The best Christmas Gift that you can give TODAY is dropping gifts to your HIV/AIDS Treatment Hub for PLHIV's who will be spending Christmas in the hospital. Extending our hearts to them will not only show that we care but also gives hope that life is worth fighting for.






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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by Google Image


Saturday, December 22, 2012

Best Christmas Gift No. 4: Donate To an HIV/AIDS Organization

The Pozziepinoy Countdown to Christmas Continues...

It is only three days before Christmas and the Best Christmas Gift that you can give TODAY is a donation to any HIV/AIDS Projects, Organization or Foundation. Choose which organization you want to contribute to. Any amount will do. Know the mission of the organization. Know it's projects. Know their leaders and promoters.

The HIV/AIDS organizations in the Philippines are focused on a lot of areas: Awareness, Treatment, Medical Assistance, Education and Training, PLHIV/family/community empowerment, etc.


Here are some of the Philippine projects, organizations and foundations that you can donate to:


This is a joint project of Dr. Ditangco of RITM-ARG and Pozziepinoy that provides medical assistance to indigent PLHIV's. The medical assistance are in the form of lab tests, medicines, hospitalizations, etc.

2. The Love Yourself Project. 

This is a project focused on HIV Testing, Education and Training and Awareness


This is an organization that is devoted into helping those Person Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and their families in coping with their situation involving the HIV/AIDS virus.


Pinoy Plus Association Inc. is the only association of its kind in the Philippines with 100% of its members people living with HIV and/or AIDS. The organization offers services such as counseling, referrals and care and support programs, skill building for PPAI members and/or similarity-minded groups. 


**** If you want to recommend other HIV/AIDS projects, organizations or foundations that people can donate to, please email me the complete name, mission and link at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com 


HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!





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

-Pozziepinoy-




© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by Google Image




Email 170: Concerned About Hepatitis A


Hi Pozziepinoy!

I happened to read your blog when I first found out that I'm positive last June 2012. Your blog is very helpful for all of us pusits (pozzies). Actually, I have several questions for you that I need to know. 

Email 169: Managing Potential Nevirapine Rashes


Hello,

 I'm going to start my ARV's on January. I'm scared about the effects specially about Nevirapine. Can I suggest it to my doctor to change it? She told me that if rashes will appear she has to take me in. Does she need to change my medicine first before taking me in the hospital? 

Email 168: Ordering ARV's Abroad


Hi,

First off, thanks so much for continuing to have this site running.  I can see how all of us find it so very useful.

So I'm living with HIV.  Got diagnosed in 2010.  Had two CD4 checks in 2010 and ended at 600+ which I was thrilled about.  But it's approaching 2013 and I figure that must have changed already.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Best Christmas Gift No. 5

POZZIEPINOY'S Christmas Countdown begins.

 NUMBER 5:

 The best Christmas gift that one can give TODAY, 4 days before Christmas day, is a gift of invitation to take the HIV test. It is one of the easiest, yet one of the best gifts that you can give to friends, colleagues, coworkers, family members, social media (Facebook,twitter, etc) acquaintances.

 This is one of the best gifts that you can do TODAY. Not only can you save lives but you can help stop the spread of HIV all over the world!


Simple Steps to Give this Gift:

 1. Send text messages or email personally or anonymously
2. Send a PERSONAL greeting card
3. Forward this blog entry or copy and paste the image and send it to as many acquaintances in your FB or twitter account

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!




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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by Google Image




Email 167: Negative, Yet Wants a CD4 Test


Hi Pozzie,

Thank you for your blog because this gave me the courage to take the test. After my activity with a male prostitute last December 1, I felt ill (fever, peripheral something, weight loss of 8-10lbs in one week, now i have cough and colds). I went to RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate yesterday, and got the results earlier this morning. It is NON-REACTIVE. =) Happy for now, but happiness is until March kasi baka "window period" pa. Will go back there on March, then on June, then regularly na if sexually active.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Email 166: Worried About My Brother

Pozziepinoy,

Hi! I am just concerned with my brother's health. He's 20 y/o and I recently confirmed that he's gay. He has been having sexual contact with his boyfriend who is a call center agent, maybe since they started they relationship. And upon talking to our common friend, she confirmed to me that my brother has been like this since I left about 2 years ago. 

Don't Wait for the Symptoms


I have received a lot of emails asking me if the symptoms they have are HIV related. The email senders will describe what they are feeling and what they observe in their bodies. Most ask for the next step even though the next step is pretty clear and simple.

Is 380 a Good Number?


Hi Readers,

Thank you for reading this blog and thank you Pozzie Pinoy for asking me to make a contribution surrounding the question of CD4 numbers, what they might mean, and what defines a good one.


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Email 165: Decided to Take The Test!


Hi Pozziepinoy!

Maraming salamat po sa blog nyo dahil kahit papaano ay lumalakas po ang loob ko na magpatest. At maraming salamat rin po sa wala'ng sawang pagsagot sa mga katanungan.

Schedules of RITM SC and ARG This Holiday Season


ADVISORY

 A lot of people have been sending me emails and texting on the schedules of HIV Testing in RITM Satellite Clinic and schedules of RITM-ARG this holiday season. Some are coming from the north and some are coming even from Visayas region and they want to make sure that when they come to either of the clinics, they are open to give service.

 Because of this I texted Dr. Ditangco, the Head of RITM-ARG/Satellite Clinic and this is what she said:
 RITM SATELLITE CLINIC SCHEDULES:
Closed: December 22 (Sat) to December 26 (Wednesday)
Open: Dec. 27 (Thur), Dec 28 (Fri) and Dec. 29 (Saturday)
Closed: Dec. 30 (Sunday) to January 2 (Wednesday)


RITM-ARG SCHEDULES:
 "RITM-ARG however will operate based on government schedule and will be closed only on the holidays"

Please be advised on these 
schedules of RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate and RITM-ARG in Alabang







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

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 
Image by RITM Logo courtesy of RITM