MYTHS VS REALITIES

1. Myth: Having HIV means I am going to die.

Fact:
With today’s HIV medicines, you can live a healthier life and have a positive outlook. HIV can be managed as a chronic (ongoing) disease, and people with HIV can lead healthier lives.


2. Myth: If I don’t feel sick; I don’t need to start HIV treatment.

Fact:
Just because you do not feel sick does not mean that HIV isn’t harming your body. The current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines advise, along with other factors, starting HIV treatment when the CD4 count is 500 or lower. The guidelines also state that treatment should be considered for people whose CD4 counts are above 500. Studies show that starting treatment earlier may help protect your immune system and help you live a longer life. Don't wait until you feel sick to start. (In the Philippines the old threshold of 350 CD4 Count is still being practiced.)


3. Myth: If I start HIV treatment, my body will start changing and I am going to look sick.

Fact:
Some HIV medicines may have an impact on body shape. But today there are many HIV medicines that are less likely to cause body shape changes. If you are concerned, work with your healthcare provider to decide on a treatment that is right for you.


4. Myth: I'm going to have to take too many pills.

Fact:
In the past, people may have taken 20 or 30 pills a day for their HIV. Today there are once daily treatments with fewer pills. Talk with your healthcare provider about HIV treatment choices that fit your lifestyle.

5. Myth: I'm strong - I’ll be fine without HIV treatment.

Fact:
You may hope to stay healthier without ever having to take medicine for your HIV. But, HIV will damage your immune system if you leave it untreated. Without treatment, it is very rare for someone with HIV to keep the amount of HIV in their blood at an undetectable level over the long term. If left untreated long enough, HIV can turn into AIDS. Starting treatment may not be something you want to do. But it can give you the chance to live a longer, healthier life.


6. Myth: Taking HIV medicines is a constant reminder that I am sick and that I have HIV.

Fact:
Try not to see HIV medicines as a reminder of being sick. Think of them as part of your desire to stay healthy. Remember, HIV medicines are a way to keep your CD4 count up and your immune system strong. When started early in the disease, HIV medicines can help preserve your immune system, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and reduce the risk of death.


7. Myth: I can't afford HIV treatment.

Fact:
There are several programs that can help you pay for HIV medicines. Don't let cost prevent you from starting treatment. If you are worried about how you will pay for your HIV medicines, here are some ideas:
*Under Global Fund, currently ARVs are 100% FREE.
*in 2012, after the Global Fund is depleted, PHILHEALTH will take over the provision of ARVs, so it's important that you have PHILHEALTH.
*Talk to your HIV HelpDesk in the different Treatment Hubs for more details.

[source -- www.treathivnow.com]

AT YOUR SERVICE

call me

but text me first

i can talk when im not busy

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ask me quick questions

i will answer when i can

ask me anything about my status 

lets talk about hiv/aids

lets talk about your fears

lets talk about your status

lets be friends

lets be safe

lets help

you

&

me

this is my special project in celebration of my very healthy 3rd monthsary

i am so blessed with an amazing support group

because of them i would like to give support to others too 

in any way i can

thank you

House of Numbers

matagal tagal din akong di nakapagsulat, marahil nagtataka kayo --- busy lang ;)  i am nearing my 3rd monthsary and so far so good 'almost' perfect health condition... ang tanung hanggang kailan???

HOUSE OF NUMBERS --- a friend showed me this documentary film and there has been some issues there that has troubled me a lot.  if you have a chance to see it, i am highly recommending it.  you will know what i'm talking about when you see it.

yaman din lamang at napaguusapan ang mga NUMERO, naisipan kong magbilang...


alas5 na ng umaga di pa ako makatulog maraming numero ang naglalaro at bumabagabag sa aking isipan. kaya nga naisipan kong magsulat...

 
2 sa aking kakilala/kaibigan ang magkasunod na namatay 2 weeks ago, magkasunod na araw.  although the family would not announce or admit it --- they died due to complications of AIDS.  2 burol ang dinalaw ko.  nakalulungkot.



nasabi ko nga na nung JULY lamang 12 ang nag positive sa mga kakilala ko nung um-attend ako HIV testing na inisponsoran ng isang advocacy group. kamusta na kaya sila ngayon?



ngayong SEPTEMBER lamang 6 naman ang nagpositive sa bagong testing ng isa pang advocacy group na aking dinaluhan din.  tapos 6 din ang nagpositive sa isang testing ng ASP na pinuntahan ko rin. welcome to the club sorry at buminggo kayo.



kanina dahil sobrang nabobother na ako sa dami ng nagiging positive sa mga personal na kakilala ko at tuwing isisipin ko kung sino sino sila - parati akong nawawala sa bilang, di ko na macount lahat, kaya nga nagpasiya akong konsultahin ang phonebook sa aking cellphone at itag sila isa isa for proper reference (ika nga) - nanlamig ako sa final result - out of 3198 sa contacts ko --- 20 sa kanila ang positive.  nawala ang antok ko.



6 sa kanila patay na. di ko pa rin tinataggal sa phonebook ko.



14  ang buhay pa



plus ako pa 1 so



15 na kami



3 dun sa mga nagpositive nung JULY eh nasa phonebook ko at buhay pa nga, so nai-tag ko na sila.


so bali 9 ang wala sa phonebook ko na nag-positive din nuon.



so 20 plus 9 equals 29, lahat sila kakilala ko



plus ako pa, so 30 na kami



kaso patay na nga yung 6



so 24 na nga lang kami




1 na lang PASKO na!

nasusundan nyo pa ba ako???

nakakalito na di ba?

kayo, nagsimula na ba kayong magbilang?

maybe we should all start counting before we lose track of the numbers.

pero baka eventually mapagod kayo sa pagbibilang --- dahil sa aking lagay nga ngayon linggo linggo yata ay nagbabago ang mga numero na yan, pinakaayaw ko pa namang subject eh math.

basta ang alam ko, something has to be done... am trying to do my best to help out and be part of the solution...  i am happy that i have decided to be part of the solution even before i found out that i am positive, and my being positive have just sealed my resolve that this is the right thing to do, and i will not stop on helping out and doing it, until my last breath.


ito ang aking diary

BONG

Get that baggage off your chest – on Sunday, 9/11

35 West Avenue, Quezon City

Playroom is located inside a discreet building complex between Quezon Avenue and Del Monte Avenue. Between the restaurants ‘Mister Kebab’ and ‘Mang Inasal’.

The front of the building complex has establishments such as ‘Slice n’ Dice’ and ‘Don Esteban’.

[Poster credit: Edwin Lacap]