We met at LRT Roosevelt Station and took the train going to Tayuman. (As a sidenote, there's a social hygiene clinic in Project 7 that's walking distance from LRT Roosevelt. I've had my first ever test there on September 13, 2011. The result was non-reactive. But i prefer MSHC because I had a much more pleasurable experience there.) The ride to Tayuman was quick. I engaged K in a casual conversation to relax the atmosphere. I didn't feel any sign of worry or anxiety from him, but I made sure he's comfortable nonetheless.
We arrived Tayuman and walked southbound. We passed by the Department of Health (DOH) compound, which is where I presume my dad took my blood bags from during my previous transfusions, and after that passed by Jose R. Reyes Memorial Hospital (JRMH), and turned right at Quiricada Street. Just 50meters away from the intersection is San Lazaro Hospital (SLH), which is really just behind JRMH. SLH is one of the three treatment hubs for HIV patients in Metro Manila, but it is more popular as a hospital for treating animal bites and rabies. The other two are the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Padre Faura, Manila, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Right across SLH is the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic. We arrived there 11:50am, and it was lunchbreak, so I just gave him a tour around. Upon entering the gate, we went straight to a door at the side of the building with stairs going up. The second floor is where Dra. Mendoza holds office. I showed K the doctor's office and showed him the way to the laboratory where his blood will be taken later. The lab is at the first floor.
View Social Hygiene Clinics in a larger map
After the tour, we walked to SM Tayuman to kill some time before the clinic reopens. I told him about my experiences when I was having my tests and told him not to worry because Dra. Mendoza is a very pleasant lady. I told him her interview is quick and informal, in contrast with the one I had in Project 7 which was very thorough and took me half an hour to finish.
Around 1pm, we decided to go back to the clinic. Reaching the gate, I told him I'd wait for him at Jollibee in LRT Tayuman and wished him goodluck.
I had lunch while waiting for him. I craved for burger so I had a Champ meal, and had an extra Chicken and Mushroom pasta. While I was eating, he texted me the doctor was still not in. I felt sorry for him because although he doesn't admit it, the extra waiting time is a killer. I already finished my meal and he said the doctor is still not in because she went somewhere but will be back at 2pm. He said he'll wait.
I texted him again after several minutes and he said he's just waiting for the result. I thought, the interview was quick! I was composing my next message to him when he tapped me at the back. He showed me the result: Non-Reactive! :)
To K, I'm happy for you. I hope you take the result as a blessing that should not be taken for granted. Health is wealth, and i hope you stay healthy all through your life. :)
Manila Social Hygiene Clinic is open for free screening of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections on Mondays thru Thursdays, 8-11am and 1-3pm, and Fridays 8-11am only.
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