Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 666: Questions!

Dear Pozzie,

First of all, would like to congratulate you for the strength and advocacy helping people like us.

Recently i was diagnosed of HIV, my CDC4 is 155 and viral load of 228,000+ luckily i have no symptoms, no lesions, no rashes, my CBC is perfect, xray is clear, no other STDs. Im now on ARV lamivi/zidovu 2x a day and efavirenz at night time. The efavirenz is the most i have side effects, at first, vivid dreams, nightmares, trouble sleeping, i wake up every 2 hours but it seems to improve as the days go by. I just have a heart condition, well it is a case of resolved cardiomyopathy ( heart enlargement) but i developed a case of episodal AF atrial fibrialltion ( heart pounding with irregular rhythm and rate).

I'm 44 right now, my question is:

1. Can i still go to gym? play badminton ? im afaraid this will weaken my system especially my cdc4 is still 155

2. Right now im still adjusting accepting the fact i have HIV........ wala na akong sex :( hu hu hu i don't smoke, drink, the only vice i have is sex kaya siguro aka na-infect, even the thought of safe sex brings guilt i may expose the other person to my sickness.......and I have this feeling God punished me not to have sex anymore...but in case .....can is still have sex or you would suggest abstinence kung kaya naman.

3. Last is the efavirenz, i take it at 10PM at 11PM groggy na ako till 3pM......does it mean wala na akong late night life or sa simula lang ito and eventually hindi na ako magro-groggy sa efavirenz.

Last but not the least, to peoplelike us.....may love life pa ba? may magmamahal pa ba sa atin na hindi postive or we just have to love thy own positive to positive.

Thank you for the time........and hopefully i'll have the honor to meet you eventually......siguro pag accept na accept ko na ang condition ko.

THank you very much

Lonely44

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi Lonely44.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for the kind words about the blog.

Let me answer your questions in the order that you asked them.

1. Exercise is a good immune system booster so you can still go to the gym and play badminton even though your CD4 is 155. You have prophylaxes to protect you from infections. Just focus on proper hygiene and sanitation in the gym or in the courts.

2. You can still have a sex life even with HIV. Just make sure to use protection or condom all the time. If you are scared, two condoms can be used in case one rips. Also, make sure to use lubrication.

Of course the best way is abstinence, but having a sexual relationship with the person you love still is possible.

3. Let your body adjust to efavirenz. It will take time but everything will be fine.

4. I know people who still found their partners after having HIV. Just be happy, productive and decent and love will find you.

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

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy