Monday, January 23, 2012

Page 23 of 366

6:00 am: tb meds, 3 tabs
8:00 am: arv: zido/lami

Tooth ache...


It cause me to breakdown... well, I have fear of dentist... and that I am suffering from neuropathy, I have TB... and now this... like com'on...! Tipong andami ko na sakit... yung ibang pos naman di ganito... they are living a normal life... ako, ito... as if I am not suffering enough, sumakit ngipin ko... alam niyo yung, ano bang napakalaking kasalanan ang nagawa ko at pinaparusahan ako ng ganito...?


Of course, I didn't get answers... and that I had no choice but to wipe my tears a way, kasi gusto ko pang panoorin yung part 2 ng Resident Evil... at nagpabili ako ng bacon kay brother at bumili naman siya...




8:00 pm: arv: zido/lami, efav. Prophylaxis: Cotrimoxazole



Sunday, January 22, 2012

Page 22 of 366

6:00 am: TB meds, 3 tabs
8:00 am: arv: zido/lami

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Positive traits: Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, zealous, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, artistic, generous, loyal.

Negative traits: Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.

Forecast: Despite 2012 being their namesake year, people born in the year of the Dragon will experience periods of difficulty with work, money and love affairs. (Unfortunately, this is because of the influence of antagonistic stars that are offending the Grand Duke or Tai Suey Pang Tai.)  

Cosmic advice: To rise up to the challenges and stress Dragons should be more cautious, patient and meticulous with their work,  as well as in handling their health and relationships.  A key phrase to remember is “Think before you act.”

Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Positive traits: Deep thinker, wise, mystical, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, ambitious, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful.

Negative traits: Can be a loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold.

Forecast: Despite the cosmic stress of the antagonistic stars, Snakes will not only be able to deal with hardships but will be able to reap opportunities found in work. This is due to their flexible and adaptable character.  Snakes will have one step ahead for 2012, and money luck will come to this year.

Cosmic advice: Maintain good relationships with people at work, avoid isolation and take advantage of the two romantic stars to look for love (as it will most likely grow into a long lasting relationship). However, Snakes may easily get sick this year and should also take care of their lungs as there is risk for respiratory problems under the “Sickness Star.”

Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Positive traits: Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile both mentally and physically, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded.

Negative traits: Can be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.

Forecast: It’s a good year to be a Horse in most aspects of life except love. While many opportunities will present themselves, Horses must not slack off and continue to work hard to be successful in business and work. They will have financial luck with an abundance of money coming in from all sources.

Cosmic advice: Because Horses will not experience periods of difficulty they should take more imitative to show off their creativity. The “lonely star “will prevent an exciting love life so Horses are advised to pay more attention to their loved ones as communication gaps and misunderstandings will run rampant in 2012. Horses may fall ill and have an operation this year and should avoid dangerous water sports.  

Goat
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991
Positive traits: Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security.

Negative traits: Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, weak-willed.

Forecast: The universe is in the Goat’s favor this year with the blessings of the “Grace Star.” Whether it’s for work or pursuing further studies, life is greener abroad so Goats should take the opportunity to travel or migrate. Money will easily come to Goats in 2012, but they shouldn’t take it for granted and strive to save money. 

Cosmic advice: Sometimes taking a risk is scary but Goats should challenge themselves because the jump will pay off. However, they should still be cautious with their finances and be weary of people out to take advantage of their good fortune. Goats should take care of their health or else they could succumb to heart, liver and lung problems.

Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Positive traits: Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual.

Negative traits: Can be egotistical, vain, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.

Forecast:  For those born in the year of the Monkey the only thing to look forward to is their auspicious love life where the “Romantic Star” shines bright. This year will be a lucky year for lovers and those looking to get married. However, in areas of work and money, 2012 is expected to be an unfavorable year. 

Cosmic advice: The key to surviving adversity will be constant hard work and humility. There should be no space for greed or else it risks damaging any opportunities for success. Monkeys should watch their diet this year, and avoid going to funerals or visiting the sick.  

Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Positive traits: Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible.

Negative traits: Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, opinionated, given to empty bravado.

Forecast: Change will be evident for Roosters this year so they should be able to adapt to sudden changes. They must be aware of how to harness change in order to pursue new directions in business while at the same time being cautious of swindlers. Romance will come to Roosters this year as they are considered attractive and will be quite popular this year.

Cosmic advice: Financial luck will accompany Roosters in any direction they choose to go so they don’t have to worry about bad fortune. Building good relationships with people will help make the transition smoother. 

Dog
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Positive traits: Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, has a sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going.

Negative traits: Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, a worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.

Forecast: 2012 is a cosmic clash between Dogs and the Year of the Dragon because of the presence of the Grand Duke. Disputes from love and relationships to progress in work will be constant throughout the year. 

Cosmic advice: Dogs must be extra sensitive to their surroundings and keep a low profile so they can prevent further disputes. It’s not a time for indulgence so Dogs should be more selective on their expenditures.

Pig 
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Positive traits:Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent.

Negative traits: Can be naïve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.

Forecast: The pigs will bring home the bacon in areas of work and business. It’s a good year for the Pig if they can keep their personal and private life separate. 

Cosmic advice: Relationships are in bloom for the pig so expect their love life to flourish. Pigs should take the opportunity to be a ham and show off their skills and capabilities. 

Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
Positive traits: Forthright, tenacious, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, shrewd.

Negative traits: Can be manipulative, vindictive, mendacious, venal, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.

Forecast: 2012 is the year for the Rats to use their popularity to advance their careers, especially those involved in politics, media and television. A promotion or a change in jobs is in the air for Rats.

Cosmic advice: On the love front, Rats will find 2012 to be a roller-coaster of a year: they will face many ups and downs, and obstacles in their relationships.  Rats will also have a busy work schedule this year and should manage their health well.

Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Positive traits: Dependable, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious.

Negative traits: Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.

Forecast: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do unto you” is a key phrase for the Ox this year. It’s a sensitive year for the Ox as their actions might illicit unfavorable and unexpected responses from people.

Cosmic advice: The Ox must be extra careful in how they handle their relationships because it will be a source of potential conflict. Extra doses of humility and patience are needed to prevent problems. 

Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Positive traits: Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous.

Negative traits: Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive.

Forecast: 2012 proves to be tough for the Tiger in matters of the heart and money. Both their relationships and businesses need more hard work to be put in order to survive.  

Cosmic advice: Tigers must be more conservative with their actions. Talking too much might is synonymous with trouble so Tigers must be sensitive of how they handle their affairs. 

Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Positive traits: Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, astute, compassionate, flexible.

Negative traits: Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn.

Forecast: While neither good nor bad 2012 is a steady year for the Rabbit. Whether their luck will bring them fortune depends on their initiative to step up while still remaining grounded. 
Cosmic advice: The trick is to stay balanced this year by aiming for opportunities that are just within the Rabbit’s reach and enables growth. They should not be too greedy or else it will jeopardize their luck.


8:00 pm: ARV: zido/lami, efav. Prophylaxis:  Cotrimoxazole  

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Page 21 of 366

6:00 am: TB meds
8:00 am: arv: zido/lami



Yung CD4 ko nun 22... but I started ARV therapy only after 3 weeks...

The new pozzie at twitter got his CD4 count, it was 224... and he is asking if that meant he should be on ARV...?


Una, ano ba ang ARV drug o Antiretroviral drug...?


Currently wala pang gamot sa HIV/AIDS... Pero, there are drugs that can slow down the progress of HIV and thus slow down the damage to your immune system... at ito nga yung antiretrovirals (ARV's). ARV's slow down the reproduction rate of HIV. Once the virus is reproducing at a slower rate, it is less able to harm your immune system. If your immune system is functioning properly, your body is less likely to become sick. 


Antiretroviral combination therapy defends against resistance by suppressing HIV replication as much as possible.


Combinations of antiretrovirals create multiple obstacles to HIV replication to keep the number of offspring low and reduce the possibility of a superior mutation. If a mutation that conveys resistance to one of the drugs being taken arises, the other drugs continue to suppress reproduction of that mutation. With rare exceptions, no individual antiretroviral drug has been demonstrated to suppress an HIV infection for long; these agents must be taken in combinations in order to have a lasting effect. As a result, the standard of care is to use combinations of antiretroviral drugs. Combinations usually comprise two nucleoside-analogue RTIs and one non-nucleoside-analogue RTI or protease inhibitor. This three drug combination is commonly known as a triple cocktail.

Di naman natin kailangan malaman, tipong pampagulo lang kasi pero  for better understanding on how it works... ito yung classes ng ARV:

  • Entry inhibitors (or fusion inhibitors) interfere with binding, fusion and entry of HIV-1 to the host cell by blocking one of several targets. Maraviroc and enfuvirtide are the two currently available agents in this class.
  • CCR5 receptor antagonists are the first antiretroviral drugs which do not target the virus directly. Instead, they bind to the CCR5 receptor on the surface of the T-Cell and block viral attachment to the cell. Most strains of HIV attach to T-Cells using the CCR5 receptor. If HIV cannot attach to the cell, it cannot gain entry to replicate.
  • Non-Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) inhibit reverse transcription by being incorporated into the newly synthesized viral DNA strand as a faulty nucleotide. This causes a chemical reaction resulting in DNA chain termination.
  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) mimic nucleotides and inhibit reverse transcriptase directly by binding to the enzymes polymerase site and interfering with its function.
  • Protease inhibitors (PIs) target viral assembly by inhibiting the activity of protease, an enzyme used by HIV to cleave nascent proteins for the final assembly of new virions.
  • Integrase inhibitors inhibit the enzyme integrase, which is responsible for integration of viral DNA into the DNA of the infected cell. There are several integrase inhibitors currently under clinical trial, and raltegravir became the first to receive FDA approval in October 2007.
  • Maturation inhibitors inhibit the last step in gag processing in which the viral capsid polyprotein is cleaved, thereby blocking the conversion of the polyprotein into the mature capsid protein (p24). Because these viral particles have a defective core, the virions released consist mainly of non-infectious particles. Alpha interferon is a currently available agent in this class. Two additional inhibitors under investigation are bevirimat and Vivecon.

So, yun, without ARV, the virus would just keep replicating, attacking your CD4, killing it... the lesser CD4 count you have, the weaker your immune system, thus rendering your body more susceptible to infections...

Normal CD4 count would be 600 to 1200... pagnagpaCD4 count ka at lumabas na less ng 200, AIDS na... I was Stage 4 AIDS with my 22 CD4... and must be on ARV alredy... now, 200 to 500 CD4 count, medyo debatable... depende kasi sa doctor, sa recommendation niya... tipong should they wait for the CD4 count to drop to critical level o mabuti na yung habang maaga agapan ng wag bumaba...

Problem is ARV requires commitment to adhere and that ARV side effect should also be taken into consideration... 


8:00 pm: arv: zido/lami, efav. Prophylaxis: Cotrimoxazole




Friday, January 20, 2012

Page 20 of 366

6:00 am: TB meds 3 tabs.
8:00 am: ARV: zido/lami




Today, I am to discuss another OI (Opportunistic Infection) that plagues us PLHIV. This OI is something I know of more than I want to because I am still suffering from it... I am talking about TB or Tuberculosis... I have to discuss this as it turns out, as of my reading, TB ang nangungunang caused of death ng PLHIV...

