Email 39: The Love Fund

Hi,

My name is B. from Sweden and I want you to sent me some information regarding the LOVE FUND. So i can share it to my friends.

--

Kind regards/Med vänlig hälsning

B. F.
XXXX

XXX Kungälv, Sweden

Tel, +46XXX XXXX6

Mob, +46 XXX XXXXX7

XXXXX@gmail,com

POZZIEPINOY'S REPLY

Hi B.,

Thank you for the letter.

The Love Fund is a channel wherein people can donate money for the benefit of the indigent  HIV/AIDS patients of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)-AIDS Research Group (ARG). The Love Fund just started with just me donating to ARG through Dr. Rossana Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG. She then opened a bank account for it under her name which is monitored by the entire staff of the clinic. Ms. Maram Bartolome is the one monitoring the donations and is one of the nurses who heads the screening of patients who are assisted by The Love Fund.

The purpose of the Love Fund is to help for the care of the indigent HIV patients in RITM-ARG who can’t afford medical treatment. Assistance is focused on treatment of opportunistic infections, assistance with laboratory tests and bedside needs of patients. Patients are carefully screened by the staff of RITM-ARG with the approval of Dr. Ditangco and given assistance based on the need and the patient’s resources. Here in the Philippines there are no other organization that financially assist with the medical care of the HIV/AIDS patients and that is the main purpose why The Love Fund has been put up.

In my blog, I give a monthly update on the beneficiaries of the Fund so everybody who had donated can see that their money is helping out the indigent HIV/AIDS from the Philippines.

You and your friends can deposit your cash donations to:

           Banco de Oro  (BDO) Savings Account Number: 1420060188

            Account Name: Rossana A Ditangco

If you are outside the Philippines, you can ask any bank there on how to transfer funds to BDO in the Philippines. I know there is a way.

Please let me know if you have other concerns. Your email is so heartwarming and I am so grateful that my blog has reached you.

Thank you so much, in behalf of the HIV/AIDS patients here in the Philippines.

Pozziepinoy

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Stress & HIV

I researched about stress and HIV and I found a lot of articles about them from the net. I just compiled everything together with my own:

I guess it is a never ending battle of finding ways of reducing stress in your life. They are everywhere. In your family, at work and in your community. Even though you try to relax, just one stress can influence your total being. I experienced stresses a lot in my life. Among friends, among loved ones and even in the social networking. 

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Rainy Season Illnesses

Jersey, a friend who reads my blog entries all the time, sent me a text message and suggested a topic for me to write in my blog as it is very timely to do it. So here it is Jersey and thanks for your suggestion.

Being pozzies with a compromised immune system, we should always be on the guard against infections. The country now is in its season of typhoons and monsoon rains, thus floodings and torrential rain can’t be avoided. It is very important for us HIV positives to be very careful in getting infections as our immune system can’t recover fully if we face another bout of infections

Rainy season brings lot of fun, greenery and cool climate with it. However, it also invites lot of health disorders as well. Dealing with such illnesses associated with rainy season is not very difficult. People should be aware of these problems so that they can take necessary precautions during this season. The most common illness is related to respiratory system and water and food borne diseases  and cannot be overlooked.

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Leptospirosis & HIV

A question was raised to me the other night by a fellow pozzie:

This was our conversation. I hope you don't mind posting our conversation as I know this would be a good learning experience to others.

Pozziepinoy: What's the problem??

23h

Fellow Poz: i need the opinion of Dr Ditangco... lumusob kasi ako sa baha. gusto ko ng meds to prevent leptospirosis (I waded in the flood. I need meds to prevent leptospirosis)

23h

Fellow Poz: but at the same time walang effect sa arv ko  (but at the same time no side effects from my ARV)

23h

Pozziepinoy: wala ka bang sugat? ano ARV's mo? I'll ask her. May OI's ka ba? (do you have open wounds? What are your ARV's? I'll ask her. Do you have OI's?)

23h

Pozziepinoy: sorry I have to ask kasi tiyak itatanong yan sa akin. Ano din CD4 mo? (sorry I have to ask those since she will ask me too)

22h

Fellow Poz: wala naman akong sugat that I know (I don't have any wounds that I know) and my CD4 is 500.

