For all who are worried about possibly being infected, READ THIS.

[Stopthestigma]

Hello everyone,


I have been lurking throughout this forum for a couple months. I too feared the possibility I could have put my self at risk. I was fortunate and was in fact negative. I had never even thought about HIV and the possibility of infection until I was asked if I'd like to be tested at a routine appt. I feared for my life at that point and went through all the same stresses and tried pricing together my sexual history to help reassure myself I was ok. During that time I educated myself... A TON. Now it's been a month since my negative test and still every day since, I have continued watching this forum and even gaining more knowledge about HIV and everything associated with it. That being said, I want you to ask yourself a few questions before posting for advice.

1) Was my encounter protected? Did you use a condom? If so, and you had no breakage then no you were not at risk.

2) Do you suspect your encounter was with an infected partner? Why? In the us alone, a little over one million people are living with HIV/aids. There are over 300,000,000 people in the U.S. total. That gives you a possibility of being in contact with a carrier of only .003%.

3) "I'm having symptoms associated with HIV." Guess what? Your symptoms could be caused by a very long list of other issues. Many people induce these symptoms from the stress of not knowing.

4) have you been tested? If your answer is no then GET TESTED. The poeple on this site are not medical professionals. This virus is not clear cut. Everyone presents differently and there is no way to be sure UNLESS YOU GET TESTED.

5) what about oral and foreplay (fingering)? No. It's almost virtually impossible to become infected by either. Once again, if in doubt the slightest bit, GET TESTED.

6) Stop the stigma. The poz individuals in this site see these posts everyday from people who post things saying "I'm so scared I'm going to die" or " if I caught this I will kill myself" and even the terrified tone of "am I infected/ could I have caught HIV?" and answer out of kindness to your worries and fears. This is somewhat of a reminder to them of how the majority of the public reacts to the virus.


Yes, HIV is nothing to be careless about but it is also not the end of the world. It's a virus, as there are many, that can still allow a carrier a healthy and normal life. Respect the poeple on this forum and unless you have a legit reason to be worried, then do yourself a favor before posting. Read the past posts( most of your questions have already been answered) and GET TESTED. And for crying out loud, use protection!

[RapidRod]

Oral sex and finger nor masturbation of a male is a risk of contracting HIV.

[Stopthestigma]

This was partially why I posted. I could never imagine the aggrevation you feel when responding to certain inquiries I have learned so much over the last few months. I appreciate your kind and informative words to both wonderers and people who are infected. I am virtually no one in regards to the medical community but after reading through and researching I would love to become an activist. Would you have any advice on where to start?

[Andy Velez]

Depending on where you live there maybe others who similarly inclined and even already at work. When you say "activism," you need to be more specific.

If you mean related to HIV, maybe there is  an AIDS Service organization in your area. If there is they might be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

There are all sorts of ways in which activists can address important issues regarding HIV.

Cheers.

[Stopthestigma]

Thanks for the response Andy. I guess I have no clue where to start. I don't have a "certain area" in which to become involved in. I have gained so much in regards to knowledge about symptoms, blood counts, and testing that I have no idea where to begin. I feel as though my voice should be heard and don't know whether to start my quest by preaching awareness and prevention or preaching for help with a possible cure. I don't know how I could possibly be helpful but would love the opportunity to try. I just want to do something, in fact, anything. If you have any advice it would be much appreciated.  


Edit: I'm in St Louis, MO.

[Ann]

Stop,

I've deleted the post you left in someone else's thread. You are not permitted to answer questions in this forum. Please read this forum's Welcome Thread. If you persist,  you will be banned. Not negotiable.

Ann