Thursday, February 28, 2013

Please Use Condoms!

PLEASE USE CONDOMS!
PRACTICE SAFE SEX!
GET TESTED NOW!

WHY?

FACT:
There are 380 new HIV Cases 
(January 2013) 


FACT:
The new HIV cases increased from 293 (December 2012) to 380 (January 2013)


FACT:
There are 25 new AIDS Cases
(January 2013)

FACT:
The new AIDS cases increased from 14 (December 2012) to 25 (January 2013)

FACT:
93% of the new cases of HIV are males
(January 2013)

FACT:
99% Mode of Transmission: Sexual Contact
(January 2013)


PLEASE USE CONDOMS!
PRACTICE SAFE SEX!
GET TESTED NOW!

PLEASE PROTECT OUR SOCIETY AND OUR LOVED ONES!

 STOP THE SPREAD OF HIV IN THE PHILIPPINES!

 PLEASE DON'T IGNORE THE FACTS!


SOURCE:
PHILIPPINE HIV & AIDS REGISTRY
JANUARY 2013
DECEMBER 2012
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
NATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTER
"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: 






The Love Fund Report: February 2013


I texted Maram Bartolome and asked her for the list of patients that The Love Fund has assisted. Here is the list that she had given me for the month of February 2013:
1. r10vtc: asthmatic patient with allergic cough: We helped with her antibiotics and her medicines for her asthma. 

2. Three (3) patients who asked assistance for medicines. We also paid for the courier of ARV's to Davao, Batangas and Olongapo. 

3. r12agv: Optha case: He asked assistance for his eye check up. 

 Thank you so much for all the donations. 

 Dr. Ditangco and I have also assisted two (2) patients who had multiple infections for all their hospitalization, medicines and lab test fees through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)

If you want to donate to The Love Fund and help our fellow indigent PLHIV's who need medical assistance for hospitalization, lab tests and medicines for opportunistic infections, please click the link below:





"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: 










This is My Story

Hi PozziePinoy,

How are you?  It’s been awhile since we last talked.  I know you are on your best of health and everything’s doing well on your blog site. I have taken your advice about focusing on myself for one month and just to inform you that I had my CD4 count taken two weeks ago and it is at 289. I am about take my first pill TONIGHT.  This is it!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

FREE Hepa B Vaccination!


ADVISORY

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT 
THERE IS FREE HEPA B VACCINATION IN 
RITM-ARG
in Alabang

For Details and Directions Click this Link:


 **Please call first before going there to be sure of the availability of the vaccine!


WHEN YOU GO THERE,
PLEASE TELL THE STAFF THAT POZZIEPINOY 
REFFERED YOU!


"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: 





New Life Ahead

Good morning. 

Please call me JED. 

Because of your blog, I got to know about HIV test. I got worried upon reading some entries because of the fear of HAVING it. I had symptoms that is associated with those that was diagnosed positive. I took the test last January 4, 2013. The RITM Satellite clinic as you and others described turned to be very discreet, non judgemental. Prior to the test, we were given out forms to fill out and lectures on HIV/AIDS were also done by their staff. Thereafter, they are going to collect blood sample. I thought I would be prick by a syringe,instead the staff used a needle dedicated to collect a blood sample. I thought it hurts, but it was wrong. It was professionally done that I wasn't able to feel any pain when the needle is inserted and when it sucked up the blood from my veins. I really have a fear on needles. Thanks to the staff. (CAI)

Email 265: Having Children Despite HIV

Hi Pozziepinoy.

 There is something that I'd like to know. 

Have you encountered any gay guy who still wants to have a child even if he is HIV+? Did that guy try to have IVF and a surrogate mother? Or any of those things that I have read on the internet? Are they even true that its still possible to have children?

