Email 227: Will Take the Test!

Hi Pozziepinoy,

My partner passed away last week. He was HIV+ and he only got tested in November 2012. We had unprotected sex in July 2011, and I already consider myself HIV+ ( though I will get myself tested on Monday in RITM-MALATE as u recommended). 

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The Love Fund: January 2013 Report

Maram Bartolome of RITM-ARG just emailed me the list of the PLHIV's that have been helped by The Love Fund this January 2013.

1. Five (5) PLHIV's were assisted with their registration fees.
2. 1 PLHIV was assisted with prophylaxis.
3. 1 PLHIV was assisted with his lumbar tap procedure
4. 1 PLHIV was assisted for his prophylaxis and transportation

This January, The Love Fund Group (TLFG) was able to assist two (2) PLHIV's through the good office of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for their medical and hospitalization needs:

1. EJDT with multiple infections
2. MML with OI

To those who have donated and who are still planning to donate to The Love Fund, thank you very much. Always remember that your donations are REALLY going to the indigent PLHIV's who are needing help for their medical treatment.

For more information about The Love Fund, please click the link below:

THE LOVE FUND

"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 FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Email 226: Getting the VL Test Instead of HIV Test

Hi Pozziepinoy.

Thanks for your very informative website. I just have a few questions to ask you, if that's ok.

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Email 225: Serodiscordant Couple in Massachusetts

Hello Pozziepinoy,

I am a Pinoy living in Massachusetts and I'm HIV positive. I just found out this year January 2nd. I felt so much pain and heartbroken. I felt like the world shattered on me. I don't know what to do right now I felt very sad and depressed. But because of the support of my wife I feel good inside. With the love and care unconditionally that she gives to me. She tested negative.

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Email 224: About Labs in RITM-ARG

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I just want to ask regarding my ab test, etc. My treatment hub is at San Lazaro, but quite expensive. Is it possible to get my lab test at RITM Alabang and give it San Lazaro?

XXX

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Email 223: Need to Test and Safer Sex

Hi Pozziepinoy,

I haven't got tested for any. I am afraid and I'm positive that I don't have it as I know for sure that I used condom since the first time I had sex when I was 18.

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Email 222: About the CD4 Test in Manila

Hi there,

I stumbled upon your blog and was wondering if you could help me out. Where do you suggest I get a CD4 count? This would be my first time and don't know where, or what the process is. I am from Cebu but would like to get the test in Manila. How much does it cost and how long does it take before the result can be had? I want to plan the schedule properly so that I can purchase my plane tickets.

Thank you very much

XXX

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A Message of Thanks

Hi Pozziepinoy.

Thanks to your blog it is a source of inspiration for all of us. On my part I vowed to pay it forward too, to take care of others. God bless us all!

XXX

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My Less Dramatic HIV Story

To all the readers. Please be advised that this email by a PLHIV has never been translated as it will ruin the entire story. It was written in Tagalog-English:


Hi Pozziepinoy

I want to share my own HIV story for a variety of reasons: because most stories I chance upon are always gloomy and evokes a personal doomsday apocalyptic scenario, which,  I believe, shouldn’t be, because as you always say, there is still life, even with a hundred thousand copies of HIV cells. J This one’s quite long, and I don’t know if you’d be patient enough to translate this, as this is written in taglish, so its more engaging for most of us to read. I hope you and everyone else would take time to read. Just to lighten up the mood.

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Email 221: OFW Who Thinks He Has HIV

Hello Pozziepinoy.

Ask lang ako about hiv testing. My posibilidad po ba magkaroon ng hiv kahit gumamit ng condom. Im here in singapore gumamit ako ng babaing bayadan thailand national cia. Lasing ako noon kaya hndi ganon katigas ang ari ko. Pero gumamit ako ng condom cguro 5mins lang ang penetration then tapos na. Wala ng sumunod dun. Last August pa po nangyari yun.

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Email 220: PTB Meds and ARV's

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I am completely distraught by my situation right now. I got my HIV positive result last Jan 8, 2013 in PGH-SAGIP. I am 32 years old, male, opted not to work for the meantime.  Im living with my girlfriend, who luckily has negative HIV screening result last Jan 15, 2013. My parents and immediate family members in the province don't know yet my situation.

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Philippine HIV/AIDS Registry: December 2012

The Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry of the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH) has released its Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry for December 2012. From the report, it showed that there were 293 new HIV cases in the country during that month. 97% of the cases were males and 52% came from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Of the 293 cases, 288 cases reported that sexual contact was the mode of transmission. Men having sex with men (MSM) comprised 83% of the total cases.

