Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 577: Smoking Issues?

Pozzie,

Glad to have brushed thru your blog. Naka bookmark na sa browser ko. Was tested positive last May 2013. CD4 at 5 agad kaya nag ARV nko.

Buti naman wala complications. Negative naman ako sa ibang infections. Ang pinagaalala ko lang po ngayon ang sobrang tamlay ko at parang hinihika. Hindi naman ako hyperventilating, sabi nga ng doctor ko dito bka anxiety attacks lang. Na control ko naman po sa tulong ng dasal at positive na attitude.

Posible kaya dahil sa biglang pag tigil ko ng sigarilyo kaya parang ganito ang feeling ko ngayon? Parang kinakapos sa pag hinga. 10 yrs ako smoker. Mga 10 sticks ng marlboro red. Withdrawal symptoms ba to? Have you heard similar situations?

Lumala po kasi ubo ko ng April, nag pa test ako may after ko lumabas ng hospital. Tas dun na nag positive. Baka matagal na to sa akin.

Need some advice if this is really withdrawal symptoms and how to manage it.

Thanks for being here for us...

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email.

It is possible that it is a withdrawal syndrome. But since your CD4 is very low, you need to coordinate also with a pulmo doctor to know about your condition.

I can refer you to my pulmo doctor. He is very good and he is used to having HIV patients.

You can look for Dr. Larry Tamondong at The Medical City, Rm 1502, Mondays-Fridays from 1-5pm. His fee is only P600. Tell him that you were referred by Pozziepinoy from the www.hivphillippines.com.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy