Word of Advice from a PLHIV

I was diagnosed with HIV 2 months months. Like most other Pinoys, my reason for not getting tested is (1) fear (2) if i'm positive, there's no cure anyway.  But I learned my lesson the hard way.

There are certainly a lot of advantages to get tested NOW if you are at a high risk group. In fact, it could be a matter of life and death. As for myself, I only had my HIV test when my immune system was so low and I was already getting all these opportunistic infections (pneumonia, tb, etc.) while in the hospital. These infections are rather serious and could cost you your life, aside from the fact that hospitalization is too heavy on the pocket. Even if you have an HMO, they wont cover your hospitalization expense when you are positive. So double whammy, you go to an expensive hospital thinking you have an HMO, and finding out later the cost is on you!

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PP Prayer's List 11

February is the love month. It is the time to share our love to those who are needing. It is once again time to pray for all the PLHIV's for strength and courage as they continue with their fight in improving and or maintaining their health.

I will be sending the PozziePinoy's Prayer List again to the heads of church organisations this Friday evening. I have added new PLHIV's to the list, who I have the privilege of knowing and assisting. I also indicated a priority list for those who are in need of immediate prayer!

Please email me fast or just ask for a name inclusion in the comment box if you want your name or your friend's name to be included here.

In need of prayers: to watch over their health, to help them keep a positive outlook in life despite HIV, to help them face all health fears, to guard them against possible infections.

Priority Prayers:

1. Miko HIV- Praying that he will overcome the obstacles of the trial period of his ARV's fast!

Daily Prayers:

1. Poz Angel
2. PositHive
3. PozzieBoy23
4. GeekPozzie
5. Ryan HIV
6. Iamhivpositive
7. PozJerry
8. Casually
9. Bohemian
10. Chris HIV
11. Mike HIV
12. Kien HIV
13. Mark HIV
14. Panga HIV
15. Rob HIV
16. Albert HIV
17. Turvey HIV
18. Mao Hiv
19. Jersey
20. Jayjay HIV
21. 2ndLease
21. FB guy
22. Kiev
23. Spongie
24. iampositive25
25. Paranoid Freak
26. Marky
27. Sam HIV
28. Carlo HIV
29. Rob 2WL
30. Tipsyheaven1
31. Aqua HIV
32. SG HIV
33. RenalCB HIV
34. FBguy
35. FBfriend
36. MonCMV
37. LetBC
38. Dark Shadow29
39. AeonPaul
40. Reon
41. GP
42. lumineux08
43. finding goodness
44. matt_squid
45. rebornpositive2
46. seapositivo
47. Pozandliving
48. PozDanny
49. Potchini2
50. Chemistry Guy
51. Positivecutie
52. Jerin0627
53. squidworx
54. IamGrimReaper
55. Impopoy21
56. 21May2012
57. RedSon2828
58. positivejuan
59. PinoyPositive
60. IamPoziHiv
61. Iam Plus2012
62. Huntme
63. Eyes_closed120
64. AkoPoz
65. Sayke Delic
66. Dark Incognito
67. English
68. PinoyPositive
69. IamHIV
70. A/M Hiv (Real Initials)
71. SU Hiv (Real Initials)
72. Chrono Source HIV
73. SG Hiv (Real Initials)
74. FL Hiv (Real Initials)
75. Rolly5254 
76. Poz_nurse
77. Humphrey
78. NewPozPinoy
79. J (real initial)
80. JL (real initials)
81. r10-aac
82. MzCpozzie
83. John HIV
84. RJ HIV
85. Atty HIV
86.  Will HIV
87. William HIV
88. Burt HIV
89. ELP HIV
90. RPM HIV
91. JL HIV
92. EAQ HIV
93. CPA HIV
94. EA HIV
95. DR HIV
96. AL HIV
97. Dennis HIV
98. JGE HIV
99. ABA HIV
100. Bryan HIV
101. Gary HIV
102. Miko HIV
103. Gab HIV
104. Al HIV
105. Aldrin HIV
106. Andy HIV
107. Blue HIV
108. Boy HIV
109. Bryan HIV
110. Camille HIV
111. Chris HIV
112. Dale HIV
113. Dan HiV
114. Dubai Boi HIV
115. Dwin HIV
116. HunkNurse HIV
117. Ian HIV
118. Jake HIV
119. James HIV
120. Jeck HIV
121. Jm HIV
122. Leo HIV
123. Mark HIV
124. Nate HIV
125. Noel HIV
126. Griffin HIV
127. PozMakati HIZ
128. Raul HIV
129. Redge HIV
130. Rj HIV
131. Rob HIV
132. Sam HIV
133. AmerDad HIV
134. Sherwin HIV
135. Shiro HIV
136. Sven HIV
137. Tsino HIV
138. Zon HIV
139. R13-EGD Yuann
140. R13-JCD 
141. R13-PTP Frank
142. R13-JCB
143. R11-rcm2 rizelle
144. Jai Archangel 
145. Ezhno
146. Geoff
147. Miko.
148. R-13 JPS 
149. R-13 GBS

Regular Prayers of Gratitude: 

May these people who are so dedicated in helping all of us with HIV be blessed always, with good health and good life!

1. Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco
2. Dr. Maffie Tayzon
3. Dr. Elizabeth Sebastian
4. Dr. Robert Naval
5. Dr. Larry Tamondong
6. Ms. Ellen Domingo (Ate Ellen)
7. Ms. Maram Bartolome
8. Ms. Amelita Perez
9. Dr. Jepricito
10. Dr. Gia Sison
11. Elizabeth N. Navo (Ate Beth)
12. Lean Mogol
13. Malcolm Brown
14. Dr. Philip Tjr
15. Raffy Sta. Ana

"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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2011's "The Anniversary"

WORLD AIDS DAY
FEATURED FILM

The Anniversary - A Short Film for World AIDS Day

A 2011 short film directed by Singapore acclaimed director Royston Tan. The story revolves around the inner struggles of a guy as he comes to terms with being HIV positive with his boyfriend on their anniversary.

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Email 120: Tested 3 Years Ago

Hi Pozzie,

I found your blog early this year but due to my busy schedule at work (im at the point that i almost forgot that im sick), I just had the chance to write you. 

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Email 119: On EBV and CMV Tests

Hi Pozziepinoy,

I am particularly interested to know/confirm if I have EBV or CMV since it was mononucleosis that convinced me to take the HIV test. Do we have the EBV/CMV lab tests in RITM? These are available in St. Luke's and UST Hospital but of course, you know my concern.

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Be Empowered!

Knowledge is power! That is what everybody says.

This is true. All of us need to be empowered so that we can easily deal with HIV and AIDS. We all need to learn by getting information and listening to get the wisdom of other people. Information and wisdom from others can equip us with all the right tools in accepting and dealing with HIV and AIDS.

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Email 107: "Please Help Me"

Hi Pozziepinoy,

Nov 5, 2012, I was in a clinic for a beneficiary sponsorship medical examination going to Canada. 3 days later, Nov 9, 2012, I was told for a blood-retest. At first, I thought it was for immigration purposes, then until HIV testing waver was given to be filled-up. I was shocked and couldn't think anything positive. I felt the coldness of the room and when the med-tech started to ask me personal questions, I could'nt help but to think about the 3 year old girl {my beautiful niece} who I baby sitted since she was first born, who is going 3 this coming January. We were attached so much to each other like father and daughter. She is a bubbly little angel, and I couldn't help but to cry in front of the med staff. 

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Thank You for Your Generosity!

A lot of PLHIV's, both patients of RITM-ARG and non-RITM-ARG, have pledged for "Our Christmas Gift" for RITM-ARG. Thank you so much.

It has been a good year for a lot of PLHIV's and so many PLHIV's have been helped by RITM-ARG so the project is a good venue where we all can be generous for the benefit of our fellow PLHIV's.

Aside from monetary contributions, some PLHIV's have pledged to give to RITM-ARG:

1. Coffee maker
2. Monoblock chairs
3. Office table

Once again, thank you so much. Please keep on pledging monetary contributions and or other office gifts to RITM-ARG. Christmas is the time of sharing so let us all join our hands in giving back the love and support that RITM-ARG has given us.

For more information about "Our Christmas Gift", please click the link below:

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT

"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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"Spiderman's Fight"

Ate Beth of RITM-ARG, two weeks ago texted me about the 28 year old, unemployed "Spiderman". She told me about this new patient who went to RITM-ARG, who was referred by a Self Empowerment Training (SET) participant. She met him in the clinic, with body rashes and blurred vision. Ate Beth said that her chest tightened up when he saw him being assisted by his 70 year old aunt as he had no other relatives to assist him.