Di na natin kailangan malaman anong microbio ba itong TB... but it is a bacteria, and therefore, more likely manageable... and that treatment is actually free... Sa RITM, ewan ko sa iba, even xray, sputum test, kahit sputum culture, lahat libre... ang problema, medyo mahaba yung treatment therapy at kailangan strict yung pagfollow ng instruction sa paginom ng gamot... we are looking at least 6 months... dun ako nagkaproblema so now dasal ako ng dasal na gumaling ako at di nagmutate yung bacteria into a drug resistant one...

Medyo toxic kasi yung gamot... and that I had to take it ng walang laman ang tyan... kaya kung pansin niyo, I take the TB meds ng 6 am... to which I almost always throw up after... alam niyo yung puro asido lang yung sinusuka ko... plus matigas talaga ulo ko...

Okay, highly communicable ang TB... although kung healthy naman ang immune system mo, more likely masusupress niya 'to at tipong ikukulong niya ang TB bacteria so not to cause any harm to the body or anyone for that matter... pero nga kung majeopardized ang immune system mo, like what happens if you get infected with HIV, dun makakawala ang TB bacteria and cause havoc sa katawan natin, mainly the lungs... more likely the lungs but TB can also infect other organs... but after 3 weeks of continuous medication di ka na contagious...

Symptoms... as per reading... ubo daw na matagal na, which I didn't have, later na lang... lagnat sa hapon... night and excessive sweating... chills... lost of appetite and pagbagsak ng timbang... 

Napansin ko yung lost of appetite ko... pero kasi ako nga yung taong di naiintindihan ang concept ng diet, so tipong, anong walang ganang kumain, dami nagugutom sa mundo! So, ipipilit ko talaga, pero for some reason, na it came to a point na sinusuka ko lahat ng kainin ko... dun na ko na alarm... kasi okay lang na wala kang gamot, basta kumakain ka... eh ako, sinusuka ko lahat ng kinakain ko... dun na ko nagpaconfine, dun na bumagsak yung timbang ko... in two weeks more than 20 lbs ang nawala sa akin...

Una, usually... XRay... wala silang nakita sa akin... skin test, nag negative din ako... it was only through sputum test na nakita na I have TB...

So yung advise ko sa mga fellow PLHIV, specially yung mga newly diagnosed, na pagnilagnat sila at tumagal ng 3 days, pacheck up na... lalo na kung nagchill... chill is never a good thing... infection na matindi ibig sabihin nun...

Medyo toxic yung gamot... and the way it should be taken... you start with 4 huge tablet, mas malaki sa efav at cotrimazol, 2 hours before breakfast, so walang laman tyan... but it is for free... for two months ganun ka... stick with the regimen and you would do just fine... usually with that, kung sinunod mo ha, at di ka naglaktaw... magcleclear ang sputum test mo of TB... and ibaba yung dose mo, depende sa timbang mo, I was 50 kg so it was 3 tablet na medyo maliit na, tipong nips na siya... pero toxic pa rin... just stick with the regimen, bawal maglaktaw... kahit clear ka na, mataas ang possibility ng relapse, katulad ng nangyari sa akin... and relapse is when treatment becomes complicated and the OI dangerous... kasi pwedeng nagmutate ang microbio and become resistant to drug... yun ang dinadasal ko now na wag naman sana... I know it was my fault... pero yun nga, baka nagbibilang na lang ako actually ng araw...

Okay lang... nakahanda na lahat...

6 months tatagal yung therapy... so advise ko, if ever... tiis ganda lang muna... kahit gaano katoxic yung TB meds... 





add me at twitter @casuallypositiv or email me: casuallypositive@gmail.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Page 19 of 366

6:00 am: TB meds, 3 tabs. 
8:00 am: ARV: zido/lami, bottle down


So you tested positive... now what... okay, iyak ka sandali... magpakadepresdepresan ka muna... okay, understandable... but after that, if you want to live on... really guys, you have no better choice but to fight back... the first thing you need is to get yourself to and registered in a treatment hub... and know where you really at... kung gaano na kalaki ang kalaban, at kung anong damaged na ba ang nagawa nito... and so with a health worker, you would know a course of action na...



Here in the Metropolitan Manila, there are 3 huge treatment hubs... First being San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)... dito yung head ng lahat ng treatment hub sa Pilipinas... all HIV test that turns out positive is sent to SLH for confirmatory test... sila lang gumagawa niyan... Then you have Philippines General Hospital (PGH) which is one of the biggest and best general hospital in the country... and lastly, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City...

All the three treatment hub provide excellent service. Although, unlike PGH and SLH, where you are designated with one doctor, sa RITM kasi papalit palit yung doctor... mga nagreresidency lang yata... but because medyo malayo at tago ang RITM, kounti lang kayo... nung pangalawang beses akong naconfine dun, the height ng dengue, walang single room na available... so pinaglagyan sa akin yung room na may 8 beds on it, tipong ward... pero, walang ibang pasyente but me dun sa room na yun... and nung nagkaavailable ng single room, nilipat agad ako... may time pa daw sa RITM na walang pasyenteng nakaconfine o ikaw lang ang pasyente nila... and that kwento sa akin nung isang nurse, sa PGH daw at sa SLH, minsan daw di lang room ang sharing, pati bed... 3 pasyente sa isang kama...

Well, first siguro to consider in choosing a hub would be which would be more convenient na puntahan for you... tipong mas malapit... kasi anytime na may maramdaman ka, dapat check up agad... and so dapat malapit lang o madali mong puntahan... actually yan lang yun eh... may mga iba na may issue with privacy, baka kasi may makakilala sa kanila... well, RITM ang option mo nun... pero ang layo kasi talaga ng RITM... katulad in my case, nung nilagnat ako ng 3 days sunod sunod, kasi biglang naguulan... gusto ko pacheck up kasi I was worried baka ano na ulit, eh RITM ng hub ko... ang layo... I'm from Pasig near Marikina... di ba?

But anyway where you go... I think you would be afforded with the best service naman on this three hubs...

Nasa sidebar ko 'to... di niyo lang pinapansin, pero ito... list ng treatment hub in the metro and around the Philippines kasama contact number at address...

San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St. Sta Cruz, Manila 1003.
(632) 743-8301 loc 6000


Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
FCC, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila 1781
Ph: (632) 807-2628-32 loc 208, 566 8807
fax: (632) 842-2828, 842-2245
Email: info@ritm.gov.ph
web: http://ritm.gov.ph


Philippine General Hospital
Taft Ave Cor Padre Faura St. Malate, Manila 1003
STD/AIDS Guidance Intervention and Prevention (S.A.G.I.P) unit
Telefax: (632)567-3394


Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center
Barangay Parian, City of San Fernando, La Union 2500
Ph: (072) 242 1143 local 122
fax: (072) 888 5864


Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
BGHMC Compund, Baguio City
Ph: (074) 442 2012, 442 3165
Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley
Ph: (078) 846-7240, 844 3789


Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center
San Fernando City, Pampanga
Ph: (045) 961 3921, 961-3380


Bicol Regional teaching and Training Hospital
Legazpi City
Ph: (052) 483 0015


Western Visayas Medical Center
Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Ph: (033) 321 2841 to 50


Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Lacson St., Bacolod City
Ph: (034)435 1591 local 226, 433 2697


Vicente Sotto Sr. Memorial Medical Center
B. Rodriquez St. Cebu City
Ph. (032) 253 7564


Davao Medical Center
Jose P. Laurel Ave. Bajada, Davao City 8000
Ph: (082) 224 4915, 222 1347


Zamboanga City Medical Center
Dr. Evangelista St. Sta. Catalina Zamboanga City
Ph: (062) 991 0573


8:00 pm: ARV: zido/lami and efav, plus prophylaxis: Cotrimazol








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