If you checked my previous post. You can check clinics or hospitals where you can be tested. Some might not be updated for phone numbers. If you are in Cebu you can email me and I can provide you with much detailed instructions.
It was after a church service when I realized that I had to be tested. I found everything online. From what clinic to go to, who to see, and stuff. I researched for almost a week to know more about how to get tested. God has been amazing with all the things he did during my journey when I was about to be tested.
I first went to Social Hygenic Clinic here in cebu. I thought it was like a private hub where you can be tested discreetly but when i got there. I realized it was a City Health Office. I was overwhelmed by so many people. I have never been to any city health clinic before. And the thought of being there CHANGED me. It was a humbling experience since i was able to realize how blessed I am despite of everything. I saw a lot of elderly people merely depending their medecines from the Government. It was heart breaking. As i wander the place. In one corner of the building (right side) i found Std, aids and hiv posters outside one room. My heart started to beat very fast. I was so conscious that someone might recognize me. I sat outside the room for 15 minutes to observe what was happening. I was about it give up already. I was scared as hell. After a few minutes. For some reason, I found the courage to go in. As I entered the door, more people are actually waiting inside. All of them looked at me as I open the door. I was so embarrased. I just don't know what to do. People waiting inside seemed to be sex workers waiting to be tested i think. (Sorry if you find the term offensive) i find myself inside trying to find a person to ask on how to get tested. I found no one. I was already shaking. Literally. I walked out not knowing where to go next. I was about to give up already. I was almost crying. I prayed. Asking God to be with me and guide me. I have reached this far. No time to turn back. A few minutes later. I decided to go to Vicentte Sotto Hospital. I reached my phone and started to search again. When I got there, I dont know where to go, Who to ask, or What to do. I was clueless with everything around me. I was still shaking. Trying to calm myself down. I walked along the hallways of the hospital. I even transfered to a nearby hospital in Chong Hua coz I was literally going blank with what to do. As i was about to give up. God revealed to me a name in some website i ran into before in Vicentte Sotto. So I went back and tried to look for that doctor. I was pointed from one direction to another. After nearly 2 hours. I found the doctor. (I forgot her name)
We were in a room where there are a few people inside. I dont know what to ask her, and i can clearly remember the words that came out that day "hi! I saw your name online, i was wondering if you can help me" i know it was really awkward. But i just had to do it. Thank God she understood what i meant even before i finish my sentence. She then told me that she is no longer incharge of assisting hiv testing and she handed me over a piece of paper and asked me to go the Laboratory section in the Pathology dept. I followed her as instructed. When i was there i was able to catch up with the doctor who was literally about to leave for a convention. Sigh of relief was all over me. He turned me over to Dr Michael Son who accomodated me very nicely.
He gave me an overview about whats going to happen. There was counselling, interviews and some documents needed to be signed. As i give him the signed documents back. He asked me if im from **** i said yes. Surprisingly. We live in the same building. Hahaha. After the counselling, i got my blood sample. He then asked me to return after 2 weeks which i did. And he then told me again to go back after another 2 weeks since the initial result came out positive and that it needed to be sent to manila for confirmatory. The researched i made during the past months really paid off i was able to know more about HIV. I was already fully aware that my elisa test turned out positive since they needed the western blot test for confirmation. But just Fyi, some elisa test turned out to be false positive for most people as well. So the best way is to wait for the confirmatory results. Well for mine, we all know its positive.
The experience in getting tested was tough. Yet it was an eye opener for me. That God is in control no matter what. That His timing is very perfect. Had i been a minute early or late in any of the events above, the end result may not be as satisfying as it did. Just as i was about to give up. New revelations always come up. Its just amazing how he responds to every plea. I know I was with God during that time. It was courage that got me through.
Here are my own tips if you plan to get tested:
- research. Know where to go. What to ask. Who to look for.
- set alternatives. Incase one hospital/clinic would not work for you
- take down notes. You might forget directions or doctors name as you go. So its helpful if you write them down.
- pray and be patient. Hospitals caters a lot of people. Try to reflect while waiting.
- bring extra cash. Its handy esp if youre going from one clinic to another.
If you have questions you can message me at iamlivingbyfaith2013@yahoo.com.ph i can also give you a call if you need someone to talk to about hiv. We are in this together. God Loves You. :)