Thank you

'Twas A Nice Experience



I went to the RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate last Sunday, Feb 24. When I came in to the door, the people all smiled at me. I told them that I will take the test, then I sat down for a while, then the nurse handed me the form and went to a private room. She instructed me everything that I needed to do. After that, we had a counseling. Donnie assisted me on that part, It was really ok to talk to him, no awkward feeling and I was able to open  up fast to him.  The environment inside was different and the people were nice..... 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Email 264: How To Increase the CD4 Count?

Hi Pozziepinoy.

Just recently checked my HIV stat last Jan'13. Positive ;(  & had my CD4 364 count.

I left the country and be back after 2 months, now living a very healthy lifestyle & abstinence. Am feeling very well & positive, is it possible to fluctuate my CD4 count drastically without taking ARV?

Any suggestion on how I can boost my CD4 without taking any meds?

Thanks Poz!

Email 263: "Posithivity"

Hi Pozziepinoy, 

You can just call me +posithivity+.

I had been so anxious of having HIV for over two years and only in January this year I had the courage to take the test. I was accompanied by my ex-partner who has been very supportive. We actually both took the test.

Thank You, Thank You!



Dear Pozziepinoy,

It's been a while since we have talked on the phone and/or text. I'm sending you this email to let you know how thankful I am to have known you. You have been a big help to me when I was just starting this journey.

This is My Story



Dear Pozzie

Your blog helps me a lot… actually  my mind already treating myself as HIV positive even though I was not yet tested.. So paranoid… but once I read the positive inputs coming from you site.. it relieved myself… the positivism the you and the contributor (Dr. Phillip) provide help me survive everyday… below are the stories that happened during that unprotected sex…

Monday, February 25, 2013

Email 262: About the HIV Test

Hi Pozziepinoy,

Last Jan 31, 2013 I had my free HIV testing in one of the Social Hygiene Clinics somewhere in Quezon city. Little that I know that it would be a major turning point in my life. To cut the story short, I had a REACTIVE result. Since then, I've been very worried to the point that I almost break out of my sanity. I've been praying a lot and crying at night. I tried to remember moments of my life when I could've possibly contracted the virus. I also did research about False-Positives and read some articles about HIV testing but it only added to my paranoia.

Email 261: Negative But Wants Tests

Hi Pozzie, can a negative patient get a cd4 and vl testing or is it only for positive patients?


A PLHIV's Personal Experience



Hi Pozziepinoy,

First of all I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the assistance taken when my best friend and I went to RITM- Satellite in Malate, from the time I approached the nurse and looked for Lean... it was all discrete. Lean spoke with me privately as he asked me to get inside to one of the chambers there.

A Woman's Testimonial



I went and got myself checked. THANK YOU LORD I was non reactive. Sy, hepa  b and hiv 1&2. Now all I have to deal with is my STD. Test and counselling were free and well mannered and very accommodating staff were present to give you the support that you need. I'm an emotional freak yet they were able to explain things to me and calmed me a little until results came. 


Friday, February 22, 2013

Email 260: Stand Up and Live!


Hi Pozziepinoy.

Natuwa ako nung nakita at nabasa ko yung blog mo about HIV. Nakakainspire. Actually ako din ay isang HIV positive na diagnosed last December 29, 2013 sa Medical City. Nagkaroon ako ng meningitis kaya namin nalaman na positive ako. Bale 1 month ako sakto ako sa hospital dahil sa maraming complications like pneumonia at PTB.

Life's A Piece of Cake


Hi Pozzie,

 Once again, good morning!

 I really appreciate your blogs, it helps us PLHIVs keep our minds intact amidst crises, like ARVs, the signs and all complex description in the life of a  PLHIV.  Though, I am new to this “modern disease”, I feel like I already belonged to the group.  I felt bad for those who have not made their share yet, maybe they’re a bit embarrassed or should I say, still doesn’t have the strength to accept the fact that they too have it.  And I clearly understand their situation.  For now, I don’t even know if I am still in this bad dream.  Come February 28 or March 1, I will have my confirmatory whatever you call it from Manila, they have already forwarded my blood sample second week of this month and like you mentioned, it really takes time for the results especially in the province.

Email 259: Getting the Lab Tests

Hi Pozziepinoy. 

I just want to ask where I can get tested for CD4cell count and other tests and also the medications. Thanks for the response.

XXX

On My HIV Journey

Hi Pozziepinoy,

Let me start off by saying this is a way of release for me to talk about my condition because right now. I have no one to share it with or even relate it with so I thought about it sabi ko why not share it to my fellow PLHIV and to your readers who are PLHIV.

Email 258: I Don't Know What To Do!

Hi Pozziepinoy! 

Your blog is very helpful sa community sa pagpoprovide ng mga info about HIV. I'm glad may ganitong online community dito sa Pinas. (Translation: Your blog is very helpful in the community in providing information about HIV. I'm glad that there is an online community like this in the Philippines). 

Im 23, male, a nurse, pero hindi nurse ang work ko ngayon. I want to share my story kasi sobrang gulong gulo na ako. (Translation: I'm 23, male, a nurse, but I am not working as a nurse now. I want to share my story because I am so confused).

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Email 257: Worried OFW from the Middle East

Hi Pozziepinoy...

Thanks you so much for your blog.. it really helps me....

Im working here in the middle east.. I had unsafe oral sex with a russian prostitute.... that is the big mistake that I have done in my life, a friend treated me and I grabbed it..........after 4 days I had this fever and flu till now almost 20 days already,  I’m having diarhea, sometime night sweat which are very uncommon before this unsafe sex... Im going for unscheduled vacation this XXX for HIV test... 

Email 256: Oral Sex and Hepa B

Hi can I ask Dr. Philip if what is the risk of getting Hep B through giving oral sex and the partner ejaculated in the mouth? There was no cuts or bleeding during the activity. Please and thanks!

Optimism Despite Rashes


Hi my name is Alex, a 30 year old male asian living in the Philippines. I was diagnosed with HIV in early 2009 and did nothing about it. I just lived a healthy life without alcohol and cigarettes  and lots of exercise. I continued with my life without any HIV medication. 

Email 255: Concerns About School and Parents



Hello Pozzie!

 So it's almost 3am as I write this email on my smartphone. I was just browsing the net which is a nightly routine for me before going to bed. Then suddenly I typed "life expectancy for hiv in Philippines" on Google and I stumbled upon your blog. I just graduated last 2012 and started working immediately after taking the NLE. I'll be in medical school this coming June, and we all know how stressful and time consuming med school will be.

Email 254: Assistance for Sibling

Hi Pozziepinoy

Papano po ba makakahingi ng tulong sa PCSO. Yung kapatid ko kasi, di siya naka enroll sa RITM or sa SLH. Multiple complications din siya at ngayon, undergoing chemotherapy pa for an HIV related malignancy. Ubos na ang pera namin dahil sa labas masok niya sa ospital at kailangan na uli siya ipa chemo (3rd session niya). 

TRANSLATION:

How can we seek assistance from PCSO? My sibling is not enrolled in RITM or SLH. He has multiple complications now, undergoing chemotherapy for an HIV related malignancy. We don’t have any money anymore because of his frequent hospitalization and he needs to have his third chemo.

XXX

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Email 253: OFW from Singapore

Hello,

 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 bayaran. 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. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Email 252: Room Rates in RITM

Hi.

 I would like to ask how much would it cost me if I'd had to be confined in ritm? Like how much is the room rate etc. thanks

Noob

Email 251: Non-Reactive!!


Hi Pozzie, 

Yes this is me, j_ _ _, the one who was texting you. By the way, I'm a nurse by profession and my knowledge regarding HIV suddenly disappeared bcoz of being pessimistic. 

I'm one of your readers of your blog and it is really inspiring for those who are infected and either. Well in order for me to have a peace of mind, I decided to have my HIV test bcoz of the symptoms that I'm experiencing. I have lesions that I noticed on the inner side of my tongue, my back is always aching accompanied by headache. I had my anal sex when I was 13 years old, I maybe too young for that but yes it happened but actually it did'nt lasted for long because as he enter his penis to me, I immediately stop what we are doing because it really hurts me, we stop by then. that was my 1st encounter. my 2nd and 3rd happened last year, it's more of an oral sex because I have now knowledge regarding the transmission of the disease. But when I had my HIV testing there at RITM I'm wrong, even if it's oral sex you still need to wear or let your partner wear a condom. To make the long story short, I received the results and all of them are non reactive. whew, what a relief. 

Thank you pozzie, the staffs there were very approachable and nice to me. Godbless you, if you have any activities regarding HIV I can volunteer myself for that especially if you will conduct it here in our province, Pampanga.

XXX

Email 250: CF1 and PhilHealth Fees



Hello Pozziepinoy

Salamat po s pagiging matiyaga s pagbabasa ng aming mga sulat kahit ang iba eh pulit ulit n lang..

Madalas kong buksan ang blog nyo at naging eye opener ito sa akin..naging mas aware s hiv at s iba pa..

Meron lang po akong mga katanungan n hindi ko lam kung dpat b e s inyo ko dapat lahat itanung.

Nabasa ko po s blog nyo about dun sa philhealth im not sure kung anu yung specicifc form para s mga employed..sabi nyo po mas pinili ng ibang hiv + n mag vlunteer magbyad ng philhealth..tanung ko lang po kung nasa magkanu kaya ang bayad pag ganun n mag vovoluntir ka?

Salamt po..sna masagot nyo ako...

God bless

Email 249: Confused PLHIV

Hi Pozziepinoy. 

 I am still confused whether or not I'd tell my family about my condition after all, the confirmatory tests hasn't been mailed yet until end of this month.  Though, I already took some "baseline" laboratory tests so that my Infectious doctor in the name of Dr. Arlene G. Macabaya will be able to provide me a set of trial ARVs as soon as possible.

Email 248: Worried Housewife

Hi Pozzie

I share the same dilemma as of those afraid to get tested, but freakin out that we're positive...

I'm 37, a housewife na hindi nakuntento, nagkamali.... at ngayon eh nangangamba na me problema.. Kelangan ko sana ng tulong mo kung paano at san ako pupunta kung gusto ko magpatest....pwede ba na basta ako pumunta sa RITM? (Translation: I'm 37, a housewife who didn't get enough, made a mistake and now is scared that I have a problem. I need your help as to how ad where I should go to get tested. Can I just go to RITM?)

Salamat.. (Thanks)


Monday, February 18, 2013

Email 247: Where To Get CD4 and VL Tests?

Hi.

I just want to know where I can my CD4 cell count and my viral load. Hindi ko po alam kung saan pupunta and wala pakong meds na iniinum. I had na the symptoms and last Nov ko lang nalaman and I don’t know what to do. I hope you can help out with this. I’m only 19 years old :( thanks for the response. 

TB Meds, HIV and ARV's

What is TB?

 TB is a disease caused by the bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  TB most often infects the lungs, but can infect any part of the body.  TB infection is classified in one of two ways:

 Latent TB   TB infection has occurred but is not causing illness or symptoms and is not contagious.
Active TB   The lungs have become infected; referred to as pulmonary TB and the infection is causing TB symptoms such as cough, blood tinged sputum, night sweats and fever. Active TB will also show up on a chest x-ray. If a person has active TB, he or she can spread the TB infection to other people.
Can TB Infect Organs Other Than the Lungs?
Yes.  While active TB affects primarily the lungs, it is possible to have TB infections of other parts of the body. The kidneys, abdomen, spine, and skin can all be infected by TB. Keep in mind that if person's TB infection is not in the lungs or throat, the infection usually can't be spread to other people.
How is TB Spread?

TB is spread from person to person via microscopic water droplets containing TB bacteria. When a person with active TB cough, sneezes, or exhales, infected water droplets are released into the air. Infection occurs when other people inhale these droplets. Active TB can happen at the time of exposure or can be the result of a reactivated latent infection. A person cannot get TB from shaking hands, sitting on a toilet seat, or sharing dishes or utensils.
Why is TB important for people with HIV?

Active TB usually occurs in people with a weakened immune system; including those people living with HIV. A weakened immune system allows the TB bacteria to multiply unchecked, causing illness.  TB can make HIV multiply faster, lower the CD4 count, and make HIV disease worse.   HIV+ patients with tuberculosis respond well to antituberculosis therapy.  The treatment of HIV-related tuberculosis requires close monitoring because of frequent drug toxicities, possible drug-drug interactions, and paradoxical reactions.  A combination of 4 anti TB drugs Pyrazinamide 400 mg, Rifampicin 150 mg, Ethambutol HCl 275 mg, Isoniazid (INH) 75 mg is frequently used but some of these drugs may have to be substituted with others of the same class depending on the ARV that is being taken at the time.  Sometimes the ARV will have to be switched as well.   Your HIV Medical Specialist working with a TB specialist are the ones who are able to make that decision working in concert with you.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Successful therapy for tuberculosis requires that HIV-infected individuals take antituberculosis drugs for a minimum of 6 months, in addition to potentially large numbers of other medications.  Certain antituberculosis drugs may interact adversely with medications commonly used by HIV-infected individuals. TB should usually be cured first before ART is started.  However, this may not be possible if CD4 cell counts are low.  Understanding these drug-drug interactions can prevent drug toxicity and possible treatment failures.  Many anti-HIV drugs and anti-TB drugs can work well and safely together. However, as mentioned above, there can be interactions. It is not recommended to use certain anti-TB and anti-HIV drugs together and sometimes it is necessary to adjust the dose of one or the other.  Because of these interactions it is very important that your doctor is skilled in the treatment of both TB and HIV or those specialists in both those fields are working closely together.  If you are concerned about your treatment, or have any questions, ask your HIV Medical Specialist or TB Specialist to spend some time explaining your treatment to you.
Anti TB Drugs and ARV side effects.

Many anti TB drugs and ARVs are metabolized by the liver.  Your Medical Doctors will be aware of this of course and will monitor your liver function.  While you are one these drugs in combination, it is advisable to abstain from alcohol and, more than ever, eat a balanced diet. 

Some ARVs and TB meds can cause Peripheral neuropathy(PN).  This is a disease of the peripheral nerves. These are all the nerves except for those in the brain and spinal cord.  PN can be a minor nuisance or a disabling weakness. It is usually a feeling of pins and needles, burning, stiffness, or numbness in the feet and toes. It can also be tickling sensations, unexplained pain, or sensations that seem more intense than normal.   Isoniazid can cause peripheral neuropathy, and it is recommended that it is used with extreme caution if given at the same time as Stavudine (d4T) or Didanosine (ddl), which also cause this side-effect. Taking a daily dose of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) can help prevent Isoniazid causing peripheral neuropathy, but does not prevent peripheral neuropathy caused by some anti-HIV drugs.

The following table is presented as an over view or some of the possible drug interactions with TB drugs and ARVs as well as other drugs used to treat opportunistic infections.  It is NOT meant to act as a replacement for your HIV or TB Medical specialist.  It is here merely to empower you to ask questions.




Always consult your HIV Medical Specialist and other specialists before altering your ARV or TB regimen in any way, or before undertaking any changes, or beginning any medication or change in lifestyle including diet and exercise.


 Please click these relevant links:

 1. Discussion: OI's
2. On Tuberculosis and Hepatitis
3. Painful Feet
4. Prophylaxis with Low CD4
I hope readers have found this post helpful.


                http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/518



Get tested, stay healthy and, if you’re HIV+, compliant with your ARV regimen,

Malcolm Brown.
International Contributor




"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: