The Youngest

Dra. Ditangco texted me last Monday, that our youngest beneficiary of the Love Fund is 2 year old orphan boy being raised by his aunt from Bicol. I crossed my fingers that he doesn't have HIV but unfortunately Dra. D. confirmed that he is positive. Through love fund, we were able to support him with formula milk and antibiotics. I asked her if we need to solicit more funds for him but Dr. D. said we still have sufficient fund.

I was saddened that this 2 year old kid is suffering already. It would be hard for him, not understanding what he has. It is hard for his aunt who I definitely know is struggling too with his illness.

Most of us got our disease by not being careful. This kid is suffering without even knowing how he got it in the first place. It is sad but though I am quite gladdened by the fact that through the Love Fund, through the help of my friends, he is somewhat being assisted. It would be a longer road for him but I know, there are millions of people out there who are more than willing to extend their hearts to him.

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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Medical Assistance: April Report

Here is an update on the beneficiaries of the Love Fund and the PCSO assistance.

From Ms. Maram Bartolome:

“We we were able to help quite a number of patients especially those lab tests that are expensive and for patient’s medicines. Thank you so much. The Love Fund was able to give a lot of assistance.”

From Dr. Ditangco:

 “The Love Fund is a big help. We could feel how it has been helping our patients! Thanks to you and your friends!”

Here are some of the cases that have been helped wherein Ms. Maram has attached receipts. She said that they are waiting for the other receipts.

Love Fund Assistance:

1.Breast cancer: UTZ, Medicine, OR supply, x-ray

2.Pregnant woman with complication in heart. She is confined now in te ward. She was given assistance with her medicines, laboratory like UTZ and 2d echo and food for companion since usband is unemployed. 

3. One patient was assisted for his medicine

4. Ophtha patient and asked for assistance for consultation and for laboratory.

Last week Dr. Ditangco and I were able to send  two patients to PCSO for financial assistance for their medical condition. We have a contact person there who assisted these patients. Today I asked Dr. Ditangco for an update.

Fr Dr. Ditangco: 

“Just got a word from them that the wife for chemo with breast cancer will go back to submit prescription for chemo while the other patient already got the pledge letter on that same day. That was really very fast action. We will refer more patients for assistance.”

It is really a privilege to help. I told Dr. Ditangco that ever since I got well, I promised myself that I will give back. I am so blessed that I am doing it right now.

To everybody out there, please help us in giving assistance to our friends. They need you!

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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Email 12

I received another email. Here it goes.

"Hi,

I would like to inquire where to avail the BEST health care service for people living with HIV, of course I want it to be private and confidential to prevent discrimination and horror experience. I'm afraid I already have the virus but still crossing my fingers to have a negative result. What are the things I have to prepare? with regards to financial obligations how much should I prepare for the preliminary laboratory examinations? if my CD4 count is below 300 can I avail the free ARV meds? Mind to share me their contact numbers? 

Just bump on your blog site this morning and realized why wait if I can have myself tested before it's too late.

Regards,

XXX"

Pozziepinoy’s Reply:

Hi.

I salute you for being proactive about your health status. You are absolutely right. Why ait when you can have yourself tested now to know your status. Why wait, like me, who was stupid to ignore the fact that I was having unprotected sex and not even thought of having myself tested. Trust me. You are doing the right thing. Do it now.

Let’s answer your questions one by one.

1. On where to avail of the best health care service for people living with HIV where there is privacy and confidentiality to prevent discrimination and “horror” experience, I believe that all the government hubs provide the best health care service.

I was once a patient of a private doctor in a private hospital and I wasn’t given the best advice there. Later on, I was referred to a government hub, because they have more experience in dealing with HIV/AIDS patients, with  opportunistic infections and ARV’s. Don’t worry, the hubs will protect your identity and you will feel the concern of the staff there for you.

2. What are the things to prepare for? Just yourself. Brace yourself. Be prepared emotionally and physically. Knowledge is power so study and learn. Read all about HIV/AIDS. Learn also from the experiences of others who have been living with the disease. 

3. How much should one prepare for the preliminary laboratory examinations? Most hubs would require you to have blood workout done which usually will cost more or less P4,000.  They would also require you to have the CD4 count test which range from P2,500 to P4,000 in the government hubs. You can also prepare for the cost of the initial viral load count which is around P6,000 to P7,500.

4. If the CD4 is below 300 can one avail of the free ARV’s? Absolutely as long as you accomplish the required tests and the counseling provided by the hubs.

