My PLHIV Story: Late Diagnosis, I Survived! Part 1

Maayong Adlaw! (Good day!)  I’m from the southern part of the Philippines,  

23 and here’s my story…

PRE-DIAGNOSIS STAGE

March 2014, I decided to be admitted in nearest hospital due to my on-and-off fever, cough and difficulty in breathing lalo na during night time. Si mama and papa ang watchers ko, tila nag check-in lang kami sa isang hotel. Habang nasa hospital ako, series of diagnostic tests have been conducted. On my 2nd day being admitted, sabi ng attending physician ko my  
spot daw sa upper left lung ko at may pneumonia below. The rest of the tests were OK lang daw. Agad-agad nag pa sputum test ako and it was found out negative. But based on her clinical assessment,  PTB+ daw ako. So isolated kaagad si ako (huhu) and pina inom na niya ako ng 4-n-1 anti-TB med and referred to Pulmonologist. Early morning on the ff day, nagpakilala si Doc Pulmo at ‘di na siya nagpa ligoy-ligoy pa na tinanong ako if I have  
experienced SEX before. And I told him nothing but the truth. Pag alis niya, tumaas na  ang anxiety level ko, emo na ako, hindi na makatulog kasi iniisip ko na baka ito na yon the reaping season of what I’d done way back college days. My idea na kasi ako on what is really HIV because of the symposia I have been attended before.

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My HIV Story, Two and a Half Years of Living with HIV

It was 2 years and 6 months ago when I got diagnosed with HIV, Stage IV (AIDS). I was bedridden for 10 days and I thought I was going to die. I had bibasal pneumonia (wherein both of my lungs were affected) and I also had pneumocystiis pneumonia (PCP). They were my grave opportunistic infections. My CD4 was only 70 and my initial viral load was 107,000++.

Then I recovered fast. After only 6 months of religiously taking my ARV's, my CD4 shot up to 487, then after only one year, my viral load was already undetectable. I never got any serious infection, only the common cold from time to time. My body is the same as before I got sick. I went back to work and cherished my life with my life partner and legal husband: travelling, enjoying my hobbies, valuing family and friends and enjoying life. 

For 2 years and 6 months, I have been defeating HIV as my viral load is still undetectable.

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My Experience with Yoga For Life

May Inner Peace be with you!

   "WHY  ME? I didn't do anything wrong, I never hurt anyone and in fact I was faithful. Why me?

                  I know people who are more promiscuous and they seem to be getting out without a scar

                   Why me? - ANGER

             

     "I feel GYPPED in my life" - DEPRESSION 

"I'm gonna DIE soon...."- FEAR

"FUCK! I got flu and rashes. How's my CD4?" - UNCERTAINTY

My life before I got HIV was good. The world was normal. I was so lucky with everything. I was dating, having fun, being in-love and being just myself.  I was living the life I wanted to be. Work hard Party harder.

I was already planning  to go abroad for a change when I got a reactive result to HIV! I did not tell anyone about it. I kept it a secret for several months. I blame my past and my previous relationship.  I had so much resentment in my heart that I kept asking why I have to suffer on this. I felt gypped that I no longer have the motivation to work. My fear every minute, every hour and everyday affected my performance at work. I felt like my life would end anytime soon either in San Lazaro Hospital or P.G.H or I might end up in a Mental Hospital. 

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Being Proactive

For 5 days now, I was down with the common cold. I had dry cough and slight fever which made me stay home and not work. I've been taking robitussin syrup for 5 days now but it seems that my cough is not going away. I texted Dr. Ditangco and she said that It is just the comma cold. My other doctors from The Medical City told me to have a chest x-ray and see my pulmo doctor.

Today, getting irritated but my dry cough, I decided to go to TMC and have a chest x-ray. I texted my other doctors and Dr. Ditangco that I will have a consultation with my pumo today. I finsihed my x-ray and got my plate and waited outside my doctors clinic. 

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My Second Anniversary

I have been celebrating my second anniversary of being a PLHIV everyday of this week now. It started  with a grand vacation then a relaxed week, together with my life partner Tag. I can't believe that it has been two years already since I was diagnosed and a lot of things have happened since then, a lot of people I have talked to and touched, a lot of programs that have been implemented. I had never imagined how fruitful my life would be despite having HIV. It had never crossed my mind that having HIV would open wider doors for me.

