Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 625: Needs HIV Treatment!

Hi Pozziepinoy.

It's been 2 months since my friend was diagnosed with HIV and after series of examinations , he was also diagnosed with Hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Up to this moment he is still not taking ARV's even if his CD4 count is just 28, the doctors said that they still need to treat the complications first and ARV's will follow.

They also said that if the GeneXpert results said that the medicines for TB will not work on his body he will move up to Category Two treatment which will take 18-24 months of everyday treatment and he will need to go to the San Lazaro hospital everyday.

It will be very difficult for him to go to hospital everyday plus he is also worried on his very low CD4 count , can he just request for ARV first and treat his other complications after his CD4 count goes up?

Thank you!

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi there.

Thank you for your email.

I asked Dr. Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG about your concern and this is what she said:

"He should start ARV's within 2 weeks. If he wants second opinion, advice him to go to RITM-ARG".

Please click the link below on how to go to RITM-ARG if you guys decide on getting a second opinion:

RITM-ARG

You guys can also call me at 0916-286-2066 so I can assist him.

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

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy