About taking ARVs

"Di ko pa need mag-ARV (antiretroviral). So happy."

So goes a tweet I read from an account of a PLHIV. I have a Twitter account but I am not out with regard my HIV status in that account.

While I am happy for that PLHIV, whose Twitter account I shall not name, that he needs not take ARVs (for now) probably because his CD4 count is still way beyond the threshold of 350, I believe that even if one's CD4 count is still above normal, it is best to take ARVs to make sure that a PLHIV doesn't contract an opportunistic infection (OI) during the lull from one CD4 test to another.

From what I know, in the US, PLHIVs take ARVs even if their CD4 count is way above the threshold. It is only in the Philippines where a PLHIV is required to take ARV already and they have remained healthy with minimal to no incidence of OIs for a long time.

I have been taking ARVs - Lamivudine-Zidovudine and Efavirenz - since April 2010.  So far, I haven't had any serious OI or health setback.

While I do understand that taking ARVs would require a PLHIV's strict adherence to taking it, "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure", so they say.

I believe that taking ARV, along with regular exercise, a healthy daily diet, getting enough sleep, taking multivitamins, cutting any unhealthy vices like smoking, and keeping oneself happy most of the time (no to depression!) would ensure that a PLHIV's CD4 count remains high.

BTDT

And what the heck is BTDT, some of you out there would ask?

It's "been there, done that." I came across that acronym for an oft-repeated phrase in a recent conversation with a friend.

I use the acronym BTDT to refer to the aggressiveness of newly-diagnosed PLHIVs in helping stem the rising cases of HIV and Aids through counselling, pushing for taking a HIV test and blogging.

It's actually nice to see more and more PLHIVs blogging about their experience, sharing info and even advice especially to those newly-diagnosed.  I too went through that stage until work took up most of my free time especially after I got promoted and was moved to daytime schedule.  Writing down your thoughts can help one cope with and accept one's status, especially if you've just learned about it.

So, I can say I've "been there, done that."

Now it's time for the others to "shine". :D

Reposting - Terminologies clarified

In the past, I've come across news reports and people who use HIV victim/sufferer or AIDS victim/sufferer and even terms like HIV/AIDS, which are actually incorrect.

So to be politically-correct, let me mention here that there is no such term as HIV or AIDS victim or sufferer. They are called person living with HIV (PLHIV) or person living with AIDS (PLWA). This is also meant to be more humane to those who have contracted the virus.

It would also be wise to refrain from writing HIV and AIDS as HIV/AIDS or HIV-AIDS because they are two entirely different matters. HIV refers to the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by progressive failure of one's immune system, thus resulting in life-threatening opportunistic infections (OIs) like pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, and cancers to thrive. It's the last stage of HIV infection.

Visiting RITM again

I'm scheduled to go to RITM-ARG on February 13 to get a fresh supply of ARVs (Efavirez, Lamivudine-Zidovudine).

If it weren't that important to my health, I wouldn't want to go to RITM because of the distance, hassle of going there and coming from there, and dealing with certain staffers at the ARG who I don't like. Sigh

My next visit would be on April 11 for my anniversary tests and CD4 count.

Transferring to another TH?

I've long considered moving to another treatment hub (TH) but kept on postponing it because of the legwork and paperwork it would entail but after the new policies being implemented in RITM-ARG and the loss of the homely atmosphere the ARG used to have, I think I will be moving to another hub soon.

I live and work in Makati City so any hub that's nearer to me would be more convenient.

I'm eyeing MMC, PGH or TMC as hubs I will transfer to.  Anybody knows what steps do I need to take?

Makati City support group

This is something I had long been planning to do but it just couldn't take off for one reason or another but maybe this time, it might just be realized.

Just a month or two after I learned in early 2010 that I was HIV positive, I had decided to embark on a personal campaign to help in the HIV-Aids awareness efforts of both the public and private sector through counselling online or in a one-on-one setting or setting up a support group for PLHIVs working or living in Makati City.

I feel that there is a need for a support group for those of us working or living in Makati City as a means to support each other, bond with each other, share experiences and get advice. As I had planned, the group can meet twice a month or increase the frequency if and when the need arises in the future.

What do you think, guys? Do share your sentiments.

More and more cases

I've been following the monthly reports by the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH) on the HIV-Aids cases in the country and all I can say is: Sigh

There are more and more new cases recorded in the country, which happens to be one of the few nations where HIV cases are on the rise unlike in others where a downtrend is noted.

The government should really do something to stem the tide before it is too late.

By the way, I was diagnosed in March 26, 2010 so it will be almost three years since I learned of my HIV status and my  so-called "rebirth" happened.