POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Victor on September 30, 2006, 02:16:39 pm
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This is my situation and I am extremely scared. I had unprotected sex 4
times within a week with a female almost 8 weeks ago. I was freaking out
almost immediately since I shouldn’t have done this. Anyway, even though I
knew it was too soon, I got tested with the rapid oral Oraquick and the oral
Orasure after 10 days. Both were negative. I waited 4 weeks and got tested
again with the oral Orasure only this time. Result was negative. I went in
to get tested again at the 6 week mark. I had the oral Oraquick done and
after 25 min. the nurse didn’t know what to think! She went and got the Dr.
to look at the test. Anyone familiar with the Oraquick test knows that the C
line will always show and if antibodies are detected, the T line will show
as well. Well, the T line was barely showing and it wasn’t fully complete.
They said that they have never seen such a light T line. They stated that it
was a positive result anyway! They immediately performed an Oraquick finger
prick blood test and it came out negative!! After that, they looked very
confused and they said that they have never had a positive oral Oraquick and
a negative blood finger prick Oraquick at the same time. They said that in
their experience when one test came out positive, the other one was positive
as well. They performed another Oral Oraquick and it came back negative this
time! So, I was left with 1 oral Oraquick “positive” and 2 ( one blood/prick
finger Oraquick and one Oral Oraquick) negatives!! I didn’t know what to
think. They stated that I was still in the window period and that I could be
sero converting. I don't understand how I could be seroconverting and getting 2 negatives and one very strange positive. Remember that I was at the 6 week mark at this time. Also, if I am seroconverting, wouldn't all the tests would have been inconclusive or positives instead of negatives?
I was told to come back in two weeks and do the testing
over again and it would be the 8 week mark then. The female that I had sex
with stated that she was tested 3 weeks ago and it was negative. She said
that she was willing to mail the results to me since she doesn’t live here.
She is the only unsafe exposure that I’ve had since I was diagnosed with
herpes 2 years ago. I should have learned my lesson I guess. Anyway, I am
freaking out at this point since I don’t know what’s going on with me! Was
the first oral Oraquick a false positive? I have read that the finger prick
test was more accurate than the oral one. Is it possible that I am infected?
I am going back next Weds (will be 8 weeks since exposure then) and I am
really afraid of what’s going to happen. What are the odds of being HIV+ in
my situation? I really need some help here.
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prog,
This sounds like a classic case of FALSE positive to me. I'm fully expecting you to continue testing negative. Remember, you didn't have a proper positive result on that test, only a faint line. These tests are known for their false positives.
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 STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection.
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.
Please start using condoms and stop playing roulette with your life and health. I'm fully expecting you to continue testing negative after this incident, but next time you might not be so lucky.
Ann
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Thanks so much for your words Ann! I have read plenty of your posts and I really like the way you write and how you communicate with us. Yeah, Dr. HHH had told me that as well. I just need a little reassurance you know? I am pretty desperate since I am working things out with my wife and we have a wonderful son together. I want to be able to raise him and be a good dad. God knows that if it wasn't for my father, I wouldn't be here today since I used to party a lot on my teen years. He passed when I was 20. I don't want that to happen to my son and I want to meet my grandchildren. Sorry about the rant, I am just feeling emotional right now. I am not planning on doing this again. Nothing is worth going through what I am going through right now. Thanks again!
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You're welcome Prog,
Not that I think you'll need to know this, but in the very, very remote chance that you do test positive over this, there is every reason to believe you will see your son grow up (but the grandchildren thing is up to him). Hiv is no longer a death sentence, although it is a challenge to live well with.
I do expect you to continue to test negative.
Ann
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Ann,
One question I forgot to ask.. I am just getting over a cold and I am tested next Weds. I know they will start again with the rapid tests (oral Oraquick and Finger prick Oraquick). I have read here that a cold can affect the outcome of the oral one. Can it also affect the outcome of the blood finger prick one? I just don't want to have a false positive (another one! in case that is what the first one was) because of it. What are your thoughts?
Also, I am not worried about this cold since I took a family trip last week and everyone is sick. So, no ARS from this one at least. No fever, just runny nose and sneezing a little.
Hopefully I won't have any traces of this cold by Weds, but who knows?
Also, when someone is seroconverting, can that person have "positive" and negative results at the same time? I was just wondering since that's what happened to me. Even though even the Dr. said he has never seen such a faint line on the T line. So, I don't know how much I trust it to be a "positive".
Once again, loving your responses!
Progheadd
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A cold or anything else will not affect the results of your test. You can not have a positive and negative at the same time.
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Hi RapidRod,
Thanks for replying. You stated that you can't test positive and negative at the same time. I guess you meant you can't be positive and negative at the same time, since I tested positive and negative within an hour! 1 "positive," 2 negatives. This was at the 6 week mark of the possible exposure.
This is the reason why I asked the question about seroconverting at the time that I was tested. I was wondering if one test was able to "pick it up", but not the other two. I really want to go with Ann's opinion and just to think that it was a false positive, but that questions is still in my mind. Does anyone know of anyone having the same experience that I had and ended up being positive?
Thanks!
P.
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P, I can understand your anxiety and concern since it's your health and life we're talking about.
Like Ann I do expect you will come out of this HIV negative, though that one positive was understandably scary.