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Email 95: Switching Back to Nevirapine?

Hello.

I used to take Nevirapine and Lamiduvine/Stavudine but had rashes and fever. So, I stopped taking it. 

Now, my doctor gave me Efavirenz and Lamiduvine/Stavudine and had rashes and dizziness while taking it but I still continued until the side effects are now minimal. 

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Email 94: Can Gonorrhea Become HIV?

Hi Pozzie,

May bf poh kc ako late koh na poh kasi nalaman na may disease sya sa anus. Ask ko lng if nag kakaroon poh ng tulo ang anus? Sabi nya sakin for about 2 years na daw kasing may lumalabas na nana sa anus nya.

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Confusion on CD4 Testing in RITM-ARG

I've been hearing this for quite sometime now. PLHIV's are confused if there really is FREE CD4 Testing in RITM-ARG in Alabang. There are claims that are circulating that:

1. CD4 test is not free for new patients
2. Succeeding CD4 tests will be charged to returning patients
3. A few patients said that they were charged for CD4 before.

Because of this, I called Dr. Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG and she said that ALL patients, both new and returning, are given FREE CD4 testing and lab tests (except lab tests for specific OI's and viral load test) in RITM-ARG. She said that they have maximized their PhilHealth funds and they have free CD4 test reagents so they have the capacity to give FREE CD4 tests. She told me that the patients who are charged for CD4 testing and not given FREE CD4 are only those who are:

1. NOT patients of RITM-ARG
2. NOT patients of RITM- Satellite Clinic
3. NOT patients of RITM-ARG-supervised social hygiene clinics.
4. Patients who don't pass through RITM-ARG and who go directly to the laboratory of the RITM main hospital without any referral from RITM-ARG.

I also called Ate Beth of RITM-ARG and she said that they started giving FREE CD4 test last June 2012. This means that those who got their CD4 earlier than June 2012, really paid for their CD4 test.

So to be clear, to avail of the FREE CD4 Test in RITM-ARG:

1. You need to be a patient (both new and returning) of
     a. RITM-ARG in Alabang
     b. RITM-Satellite Clinic in Malate, Manila
     c. any RITM-ARG-Supervised social hygiene clinics

2. Do not go directly to the laboratory of RITM Main Hospital as you will be considered not a patient of RITM-ARG since you don't have a referral from RITM-ARG.

"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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Email 93: Needing Medical Assistance in Pampanga

Hi Pozziepinoy,

This the first time i saw this site and i saw an opportunity. 

I was diagnosed with HIV late October 2012. But it wasn't explained much by the doctor. that time I was having a lump in my throat and mouth sores which are, according to the doctor, are symptoms. He prescribed a medicine for me Co-Amoxiclav for my mouth sores and throat lump. I took those medicines for 7 days and they did work, only after a week of not taking the meds, my mouth sores showed up again. I was thinking of taking the medicines again only they cost too much for me. 

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POSITIBO Part 3

"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 YouTube

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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POSITIBO Part 2

"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: YouTube

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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POSITIBO Part 1

In Ocober 2012, Front Row's POSITIBO, a documentary about PLHIV's, was featured again in GMA News TV.

It is full hour show and apologize for giving this in parts only.

"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 YouTube

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Peer Educator's Training for PLHIV

Be part of the 

NATIONAL POOL OF PEER EDUCATORS FOR PLHIV TRAINED BY 

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Department of Health, through the National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) under the Infectious Disease Office (IDO) of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), 

invites applicants for the 

TRAINING ON PEER EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV) on 

November 2012. 

Details of the training will be sent to the qualified applicants. 

