just tested poz from the philippines/want someone to talk to

[aries67]

Hello guys.

I am a newly-diagnosed HIV-positive gay guy in the Philippines.  I came out reactive when I first had a rapid HIV antibody test on March 26 and I got my confirmatory test results last April 12.  I am positive for HIV-1. My CD4 count is 315.

I am in a relationship for almost 20 months now. My partner is negative, thank God.

I wonder if there is anyone here from the Philippines who I can talk to and share thoughts.  I've gone through a gamut of emotions already since March 26 and I am okay now but I just wanna talk with someone of the same situation.

[komnaes]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but nonetheless welcome to the forums..

We do have a few members from your lovely country; there are more of us from Asia but if you have anything you want to seek some general advises or share online you're always welcome to post them here.

Other than using the forums though, you should also look into local supports, and from my own volunteering experiences (in Hong Kong) and posts from your fellow Pinoys there are no lacking of local groups that are offering services:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=3292.msg296885#msg296885

Check out this link and you can also use the search function here; type in "Philippines" and you can locate recent discussions on health and other support services in your area.

Best of luck, Shaun

[megasept]

hello: thanks for reaching out.

i'd suggest you start here:
http://www.positivism.ph/issue1/positivism/

as shaun says, there are fellow filipinos here.

good health!
Steven (aka  megasept)

[aries67]

Hello komnaes and steven aka megasept.

Thank you for your replies guys.  I appreciate it a lot.  I have been seeking out other pozzies here and so far I have been getting responses.  I haven't met them yet and I hope to meet them soon.  I als hope there will be a support group here in Manila that I can join.

I also visited www.positivism.ph and I learned a lot from it.

Again, thanks.