Hi Bong,
Good day.
I saw your email add thru your blog & I'm really just finding the courage and strength to write you. I'm sorry if this email might be confusing... this is my state of mind right now. I'm just going thru my emotions and write... Here it goes.
I'm a 34 yr-old professional. I had my test, my first & only test last Thursday, July 19th, and I came out positive.
I feel I had it for a long time now and I feel I'm already getting sick. I always get headaches, lagi ako nanghihina. I always get LBM...
I'm still in the process of accepting it. I'm only worried & confused now as to what I should do.
Sorry Bong. Nalilito ako... What should be my next step.
I feel I'm getting sick by the minute.
I really need your advise. I know you've heard this a million times but I feel so alone right now.
I feel I'm not ready yet to tell my family.
I just don't know what to do...
I really want to get healthy & I want to survive this... It's just hard that I don't know who to talk to.
I'm scared & confused that it might be too late for me to get healthy.
Thank you in advance and hoping to hear from you.
I'm leaving here my contact no. just in case... XXXXXXXXX
Thank you again & more power to you. :)
RAVE
hey RAVE,
tough week for you i can imagine. and i feel your confusion.
id like to know where you got your test? and i suppose you got to talk to a counselor?
meron pa bang hindi nacover ang counselor mo?
the usual process is, you should be waiting for your CONFIRMATORY RESULTS in about 2 to 3 weeks.
after the results are confirmed and it is indeed "POSITIVE". you are supposed to be endorsed to a treatment hub
of your choice.
you have to report and register to the HUB and start baseline laboratory tests to asses all your
health status.
depending on the results of all your laboratory tests, your hiv doctor will recommend that you either start
ARV treatment or not.
disclosure to anybody of your friends and family will depend entirely on you as it is a very sensitive matter.
(i only disclosed to the people who i can trust my life with)
i can understand your confusion, its a common stage especially if you still dont know your exact health
status so i suggest you get your baseline laboratory tests asap. you have to remember that
help is always available and all you have to do is ask. there are a lot of positive support group
especially on twitter where you can seek help and still be anonymous. i am also always here
to help out if you have any questions.
whatever happened in the past and how long have you had it is already irrelevant. the important thing
right now is that ALAM MO NA and there is still time to do something about it. its not the end of the world
all you have to do is compose yourself and face it head on and stay upbeat... kasi pag mas lalo kang
nalulungkot or nadedepress, mas lalong masama para sa health natin.
i know its easier said than done but there is no other way. stay "positive" and seek help. you are not alone.
if you have unli calls, you can reach me 09174711979 or tweet me --- ako_si_BONG
welcome to the club - stay strong ;)
salamat,
BONG
Hi Bong.
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying...
I had my test at RITM in Leon Guinto. They did talk to me about it, kaya lang I still felt overwhelmed that time, I wasn't able to ask questions about my condition.
So should I wait for the confirmatory result first before proceeding with the baseline tests? Where's the best place to have the baseline test? How much should I prepare for all the tests needed? How will the test affect my daily life? Will I still be able to work?
Sorry Bong, there's just so much question in my mind... This is just all new to me.
But I'm very grateful for you replying... At least mejo gumaan pakiramdam ko knowing that there are people like you who's willing to help a total stranger like me. Thanks for that. :)
I'll try to give you a call later. I'll text you first... baka busy ka.
Thanks ulit Bong & sorry sa pangungulit ko.
Rave
REPLY
RAVE,
great to hear you too it at RITM Leon Guinto. did they leave a number? they have sophisticated testing process and i think the confirmatory tests are already included in the test that you took. please contact them for the next step. you can ask to be referred to their Main Hub at RITM Alabang where all the baseline tests are available (open weekdays office hours). if you went through the RITM testing process and you have PHILHEALTH, the baseline tests should be free (not sure though) but its best to bring at least Php 5000 for the baseline tests. (this is how much i spent during my time)
kung sa RITM alabang ka magreregister, it would be much easier kasi sila na rin ang nag test sa yo sa malate you just need proper referral.
work would depend on your current health condition, most of the people i know who are positive continue their work but change to a healthy lifestyle is a must.
lets cover all your other questions when we talk on the phone.
THANKS
BONG