22h

Fellow Poz: im taking lopinavir/ritonovir and lamivudine/zidovudine. I don't have OI's

I then texted Dr. Ditangco and this was her reply:"He can go and consult if he wants prophylaxis. There is no problem with his ARV's. Tell him no self medication please."
Metro Manila and most of the provinces in Luzon had been submerged by the continuous monsoon rains. The incidence of Leptospirosis will be on the rise again due to the flooding as the infection can be transmitted by animals to humans by wading in the flood waters especially if the person has open wounds. 
What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Leptospirosis can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin. It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water. The soil or water is contaminated with the waste products of an infected animal. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil.

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but it is most commonly acquired in the tropics.

What are leptospirosis symptoms and signs?

Leptospirosis symptoms begin from two to 25 days after initial direct exposure to the urine or tissue of an infected animal. This can even occur via contaminated soil or water. Veterinarians, pet shop owners, sewage workers, and farm employees are at particularly high risk. People participating in outdoor sporting activities like canoeing, rafting, hiking, and camping can also come into contact with contaminated water or soil.

The illness typically progresses through two phases:

• The first phase of nonspecific flu-like symptoms includes headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, followed by chills and fever. Watering and redness of the eyes occurs and symptoms seem to improve by the fifth to ninth day.
• The second phase begins after a few days of feeling well. The initial symptoms recur with fever and aching with stiffness of the neck. Some patients develop serious inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal column (meningitis), or other nerves. Right upper area abdominal pain may occur. Less common symptoms relate to disease of the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart.

Leptospirosis associated with liver and kidney disease is called Weil's syndrome and is characterized by yellowing of the eyes (jaundice). Patients with Weil's syndrome can also develop kidney disease and have more serious involvement of the organs affected.

Antibiotic Therapy

Dosage of Antibiotics for Leptospirosis

Dosage of Antibiotics in Adults with Renal Impairment

Note: Please consult your doctor especially your HIV specialist before taking any antibiotics against leptospirosis.

Credits and References:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospirosishttp://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/article.htmhttp://www.psmid.org.ph/contents/Leptospirosis_GUIDELINES_(contents).pdf

                                                   

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Email 38: Seminar Invitation

Hi Pozziepinoy,

"Good day! Ako po si Joan XXX ng Philippine Normal University.  Pwede po ba kayo maging guest speaker sa magiging seminar this coming August 29? Salamat po sa response 

TRANSLATION:

Good day! I am Joan XXX from the Philippine Normal University. Can you be a guest speaker in the upcoming seminar this coming August 29? Thank you for the response."

POZZIEPINOY'S REPLY

Hi Joan,

Thank you for taking interest in my HIV journey. As much as I would like to, to share the hardships and successes, my only concern is my identity. I haven't come out yet to everybody outside my family and a few friends. 

I don't know how you would tackle my issue. Please let me know your plan.

Thank you.

Pozziepinoy

                                                                       *******************

*** Please donate to the LOVE FUND. It is for the benefit of the indigent pozzies that are in dire need of financial help especially for their initial lab tests and OI medications. This is a project of Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco.

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

                Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

1. Personal cash donations to RITM-ARG and look for Ellen Domingo or Maram Bartolome. 
2. Also accepting donations in kind:

*** Medicines for OI Prophylaxis

a. Cotrimoxazole -800mg

b. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com. I will give you the details of the LOVE FUND. Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!

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Email 37: Another Poz' Journey

"Hi Pozzie,

I came across your blog when I searched it through google. I feel that it is very informative. I was tested positive last April. At first I was really afraid to get tested for HIV. I think it's the fear of knowing that I might have the said condition and rather die without knowing it. 

But by the time that my hunch was confirmed, I just told myself, life must go on. Wala na akong magagawa andyan na yan eh. I think I'm just blessed that the doctor referred to a specialist here in our place who handles people living with HIV. Now I’m taking my ARV’s for almost 4 months now and all my tests are free except for the CD4. I’m also thankful for the support of my family as they are open minded regarding this condition. I am more paranoid than them. I am the one putting restrictions like I should have my own utensils, etc etc. With research I continue to educate myself about HIV. We also have a support group in our place but I haven’t attended any meetings yet. 

I also wanted to write about my new journey but I don’t know where to start. I hope to keep in touch with you via email and sms. Maybe I can have a vacation in Manila soon to meet you as well.

Best regards and God bless,

XXX"

POZZIEPINOY’S REPLY

Hi XXX,

Thank you for reading my blog. Thanks too for having the courage to write me.

I am proud and happy for taking charge of your health.