Being One of You!

When I was diagnosed with HIV, 2 years ago, in September 2011, I was literally on my deathbed as my pulmo doctor said. I had recurring bibasal pneumonia and PCP. I had difficulty of breathing. I had chest pains. I was confined in a private hospital where my pulmo doctor suspected I may have HIV. I took the HIV test the following day and it turned out positive. I was referred to an infectious disease (ID) doctor who, while waiting for the confirmatory, prescribed both the CD4 and Viral Load test. My CD4 then was 73 and my VL was 107, 216. I was confined in the hospital for 10 days, spending around P500,000 on hospitalization bills.

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Will Be Having My 4th CD4 Test

In a few days I will be having my fourth CD4 test, CBC and my ARV refill. I already told Dr. Ditangco about this. I also called Maram, the staff nurse of RITM-ARG to expect me anytime. 

I know that everything is going to be just fine. Last week I already took my CBC test by taking it in a private hospital. Everything was perfect. Everything was in normal range. A prelude to good results soon.

I advocate for positivity every time in the blog, so I know for sure that whatever CD4 count I get will be good, no matter what!

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact 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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My CBC Result

Just the other day, I went to my private hospital and had my CBC test out of curiosity. Anyways, my CD4 count is due next month so I want to check if ever there are issues with my blood count. 

After just hours I got the result and everything was normal. Even my WBC count was within the normal range. I texted both Dr. Ditangco and my friend doctor Dr. B and told them the good news. I even told them that it seems like I don't even have the virus at all. Both of them were happy about the result.

I am excited for my next CD4 test. No matter what the result will be I am happy as I know everything is fine because:

1. I never have missed any dosage or has been late in taking my ARV's
2. I have never been sick.
3. I am physically fit and always working out.
4. I eat healthy.
5. I sleep around 8 hours every night.
6. I know how to de-stress.
7. I give back to people who need help.
8. I don't hurt other people.
9. I keep a very positive outlook in life.

One can get ahead in life even with HIV. All one has to do is to have faith in oneself, have faith in his or her doctors and have faith in all his medications.

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact 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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Flu Shot and Dr. Tayzon

Today I went to The Medical City and saw my previous infectious disease doctor, Dr. Tayzon. Last night I texted her about the new flu shot and she told me that she will administer it to me. I informed Dr. Ditangco about it and she said that I need the yearly flu shot and gave me the go signal.

I came to Dr. Tayzon's clinic this morning for the flu shot. She was so impressed about my CD4 (537 now) and my VL being undetectable. She said she was so surprised how fast I recovered and she said these were the result of my positive attitude and my eagerness to get well fast. I guess she really knows me well. She was the one who saved my life when I got confined in TMC for pneumonia and I really owe that to her.

We chatted for an hour and a half and I shared everything that I have been doing when it comes to my new mission in life. I told her about the blog and how successful it is in reaching out to a lot PLHIV's. I told her how my knowledge matured when it comes to HIV and now, I have become an online HIV counsellor. I told her about The Love Fund and how Dr. Ditangco and I have partnered in helping the indigent PLHIV's through both TLF and PCSO. She was so glad that my HIV journey has led me to not only being healthy physically but has brought me to another place which is more fulfilling. I also told her about the support group that I am planning to do and she got excited about it that she was also offering a place where we can hold it so we can help a lot of PLHIV's.

Today was fulfilling. Not only did I get the flu shot but I was able to see my previous HIV doctor. I really glad I came. Another door is opening and I hope that in the coming months, my new project will materialize.

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My Silver Lining

I was diagnosed to have HIV/AIDS Stage IV. I was hospitalized and was bedridden with bibasal pneumonia and pneumocystiis pneumonia. I was literally on my deathbed. It was really hard for me to breathe. I was dry coughing. My chest was painful. I was hanging on for dear life with my partner Tag's hand on mine.

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My Medical Records January 2013

Here are my medical records: my CBC Result, CD4 and Viral Load result.

"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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My HIV Journey

Hello Guys, allow me to share my HIV JOURNEY. Happy Reading :)

*The End of the World - Not Really*

It was May 05, 2012 at around 8AM when the Doctor from the Diagnostic Clinic where I got tested, told me that I am HIV positive. 

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My 3rd CD4 is 537!