Fourteen (14) cases were reported as AIDS, however there no reported deaths during this month. Four percent (4%) of the cases were overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

For more details, please see the full report below:

Source: Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry, NEC-DOH

"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

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Early Signs of HIV Infection (Primary HIV Infection)

A lot of people have been sending emails asking if they have HIV based on signs and symptoms that they are experiencing. Because of this, we would like to discuss the early signs of HIV Infection or what is usually referred to as Primary HIV Infection.

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Email 219: Got Tested and Scared!

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I am HIV positive and I am scared ;( My CD4 is 364. What should I do? I was tested a week ago.

XXX

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Email 218: My HIV Journey

Hi Pozzie!

First of all, I would like to thank you and your blog. I salute you for helping PLHIV’s like myself.

These past few weeks, I really enjoyed reading your entries here especially those who share their stories. I so thought, people might also enjoy it if I would share mine. So here it goes.

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Myths About HIV

I have received a lot of emails concerning the ways of HIV transmission. Half of the questions that were raised are what we considered as myths about HIV so I would like to write here in general, the top 20 myths about HIV:

Myth No. 1: I can get HIV by being around people who are HIV-positive.

The evidence shows that HIV is not spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva. You cannot catch HIV by:

• Breathing the same air as someone who is HIV-positive
• Touching a toilet seat or doorknob handle after an HIV-positive person
• Drinking from a water fountain
• Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV-positive
• Sharing eating utensils with an HIV-positive person
• Using exercise equipment at a gym

You can get it from infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or mother's milk.

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Email 217: Do It Now!

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I think I need to undergo HIV test... I've been experiencing weird things about my health. It bothers me so much. Thank you for having a good advocacy. May God bless you and Tag.

XXX

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Email 216: Worried About Privacy

Hi Pozzie Pinoy!

You can call me XXX, 27, and a confirmed HIV+. I recently discovered that I am positive just last year.

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A Song of Prayer

A timely song dedicated to all young PLHIV's!

BRING HIM HOME

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need.

You have always been there.

He is young.

He’s afraid.

Let him rest.

Heaven blessed.

Bring him home,

Bring him home

Bring him home.

He’s like the son I might have known

If God had granted me a son.

The Summer’s die one by one

How soon they fly on and on

And I am old,

and will be gone

Bring him peace.

Bring him joy

He is young

He is only a boy.

You can take.

You can give.

Let him be.

Let him live.

If I die. 

Let me die.

Let him live.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

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We Still Have To!

People are sick with colds and cough everywhere. In the malls, in the public transportation, inside your office room. Even in the movie house while you are watching the most current movie, you will hear people coughing. It is one of the most contagious season of the year, as the temperature drops in the country.

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Email 215: About Possible Anal Wart

Hi Pozzie and Contributors.

I tested positive last year in November and have been on ARVs since. I didn't have any other infections and my recovery started quickly.

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Email 214: Do We have Anonymous HIV Test??

Hi Pozziepinoy 

I just wanna ask if you know a private clinic or hospital that conducts anonymous aids testing. please let me know.

Thanks.

XXX

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Email 213: OFW Plans To Come Home

Hello,

I came across your blog and I am very happy to learn so many things about HIV in the Philippines.

I originally planned to return to the Philippines (for good) last December. However, I tested positive for HIV last June and started treatment last August. 

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Email 212: HIV Doctor Issues!

Hello Guys.

How are you? Just like many of the people here, I'm struggling but I'll keep on fighting...There's no other way but to keep alive and kicking.  

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Email 211: About HMO, Health Cards...

Hello Pozziepinoy,

First of all I would like to say that I'm praying for you and to the rest of the contributors of your blog. I would also like to commend the people of RITM ARG for there great job and there passion to help us. I believe that GOD is using you guys to make us strong to stand and fight.

I'm hoping that you could advise me.

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Email 210: HIV Transmission, Symptoms...

Hi Pozzie!

Heres my story. I had sex with a hooker one night and we used a condom. But the condom is a bit big for my size (not too big), but the head of my penis is 100% covered but the base was a little bit airy but it did not break or slip (ive read that as long as the head is covered the condom is doing its job) (not airy on the middle part up to the head of my penis, just on the base), and HIV virus die fast once exposed to oxygen), I have no sores on my whole penis. She also did me handjob (no felliato), she took the condom off and jacked me off. 

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Email 209: Oral & Anal Sex and the HIV Test

Hi Pozzie,

I would just like to ask, because these questions continuously rummages throughout my mind for a couple of months now.

Last June 2012, I had an anal sex with a guy..no condom used...
Four months after, I got tested with HIV, and thankfully it turned out negative..

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Email 208: My Foreign National Husband Has HIV

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I read your article just now . I am a mother of two and married to a foreign national . We'd been together for 2 years now and we always had std/vdrl and HIV test done every year. it still is a shock and like a nightmare to me as we found out last night that my husband was HIV reactive. At first I am mad and shocked. He just survived cancer 5 yrs now okay and dengue last year and now what???? An HIV ! Unbelievable... I never blamed him or God , I never asked why... I am still hoping there will be a miracle for us... 

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Email 207: About Oral Sex, Kissing and Being Sick!

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I am worried. i have an affair last Dec. 24 sa isang prosti.pina bj ko lang siya at lips to lips di po ba low risk lang yun?pero by dec. 26 i felt na para trangkaso tapos lageng nahihilo i was scared kaya kung ano ano pumasok sa isip ko.hangang ngayon lageng mainit katawan ko at nahihilo. I'm from bicol planning to have a test na sana mag negative.

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ADVISORY: Vaccines

ADVISORY

P5,500 WORTH OF 3 VACCINES: 

HPV first dose (P3,500), 

Pneumo good for 4-5 years (P2,500) and 

flu good for 1 year (800).

Good for only 10 slots.

 Call RITM Satellite Clinic and look for Lean at 353-8922 for reservations.

"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

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Email 206: My Story

Hi Pozzie,

I was inspired by your story in your blog and I want to share my HIV testing experience. I was tested today, at the Manila Social Hygiene, and unfortunately I got a reactive result. Currently I am waiting for my confirmatory test which is due in 2 weeks, though I am still hoping that my screening will be a false positive, I've already accepted the greater possibility of having one. I already told my family about it, and I am thankful that they will support me along the way. As for now I'm still in my asymptomatic stage and I hope that I stay that way as long as possible.

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Email 205: About the HIV Test

Hi Pozziepinoy

gus2 q po sna mgpa test kmi ng partner q kya lng ayaw nya pumayag, my rushes kc sya sa private part nya posible po kya my HIV sya? san po aq pwd pmnta pra mg pcheck tga d2 po aq sa cavite at pwd po ba kuhanan q nlng sya ng dugo pra khit di na sya sumama skn mg pcheck.. tnx po..

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Email 204: I Need Help!

Hi Pozziepinoy,

Kailangan ko po ng tulong. Please, i really need your advice po.

Nung December 2012 po, nagkaroon ako ng "protected" anal sex (though unprotected oral sex) with a guy prostitute. Trip lang, nalasing kasi. Masakit, but honestly i liked it a bit o dahil lasing lang ako.

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Email 203: Where To Start?

Hello Pozziepinoy.

Last January 10 current year I got tested with HIV,,,and it turned out to be positive..hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko...ang daming tanong..gaya ng...ilang taon na lang ako mabubuhay o mabubuhay pa nga ba ako ng matagal...gusto kung sumigaw gusto kung magwala ng malaman ko yun pero sa kabila nun gawin ko man yun hindi na nun mababago ang realidad...

Ngayon hindi ko alam kung paano magsisimula paano at haharapin ang mga bagay bagay...gaya ng iba marami pa akung pangarap at lahat ng yun gusto kung matupad...

I hope for a response from you...I just need someone to talk to to keep my spirit alive.

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Email 202: Meaning of Numbers

Hi Pozziepinoy.

I was scheduled to go back in friday after i received my CD4 results...And i am a little bit worried...Can you help me interpret this result?

Cd4+[cells/ul] = 76
cd8 = N/a
cd4% of lymphocytes = 4.13%

 Please?  thanks.

XXX

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The Red Ribbon

THE RED RIBBON

An International Online Support Group of Advocates, Supporters, Counselors, Health Workers and PLHIV's

MISSION

To provide a channel for communication among members, 

To educate and assist in the spread of awareness, 

To share wisdom and experiences

To spread news, information and breakthroughs

To link with treatment facilities and services

To join the group, please click the link below:

THE RED RIBBON

"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 FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Acts of Kindness

I can still remember what my brother emailed me when I was bedridden in the hospital because of my PCP and bibasal pneumonia. He gave me a list of meditation exercises to relax my body and spirit. At the end of the email, he wrote me this: 

"Be charitable, do not hurt anybody. You will be fine and will have a long happy life."

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