No CD4 yet

[pinoypositive]

Hello everybody!

I'm a nurse here in the Philippines. As a prerequisite for employment abroad, I underwent medical exam, and that is when I knew I have HIV. I tested positive for ELISA in March 29, and I have to wait for 3-4 weeks for my Western Blot result. It was the most excruciating wait of my life. I felt hopeless, helpless, and suicidal even. I was supposed to be out of the Philippines in April 12, but because of the ELISA result, it was cancelled.

I have waited and worked my ass off for more than three years in order for me to have a job abroad. And two weeks towards reaching that goal, it was suddenly gone. I cried and I cried, I wanted to die.

My western blot was released early May. I have read several blogs and forums over the internet which prove helpful in my struggle for emotional and spiritual recovery. My only problem now is the HIV hub in the city where I am enrolled in. The CD4 machine is under repair, so I still don't know yet when I'll have my CD4 exam (hopefully before June ends, I'll have my test). But right now, I exhibit no symptoms, and I'm continue leading a healthy lifestyle.

I'm also taking vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system.

I am into blog writing as well, as it helps me with my emotions. Here's the link and I hope you'll have time to read: http://pinoypositive101.blogspot.com/

I'm trying to document what I have gone through (the frustation, etc.), and how I battle all these day by day.

My being positive is quite recent, so i'm trying to read as many resources as I can, and listen to advice of HIV counselors, and fellow pozzies as well.

And I want to thank you all. Everybody's been helpful.

[Matty the Damned]

Welcome to the Forums,

I'm sorry you've joined us but I'm glad you found us all the same.

You write a great blog. I hope they get the CD4 machine fixed so you can get some lab results soon.

Regards,

MtD

[pinoypositive]

Hello,

Thanks! Reading info in this site helps me whenever i need info about something related to HIV.

If CD4 machine is still not fixed this month, I might go to Manila (Philippine's capital), and have my blood exam there. Although i pose no symptoms (except maybe for mild swelling of lymph nodes), i feel the need to know my health status. I believe that knowing will help alleviate stress, though i'm trying really hard to live a healthy lifestyle (enough sleep, vitamins and supplements, exercise, no smoking or drinking, etc.)

And thanks for reading my blog.

All the best!

Pinoy Positive

[Lad_Liam]

Hi Pinoy
Sorry to hear your news, glad u found these forums.

Your blog is neat. I'm glad that you can still see a bright future for yourself and are making new friends and support networks.

You sound really on top of the medical side of things too, and that skill will benefit you.

Good luck, Liam

[pinoypositive]

Hi Lad_Liam!

Thanks for the time reading my blog.

Well, everyday's a struggle. Yesterday, i just learned that my ex died last October 2011 due to meningitis. So that brings them to two; another one died this January 2012 due to liver abscess.

Both of them must have been undiagnosed AIDS cases.

I've written about it in: http://pinoypositive101.blogspot.com/2012/06/4-somewhere-over-rainbow.html

Rise in new HIV infections here in our country is really alarming.

Take care,
Pinoy Positive