   

5. Contact numbers of the HIV/AIDS Hubs:

a. Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC)

San Fernando, La Union

Dr. Jeisela B. Gaerlan

Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader

Clinic: (072) 700-3808

b. Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)

Baguio City 

Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos

HACT Leader / Medical Officer II

c. San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)

Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila

Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica

Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader

Head, HIV/AIDS Pavilion

Tel: 309-9529/28; 740-8301 loc 6000

d. Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)

Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco, Head, HIV Research Unit

Tel: 5261705; 8072628/38 local 801/208

e. Philippine General Hospital (PGH)

Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila

Dr. Jodor Lim / Ms. Dominga C. Gomez

HACT, SAGIP/ PGH

Telefax: 5261705

f. Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital 

Legaspi City, Albay

Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera

Chief of Hospital III

Tel: (052) 483-0016 / 483-0086 / 483-0017

g. Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)

Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, 5000 Iloilo City

Dr. Ray Celis

HACT Leader/Medical Specialist III

Tel: (033) 321-2841 to 50

h. Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hosp

Lacson St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Dr. Candido Alam

HACT Leader/Medical Specialist

Tel: (034) 435-1591; (034) 433-2697

i. Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center (VSSMC)

B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City 6000

Dr. Maria Consuelo B. Malaga, 

HACT Leader

Tel: (032) 253-7564; (032) 253-7564 / 9882

j. Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)

Evangelista St., 7000 Zamboanga City

Dr. Jejunee Rivera

HACT Leader/Medical Officer III

Tel: (062) 991-0573

k. Davao Medical Center (DMC)

J.P. Laurel St., Bajada, 8000 Davao City

Dr. Alicia Layug, HACT Leader

Tel: (081) 227-2731

l. Cagayan Valley Medical Center

Tuguegarao City, Cagayn Valley

m. Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center

San Fernando, Pampanga

n. Or visit/inquire at:

Nearest Social Hygiene Clinics (Special STI Clinics); City/Municipal Health Offices NGO Partners at the local level 

I hope I was able to answer your questions. Feel free to email me again.

Stay strong,

Pozziepinoy

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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PCSO

Dra Ditangco and I have been communicating for a month now, helping patients ease the financial burden of hospitalizations, lab exams and workout and cost of medicines. Aside from The Love Fund, we have also linked up with The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for their IMAP or Individual Medical Assistance Program.

The PSCO can be tapped if the financial burden is great especially for hospitalizations brought about by opportunistic infections.

Under the IMAP, medical assistance is given to individual patients through the issuance of guarantee letters to hospitals where the patients are confined. A guarantee letter is a certification issued to hospitals for a particular charity patient under the PCSO medical assistance program where the agency assumes the obligation of settling the cost of hospitalization, including the medicines, medical, surgical or blood supplies, and diagnostic procedures.

OBJECTIVES

• General : Restoration of social functioning (Physical recovery) through medical assistance
• Specific : Provide assistance for hospitalization expenses, laboratory procedures and purchase of medicines, chemo drugs, dialysis solutions, antibiotics, implants, devices and other medical needs.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

• Letter Request to Chairman/General Manager
• Medical Abstract
• Bill/Quotation/Costing from Hospital Pharmacy/Supplies
• Laboratory Request/Medicine Prescription
• Endorsement/Acceptance letter from Hospital Social Services/Credit Collection Office

So far we have helped 3 patients already through PCSO. Another patient will be assisted tomorrow through it.

I know a lot of people with HIV/AIDS are really worried about the financial burden of the disease. Always remember that the channel of help is always open. One really has to look for it.


Credit:
http://www.pcso.gov.ph/imap.html

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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STAY STRONG!

I always tell the pozzies that I am counseling that it is important to fight the the ill effects of the virus especially when the immune system is already weakened by it. I always advice that having a positive attitude is not enough. One really has to fight back by staying as strong as possible physically. 

I remembered when I was in the hospital, when I was almost at the brink of death because of pneumonia, I told myself that I have to fight back. I was physically fit before because of years of working out but since my body is failing me because I wasn't breathing good and wasn't able to do anything physical, I told myself that the only way that I can fight back is by eating. I ate 6 to 7 times a day even while I was bed ridden. I knew then that my body can recuperate fast if I eat more. 

The rest is history.

Here are some ways that can help one with HIV to regain or maintain one's strength:

Five ways to maintain your strength when you are HIV-positive 

1. Eat more and different kinds of foods and drink plenty of fluids. 

To maintain your strength and keep up your weight, every day: 

a. Eat three meals and regular snacks in between.  Adequate meals and snacks include:

    i. Meals:     porridge, or pasta with tomato sauce and bread 

    ii. Snacks:  Bananas, mangos, bread, porridge, and boiled milk 

b.Always eat different types of food:

   i. Vegetables and fruits such as carrot, potato, tomato, banana, oranges,   papaya, avocado, and mango

   ii. bread, and porridge

   iii. beef, chicken, fish,  liver, and eggs

c. Drink at least eight glasses of boiled or treated water and fresh fruit juices.  Avoid soft drinks and packaged juices, as they can reduce appetite.

d. When you don’t feel hungry:

     i. Eat small amounts of food 5-6 times a day

     ii. If you don’t have mouth sores, use mild spices for better test

FOOD HELPS YOU STAY STRONG AGAINST HIV/AIDS.

2. Practice good food hygiene. 

1. Improper storage and preparation of food and dirty hands can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which reduce energy, vitamin, and mineral intake. 
2. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food. 
3. Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or treated water before cooking or eating.
4. Keep food and water covered and stored away from insects, flies, and rodents.
5. Clean food preparation area and utensils with soap and water after every meal and cooking session.
6. Avoid raw meat and eggs, spoiled or moldy foods, and juice made from unboiled water.

PREVENTING WATER-BORNE DISEASES IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING YOUR 

STRENGTH. 

3. Make food a social activity. 

a. Eat together with family or friends.  This will encourage you to eat more and maintain a regular schedule.  Family and friends can also help prepare and clean-up, particularly when you are sick.

b. If possible, help create a garden or raise small livestock with family, friends, neighbors, or a PLWHA association.

c. When you are eating less because you are stressed or depressed, spend time withfamily or friends or talk to a spiritual leader.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

a. Walk, jog, or garden to improve blood circulation, stimulate appetite, reduce fat, and maintain muscle tone. 

b. Abstain completely or significantly reduce your consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and chat.  Alcohol and chat can reduce appetite and make anti-HIV drugs less effective. 

c. Avoid coffee and tea when you are out with friends; instead, drink fruit juices and eat fruits like bananas and oranges.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE HELPS YOU STAY STRONG.

5. Treat symptoms that can prevent you from eating.

a.  If you have mouth sores: 

     i. Clean at least twice daily with cotton and lightly salted warm water.

     ii.Eat cooked and soft foods and avoid acidic ones like lemons and oranges as well as spicy foods.

b. Seek medical advice immediately if: 

    i. Mouth sores do not improve.

    ii. You lose weight or your appetite decrease.

    iii. You have persistent diarrhea.

    iv. You feel discomfort when swallowing.

HAVE YOUR WEIGHT MONITORED REGULARLY.

6. Nutrition and HIV medication (ARVs)

a. Even if you are taking ARVs, practice the five ways to maintain your strength and to maintain the body’s muscles which process the medicine.

b. You may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite caused by ARVs.  However, continue eating and taking the drugs regularly

FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF HEALTH WORKERS TO AVOID NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS 

BETWEEN THE FOOD AND MEDICINE YOU ARE TAKING.

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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© 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 11: Still Confused

I received his email again.

Sir, I am back again asking for your help. I am still so bothered until now about my condition. 

I have been tested twice and both came back negative. But I was doubtful about the test I took in a government hospital here because I found out they were using Beijing biod biotech rapid test which is not in the list of FDA approved tests.

I tried to contact the PNAC or the DOH but I am not hearing any response from them regarding the matter if they check and monitor for quality control the medical devices used in hospitals especially those used for blood screening like HIV.

Here's my story and the list of symptoms I am having.

I have had unprotected receptive anal sex last August 12, 2011 and I also had unprotected anal sex on October 12, 2011.

On the last week of October, I started to feel chills everyday at night and I have stuffy nose and loose bowel once a day every morning. I can also feel 4 lymph nodes below my jawline and one small nodes(less than 1 cm) at the side of my neck. Later on, the chills are felt already even in daytime. I checked my temp every time I had chills and it ranges from 37.1-37.4 persisting for almost 3 months .These continued until the 2nd week of January and it went away on its own without treatment . After the chills and what I think is low grade fever subsides, burning sensation in my feet and hands starts to develop which worsens at dawn. I also experienced dry mouth and white tongue which i could not scrape. I had 2 episodes of hives all over my body which lasted for days and I don’t have any known allergy. Now, I have 1 ulcer in my lips and once I had it at the back of my throat. I also have feeling of tiredness, dry mouth, and burning sensation in my my hands and feet. The burning sensation is on the dorsal part of the feet, around the ankle, in the calf, in the dorsal area of my hands but not on the sole of the feet and the palms and the toes. It is only lately that the soles feel like tingling at times but not so often and there is no burning sensation in the sole.

I have been tested negative for HIV antibody in December 14, 2011 and January 16, 2012 which turned out non-reactive.I also had my stool checked and found numerous fungus in my stool.

