Episode 1: Chapter 4

Encounter with other Pozies

Another week has passed and this day, I'm ready to get my CD4 count results. I arrived at  SLH around 8am and to my surprise, I am 73rd on queue. (Wtf?? So what time will I get finished?)

I decided to leave and go back after lunch and have my haircut first. When I came back, I saw Maui (the guy I met when I had my CD4 test) and another pozzie named "Kian". He introduced me to Kian and we started talking about our own experiences. This guy started taking ARVs since his CD4 cell count is below the normal value.  I wasn't able to ask for his CD4 count however he just told me that he started taking ARV for almost a week now. He's also a new patient and was diagnosed last March. He then told me about his experience taking ARV's. He mentioned that he gets too tired and gets a headache whenever he take this meds. I can't imagine myself taking ARV's if my CD4 count drops below the cutoff.

Episode 1 Chapter 3

My San Lazaro Experience

 I just want to share what happened this morning. I went to San Lazaro Hospital to get listed (as a new HIV patient) and schedule my first CD4 cell test. The good thing was, Sir John, who referred me to San Lazaro, gave me instructions on what’s the process and what to expect when I get there. 

He informed me to bring a mask and a photocopy of my confirmatory results so I have a personal copy on hand. I went to medical library where the new cases are listed and where we obtain the “code” (or they say your HIV alias) and the schedule of CD4 cell count.

At around 10:00 am, I finally got listed. The nurse took my vital signs and weight. Afterwards, she asked me to wait for my name to be called. In the waiting area, I saw different kinds of people. I then realized, I’m not alone. A lot of things came into my mind. How these people fight this disease and how do they survive? How these people live a normal life despite of knowing that anytime, the virus will attack and they'll get compromised.

Episode 1: Chapter 2

The results and how it all started

So you may wonder how did I get infected with this virus?

This is how it all started.

March 2012, I joined an exclusive Bi-Male organization. This is not an ordinary Bi-Male Clan since the organization is registered as an NGO. 

Every month they organize an activity and for this month, they decided to conduct a seminar for all the members regarding HIV\AIDS. As a member, I joined them though, I am fully aware of the topic since I’m a Nurse. The seminar was conducted by an NGO named Take The Test that provides free confidential HIV testing and counseling in Phils.

Episode 1: Chapter 1

The Journey of my life as a POZ begins

Hi everyone! This is my first blog entry and I am happy to share with you my experiences as a pozzie, as an HIV positive guy. 

I would like to introduce myself first. I am 24 y/o, Registered Nurse and a Filipino Pozzie. I am currently working as a BPO agent. I am a traveler, an Optimistic gay-guy, a dreamer, a goal setter and a good son. 

I have never tried writing blogs before and this would be my 1st blog ever. I created this blog not because I just want to vent out or relieve my stress, but also to help and to inspire others, not only to HIV guys but to normal people as well.

People say that life begins at 40. I say, life begins at 24. It's not easy to accept having this kind of condition.

This is how it all started. I am 24 years old and the countdown begins.