First, for taking the test and overcoming the fears inside your mind. Taking the test is the initial test of you being responsible for your health. It is really scary at first but it is better to have it done as early as possible so one will know what to do next and become proactive in taking care of one’s health.

Second, for believing in your ARV’s as I believe that you are taking them for 4 months now and following the orders of your doctors.

Third, for having a family who love, supports and understands what you are going through. Our families, no matter what will be there for us and I am happy that you had the courage to tell your fast.

Fourth, for having an HIV specialist who is guiding you with your treatment and finding a hub that provides you with free services.

Fifth, for increasing your knowledge about our disease by doing your own research.

Sixth, for identifying a support group in your community even though you haven’t attended any meeting yet.

I am glad to hear a fellow poz like you who have a positive attitude towards your journey with HIV. I am pretty sure that with a good hub like yours, with a good doctor supervising you, your journey is something to be read about.

I will send you my phone number so in case you would want to ask questions or just talk. We can also meet when you take your vacation here in Manila.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

                                                             *******************

*** Please donate to the LOVE FUND. It is for the benefit of the indigent pozzies that are in dire need of financial help especially for their initial lab tests and OI medications. This is a project of Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco.

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

                Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

1. Personal cash donations to RITM-ARG and look for Ellen Domingo or Maram Bartolome. 
2. Also accepting donations in kind:

*** Medicines for OI Prophylaxis

a. Cotrimoxazole -800mg

b. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com. I will give you the details of the LOVE FUND. Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!

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Email 36: Reaching Out

“Hi Pozziepinoy,

I was diagnosed HIV positive last month in XXX. I took the HIV screening since I am aware of the symptoms but I had it through anonymous testing. It was shocking at first when I found it positive. I was crying the whole day thinking of my family especially my mom since I am the bread winner of the family. I really don’t know how to explain it to them. 

Now I am back home to Philippines am a bit worried and scared. I don’t know how to start my life again. I worked for XXX years in XXX in a XXX. ... 

By the way here's my no.XXXX.. Can I have your no. too? 

Thanks a lot

XXX”

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX,

Thanks for reading my blog and thanks for sending me an email. 

I am glad that you took the HIV test fast. I am proud of you. Some people, like me, took the test when we had opportunistic infections already. 

Let’s talk over the phone. I’ll text you and I hope that I can assist you in any way possible.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

                                                            *******************

*** Please donate to the LOVE FUND. It is for the benefit of the indigent pozzies that are in dire need of financial help especially for their initial lab tests and OI medications. This is a project of Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco.

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

                Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

1. Personal cash donations to RITM-ARG and look for Ellen Domingo or Maram Bartolome. 
2. Also accepting donations in kind:

*** Medicines for OI Prophylaxis

a. Cotrimoxazole -800mg

b. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com. I will give you the details of the LOVE FUND. Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!

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Email 35: Needing To Talk

Hi Pozziepioy,

Last month I was confirmed HIV positive. I was just taking for a routinary test when I discovered it. I read a lot of info’s bout the disease and came across your blog. I must say I’m okay now as I discovered it in the earliest time and I’m glad that I have no opportunistic infections yet. 

I already went to RITM for a check up but they don’t have yet CD4 test back then. I was scheduled on Aug XX for the CD4 test, but I’m afraid that my CD4 will drop down by that time. I wish I can take ARV’s by this time but sadly there’s a cut off in CD4 count.

By the way can I get your number so I can talk to you and ask for some advice? Here's my no by the way XXXX.

Thanks.

XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX,

Thank you for reading my blog.

Though it is shocking for you that you are HIv positive, I am still happy that you found out your status when you don’t have opportunistic infections yet. Unlike me who was already sick with pneumonia at the time I was tested, I am happy that you are still in good health.

RITM now has the reagent for CD4 testing so you can have another schedule if you want. I can also arrange for an earlier schedule, just let me know in advance when you are going there. I would want you to get treatment as early as possible, in case you need it.

I will text you later so we can coordinate on what your next steps will be.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

                                                           *******************

*** Please donate to the LOVE FUND. It is for the benefit of the indigent pozzies that are in dire need of financial help especially for their initial lab tests and OI medications. This is a project of Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco.

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

                Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

1. Personal cash donations to RITM-ARG and look for Ellen Domingo or Maram Bartolome. 
2. Also accepting donations in kind:

*** Medicines for OI Prophylaxis

a. Cotrimoxazole -800mg

b. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com. I will give you the details of the LOVE FUND. Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!

Read More