To qualify, he/she must:

1. be a PLHIV

2. be empowered and actively involved in support groups or care and support organization

3. have at least one year experience/involvement in providing care and support services to PLHIV

4. have good writing / speaking skills

5. be capable of preparing client profile and narrative report of client intervention

6. have undergone training on HIV 101, RA 8504, and Sex, Gender and Sexuality

7. be articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)

8. have a spirit of volunteerism

Requirements:

1. Application letter addressed to Dr. Jose Gerard B. Belimac, Program Manager, NASPCP

2. Essay on unforgettable experience(s) as a peer educator. State issues and how these were addressed. 

3. Recommendation/Endorsement from Superior / Head of Organization and 2 peers/colleagues

4. Supporting documents for training attended

Considerations for Selection of Applicants: 

Knowledge:

• Basic counseling with emphasis on transference and countertransference 

• Updated on HIV epidemiology (local and global)

• Updated on programs implemented by national government and NGOs

• aware of referral mechanism

• Has basic knowledge on HIV and STI, ART, RA 8504,TCS services

• Must be familiar with illicit drugs and drug use (specially for PLHIV/PWID)

• Must be familiar with human anatomy

• has undergone formal training on peer education and group facilitation

Skills:

• Capable of preparing client profile and activity report 

   Articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)

Atttitude:

• must have self-confidence

• must be gender and age-sensitive

• client – centered approach

• Sensitive, emphatic, open-minded, good listener, good communicator,  trustworthy

• must follow ethical standards of a peer educator

• Committed to serve peers on a voluntary basis

Responsibility of a PLHIV Peer Educator 

a. Deal not just with health but also psychological aspects of health 

b. Could mobilize the community and empowerment initiatives that could evolve into community health educator or integrated programming

c. Information Dissemination and gathering of information

    i. Reporting 

    ii. Monitoring and Evaluation 

        - Forms 

        - Basic narrative report in managing clients

d. How to deal with people holistically

    i. Self awareness

        - Values

        - Attitudes 

        - Personal Needs 

        - Ethical standards 

        - Stress management 

    ii. Interpersonal communication skills

        - Facilitating skills 

        - Negotiation skills

    iii. Psycho social needs

    iv. Basic health needs / life support

        - Basic home-based care 

        - Basic life support 

e. Organizing and building a support group including mentoring of support group establish by peer educators 

f. Responsibility to self

Interested applicants must submit all documents on or before Sunday, September 30, 2012 to: 

Peer Education for PLHIV Training Secretariat

National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP)

3rd Floor, Bldg. 14

Department of Health

San Lazaro Compound

Sta. Cruz, Manila 

(632) 495-0149

or through email at naspcp@yahoo.com

"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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We Need Your Help!

Everyday, ten to fifteen new HIV patients are seen in RITM-ARG in Alabang and half of them are indigent. Some have problems with even basic transportation fares, some have financial difficulties when it comes to buying medicines for their infections. Others can't afford the hospitalization bills and lab tests for infections.

The Love Fund Group has been trying to help these people. Everyday they try to find ways on how to give them medical assistance. They try to look for foundations and government agencies so that treatment will be provided.

However, patients keep on coming in and asking for help.

In lieu of this, I am calling all PLHIV's who are being provided service by RITM-ARG, to donate any amount every time they come to visit the treatment hub. We all have been given FREE ARV's, FREE labs and FREE consultation in the treatment hub and it is about time that we should all join hands in helping our fellow indigent PLHIV's who are needing medical assistance. There are 25-50 patients who are going to the hub everyday and if only everyone can give even P50 each visit, then for one day, one person can be helped with medicines for his or her infections and for his or her lab tests.

We are all in this together and we only have each other to lean on.

Once again I am calling on all PLHIV's of RITM-ARG. Give donations to Maram Bartolome or Ate Beth for The Love Fund when you visit the hub, when it's time for your refill, labs and CD4. Your help will go a long, long way!

Thank you so much!

"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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PLHIV Story: My Experience with RITM-ARG

Hi Pozziepinoy,

As promised, here is my experience with RITM-ARG when I went there last August.

Anyways for those who don't know, I was diagnosed as HIV positive and my story was recently shared in this blog too : Email78: Another OFW Story.

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RITM-ARG New Schedules

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

RITM-ARG wishes to inform the public that

all PLHIV'S who want to avail of 

CD4 Testing and Consultations 

will have to follow their

NEW SCHEDULES

 starting

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

The new schedule is as follows:

 BLOOD EXTRACTION FOR CD4 TESTING 

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 

from

7am to 8am only

FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS, for new PLHIV's

For returning PLHIV's, make sure to 

call RITM-ARG first for scheduling of the test.

RITM-ARG CLINIC HOURS

Mondays to Fridays

8am to 3pm

Approved for Posting:

Dr. Ditangco, Head of RITM-ARG

Maram Bartolome, RITM-ARG Clinical Staff

"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

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