POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: chickfila on May 31, 2011, 01:04:20 am
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I understand the terms. I intend to keep this post as limited as possible.
I've been to multiple docs (physician, gynecologists) and
everytime I am ready to move on from thinking re: hiv, they make vague comments. I feel frustrated because I'd like to close the door on this chapter. Continually feel nauseous and on and off flu symptoms which I've never had before in life.
I had unprotected sex with someone, my only partner ever. After a diagnosis of herpes and confronting them, their reaction showed me that I had chosen the wrong partner. I left him but was always troubled by what he had omitted telling me--had been tested a year ago, was with someone before me who he described as very "high risk" sexually and basically had not been tested before getting with me. So, I was left to my own to assume the worst but hope for the best. No test results from him but just having to wait for own.
Neg. at 6 wks, 2 mths, & around 14 wks.
I see many saying that 3 months is conclusive. WHY are doctors telling me to wait until 6 mos? One even cried and said I wouldn't know for sure until a year. I've become knowledgeable on herpes, and thought maybe someone with hiv would be more knowledgeable than my doctors. I did notice a few people here commenting that they were not reactive until 6 months, another saying years later and with healthy immune systems. Also, the risk that hsv triples the risk for hiv...anyone know more about this? I'd appreciate any feedback to finally put this to rest. Thank you.
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The only exceptions for testing out to 6 months are situations where longterm intravenous drug use is involved or an organ transplant or treatment for a serious disease such as cancer. Otherwise 3 months has long been accepted as a valid testing point for a conclusive negative result. Anyone who says otherwise simply doesn't know what they are talking about. Unfortunately that sometimes includes healthcare providers who really ought to know better at this point in the epidemic.
We are not responsible for incorrect information which others may give you or which you may find on other websites. We're very careful about what we say here which is science-based.
You are HIV negative and there is no need for further concern or testing on your part. Just make sure that in the future that until if and when you are in a securely monogamous relationship in which both partners reliably test negative, until such time condoms are used everytime for vaginal and anal intercourse. No exceptions.
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Thank you for your response, Andy.