I am still doubtful of my result since i am having all these symptoms.I also have been checked for my blood sugar, my thyroid panel and other STD’s and everything went ok, since the doctor thought I was having thyroid problem.

I am 27, male and has always been healthy before.

Do you know anyone who is positive and is having symptoms the same as mine?

If it's ok sir, since i don't have access with specialists here in our place, can you ask your doctor if my symptoms could possibly be hiv? Since I learned that there is a condition called diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome which could possibly occur in early HIV infection and could manifest as parotid gland enlargement, dry eyes and mouth, which could also cause peripheral neuropathy and extraglandular involvement like the lungs (since I also am having occasional back pain). I have all these symptoms except for parotid gland enlargement. I even have my heart pounding when I try to take a nap in the morning.

I am so anxious now and could not understand how I am feeling.

I would want to get tested again but i am already very scared. And it would be hard for me to have access on Elisa or Western Blot. Only rapid test is available in our provincial hospital. Could I rely on the result of my rapid test? 

The nearest hub or social hygiene clinic from our place is 10 hours away.

Thank you po. Pasensya na po sa abala. Hope matulungan nyo po ako sa mga tanong ko.

God bless!

Paranoia Freak

Hi Paranoid Freak!

Thanks for writing me again.

I asked Dr. Ditangco about your symptoms but she said it really is best that you go to a specialist (preferably an infectious disease doctor) so your condition can really be diagnosed. She said it could be anything but it is better to get facts from blood work and other laboratory tests to get a proper diagnosis. 

The only tests that can be done to know if you have HIV are the ELISA,Western Blot and the rapid tests . I researched about the testing areas in Mindanao and I found these areas that you can try again if you are doubtful:

1. Butuan City: Social Hygiene Clinic

    Dr. Jesus Chin-Chui

    Add; City Health Office, Butuan City

    Tels: (085) 3423432; 8151111 loc 1039

2. Davao City: Social Hygiene Clinic

    Dr. Jordana Ramitere, Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

    Add: City Health Office. Magallenes St., Davao City

    Tels: (222) 4187

    Mobile: 09209102718

3. Davao City: Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), formerly Davao Medical Center (DMC)

    Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega, Chief of Hospital

    Dr. Alicia Layug- HIV AIDS core Team Leader

    Add: JP Laurel St., Bajada, Davao City

    Tels: (227)2731

    Mobile: 09204241721

4. Davao City: Davao Regional Hospital

    Ms. Telesfora A. Hinay

    Add: Apokon. Tagum City

    Tels: (082) 221 8593; 227 9536; 400 3653

5. General Santos City: Social Hygiene Clinic

    Dr. Mely Lastimosos, Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

    Add: General Santos City Hospital

    Tels: (083) 305 1510

    Mobile: 09088877512; 09198483116

6. Zamboanga: Social Hygiene Clinic

    Dr. Kibtiya Uddin, Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

    Add: Petit Barracks, Zone 4C, City Health Office, Zamboanga City

    Mobile: 09274836672

7. Zamboanga City: Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)

    Dr. Romeo A. Ong, Chief of Hospital

    Dr. Jejunee Rivera, HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

    Add: Zamboanga City

    Tels: (062) 9910573; 9912934; 9920154

    Mobile: 0920 4241721

I also asked about the Beijing biod rapid test that you are asking for and Dr. Ditangco said that you can rely on it’s accuracy. However, if you are still doubtful on the procedure your testing center used, just go to the testing centers that I posted above. If you can, just come to Manila and I can direct you where you can get yourself tested again to calm down your nerves. Also by coming to Manila, I can also help you to seek help from the best doctors I know.

I do hope that I was able to answer your questions. I posted your letter here in case somebody with the same symptoms can post a comment about it.

I wish you well and always remember that you will always be in my prayer’s list.

Pozziepinoy

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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Philippine HIV Testing Centers

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PP Prayer List 5

I will be sending the PozziePinoy's Prayer List again to the heads of churches here in the country and in two church organizations in the United States this Friday evening. Three new pozzies have been added to this list. 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. RobHIV- He has bilateral pneumonia now and is confined. He is on oxygen and antibiotics now.
2. FBfriend- He has pneumonia with symptoms of persistent coughing, chest pain and difficulty of breathing. He is confined now.
3. PositHive- He may have urinary tract infection and is undergoing OPD treatment.
4. FBguy- He has pneumonia and undergoing an OPD treatment.
5. worriedabouthiv - he will get his HIV test this Friday or next week. may the test turn out negative to calm down his nerves.

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

35. worriedabouthiv

FOR TOPIC SUGGESTIONS, please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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