Some Advise Please

[rega2010]

Hello all. I would like your advice of some testing i had. Having read quite a few topics i didnt quite find the answer, so apologise if im repeating a subject..

I had an encounter ( whilst very drunk ) and not sure if the condom stayed on as i was mostly soft. It was with a African CSW. So i got tested with a instant test at 6 weeks negative ( only concern i had was it was a week after an oppertion and wasnt to sure if they had injected any antifection drugs ) I did have symptoms, so i thought if i was negative after that i was ok..

I got got tested at 16 weeks ( to be conclusive ) again one instant and one with blood from the arm and both negative. Got tested for all STD's and Hepititas B and maybe A i think.. again all negative. This was at a private practise.

Im from UK and wondered if the tests i had would cover HIV 1 and 2.. or shall i say be 100% conclusive and i should not think about HIV again ( i know we all get paranoid for no reason and tests are conclusive ). The only reason im concerned is im having quite bad Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet and hands.. and wasnt to sure if the tests i had would pick up HIV2?

Many thanks for your time

[Ann]

Rega,

You are conclusively hiv negative. The tests used in the UK test for both hiv 1 and 2. (I'm also in the UK)

PN that is associated with hiv is normally caused by the meds used to treat hiv, not the virus itself. In the rare occasions it is caused by hiv, it only happens after having the virus untreated for many years.

But you don't have hiv so whatever is causing your problem is not hiv. See your doctor about your concerns to find out what, exactly, is going on.

And by the way, it's not just sex workers you need to be using condoms with.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[rega2010]

Thank you very much for your Reply Ann. A close friend of mine is HIV +,so i have always used a condom and go for a yearly check up std etc.. Thats also the reason i got concerned about NP as from time to time he commets about his hands and feet and i put 2 + 2 =5..

I was concerned but your reply has really helped me a lot.. I just had that dout in the back of my mind, and having read the 6 months testing etc, which Andy has said many times is out dated i just wanted to double check that im certainly HIV -

Many thanks for your time, have a great weekend 

[Ann]

Rega,

You're welcome. And yes, the six month window period was reduced to three months in the early 2000s but there are many websites out there who still carry the outdated information.

Your last test was at four months and yes, you most certainly are hiv negative.

I'm glad to hear about your consistent condom use and also the fact that you get regular check-ups. That's what smart, responsible people do, so keep up the good work.

Ann

[rega2010]

Hi Ann. yes 4 months was the last test..

Well my friend has drummed it into me very early on, and i think more people should read what you say regarding that.. and if anyone reads this.. getting a check up is nothing to worry or be embrassed about.. Just blood and urine sample, and if you wish to have a visual check of the "tackle" then worry not.. It safe guards you and the other person...

Once again thanks Ann