Today, I went to RITM-ARG in Alabang to get my CD4, Viral load and CBC Tests. I was told yesterday by my doctor, Dr. Ditangco that I need to get them first before getting my refill of ARV's as it is their protocol. I was then pressured to get it as my last tabs of my cocktail will last until Friday of this week. I told myself that I wasn't prepared. The holiday season was so stressful for me and I wasn't eating right because of all the buffets and all the reunions I had to attend. Oh well, I had to do what I have to do then. Last night too, I wasn't able to sleep well, as Tag was down with colds. Perfect time for me to really get my CD4, huh. I called Maram and Let of RITM-ARG and told them to expect me tomorrow. They said that they will be there to assist me.

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A Visit to RITM Satellite Clinic

I am always promoting RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate, Manila as it is one of the testing sites that I know that can release both the result of the two HIV tests in just 2 hours. Because of this, no more 1 or 2 week waiting period for the confirmatory test anymore so the patient who got tested positive can directly go to the HIV/AIDS treatment hub the following day, hence no delay in the process of treatment.

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Roger: Another PLHIV Story

Hi Pozzie,

Just want to say thank you! Even if I don't know you personally eh lumalakas ang loob ko dahil sa mga kwento mo. I just want to share my own story. I was diagnosed positive to HIV last Nov 8, 2012 and just started my ARV meds just today, hindi pa kasi nagsink in sakin before na may sakit ako so nagtravel pako until I realized na I always feel weak at not feeling well.

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Pozziepinoy: My Own Story

A lot of people have been asking why I am not telling my personal story. Well, actually I already did. I told it on my very first entries of this blog. I was writing and sharing it as it was happening, on September and October of 2011 when I first got diagnosed. 

For the sake of all those who want to know my story, I listed down, in order, my experience, starting from when and how I got diagnosed, to how I prepared for treatment and the entire treatment process. 

By sharing it again, I just wish that others will learn something from it and eventually know that my living with HIV/AIDS is basically a struggle at first but becomes a fruitful journey from a different and more optimistic perspective.

So this is my story: Pozziepinoy's HIV/AIDS Story

1. I Have AIDS
2. Recovering in September
3. Getting the Medicines
4. The Ordeal
5. No Side Effects Yet
6. Making Myself Healthy
7. On Antihistamine Now
8. Spreading Like Wild Fire
9. Rash Boy
10. My ALT is not Cooperating
11. Dr. Ditangco, My New HIV Doctor

"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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Being in RITM's Christmas Party

Last Friday was the Christmas Party of RITM-ARG. I was there. Nobody knows me except the staff of RITM-ARG. I haven't even met in person the staff of RITM Satellite Clinic. I have been an online counsellor for a year now and I help PLHIV's through my blog and by communicating with the staff of both RITM-ARG and RITM Satellite. However, once in a while I go and visit the staff and some patients in the hospital.

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How to Have Peace of Mind

I have received a lot of emails for the past year and few months. A lot are troubled by their health status, by their doctors, by their ARV's, by their infections, by PhilHealth, by treatment hubs. I know it is hard for everyone but how can you really have peace of mind when something is troubling you?

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Remembering Last Christmas

I still remember that last Christmas, I was still "confined" in our house. Tag and I made it a point that I should not work first while I was still recovering. I only attended one Christmas party as I was avoiding crowded places. I didn't even attend my family get together. It was really different then when you are trying to avoid people. Not because you don't want to be seen. Not because you don't want to celebrate. Instead, you are just being careful not to get infections and diseases from other people.

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Email 147: Another OFW Story

Good day Sir Pozziepinoy! 

This is Mr. XXX, 32yo, a discreet gay man (only my family and few friends know about me) and I've been in XXX for just a year and a few months. I'm the one who has been bugging you lately for I just learned that I'm HIV positive and I really don't know what to do. I know you are the only one who can give counseling to me. I'm actually a licensed nurse back in the country (yeah, i know such a stupid of me. shame on me!) but I didn't really practice my profession there. Honestly, I don’t even have enough knowledge when it comes to this disease… I know just the basics but that's just that. 

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Get Tested!

I am so happy. 

Because of this blog, almost everyday RITM-Satellite Clinic gets referrals for HIV testing. Because of this blog, people from all walks of life are being lead to this HIV testing site. Because of this blog, people are getting encouraged to take the test in the clinic where the staff are accommodating, non-judgmental and professional.

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