Everything you have described leads me to expect you will continue to test negative. I suggest avoiding getting into speculation and comparisons with the experiences of others, no matter how much you would like some definitive answer at this moment.
Stay productively busy and when you re-test I expect you will get a happy result.
Cheers,
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Hi Andy,
Thanks a lot for your advise and good wishes. Also, she said that she got tested (per my request) and she stated that it was negative. It this is true, I don't have much to worry about. However, she doesn't live here and that makes things a little more difficult for me. I really don't have any reason not to believe her and we are still in touch. I just hope she is not lying to me. Well, this was only a one person exposure and I hope it wasn't the wrong one. We'll see in 4 days when I go back to get tested. I am still very concern and I am definitely losing sleep over this because of that "false positive". I am really praying that it is a false one indeed.
Thanks again.
P.
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progheadd u no worry, it happened to me as well - false positive
- the second line was slightly visible and it was not even oral test, but from the vein blood, docs says it could be for many reasons the test showing up like that (infections, pregnancy or even just that the tests wasn't stored properly)-they calling them indeterminate
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Oh really Gnom? I am sure you were freaking out like I am. What kind of test did you have? Did you have to wait to get the confirmatory results? I assume they were negative.
The worst thing about my situation is that it was the 6th week after exposure when I got tested. So, the Dr. thought that we would get a better result if I got tested at the 8th week. So, this wait has been SO stressful to put it kindly. I just want to get back to my life the way it was before when I had nothing to worry about. Hopefully it will remain that way. Only thing I can do for now is to hope for the best. Getting those two negatives after that first "positive" were a blessing and that's the only reason why I have been able to cope with this wait.
Thanks,
P.
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Gnom, keep all you thoughts and questions in your own thread. Do NOT post in others threads.
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That was probably a false positive. As you had another test that was negative, it sounds more and more that this positive test was wrong. I am surprised they didn't do a Western Blot test too, which is a standard way of testing for a false positive - that's actually how they confirm a positive resullt, so they should have done this too. Ask them for one?
It doesn't matter what this girl tested as even if she was positive, it wouldn't mean you are.
I predict a happy outcome.
Rich
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Thanks Rich!
I see that you are a HIV worker so you must have experience with situations like mine. Well, I was able to sleep better last night and that is thanks to you guys!
I just hope that everyone is right and that I can have a happy response to you all on Weds.
I have one more question... I know that they are going to do a couple of rapid tests again. The Oral Oraquick (which I got a "positive" and negative result with) and the Oraquick blood prick finger one (negative result). If they are positive, of course they will order the Western B. However, let's be optimistic and say that they are both negative. Should I get the Western B. anyway?
I was thinking if both of the rapid ones (which includes one with blood) are negative, to wait until week 12-13 and get a Western B. then to be in the absolute clear. I think I could live for 4-5 more weeks with a negative result on both rapid tests.
What do you guys think? should I get the Western B. anyway or wait like I stated above?
Maybe I won't even have to worry about it since there is a chance that they both will be positive right? :'(
Please advise.
Thanks guys!
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Prog,
To be honest, I don't feel you need a Western Blot. You didn't have a proper positive result, you only had a faint line followed by two more negative results. It can't be much more obvious that it was a false positive. It's really unfortunate that they decided to call a faint, incomplete line "positive" - it wasn't. That was highly irresponsible of the testing center workers.
I'm fully expecting you to continue to test negative.
One comment - If you didn't insist on over-testing, you probably wouldn't have had this happen to you. The more you test over an incident, the more likely it is that you will end up with a false positive. Stop testing so much - and I hope others reading your thread will take heed.
Ann
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You are right Ann. I have had tested more than I should have. Well, I do have an appointment for Weds and I will go in since they are waiting for me. The Dr. himself called me and wants me to come in. I think they have never had a false positive before and he is eager to follow through with this. They only do 20-30 tests a week and they never had this situation before even though the city I live in is big on HIV/AIDS research. Don't know about testing though. Of course at this point I want to help as well, so I will go.
Your advise and others have helped my state of mind enormously and I don't know how to pay you guys. You are a bunch of wonderful people!
Stay healthy.
Thanks!
P.
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The WB test is up to you. Pretty much every place I have experience with do a WB test after any sort of positive result, indeed people in the "recently tested forum" are often asked this question because it is protocol in most testing stations. It is often done as a confirmatory test. That's the only reason I suggested it. Do you need it? That's up to you and your doc.
Gnom,
Take your paranoia elsewhere. You have said your piece. If your motivation is to help, do not detract the discussion in this thread. OK you were misunderstood. Fine, you mentioned that. Sort everything else out in PMs - as you won't help progheadd at all....and that was your intention to help him. So do so by not going on and on...I encourage everyone else to do the same.
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Quick question guys... Can Valtrex influence HIV test results? I have HSV-1 and I am going to get tested for HIV (again) on Weds. I want to make sure that this is not going to influence anything. I don't have an outbreak, but I want to take some to prevent one since I have been stressed out for obvious reasons. I take 1 gram a day when I do.
To be more specific, I'd like to know if it can influence the rapid tests like Oraquick. Or any test for that matter that is for HIV.
Thanks again for everything that you do.
P.
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Progheadd,
Valtrex will not influence antibody test results.
Morgan
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Prog, what Dr. HHH said to you, must have went in one ear and out the other. 3/4 of the worlds population has HSV1. What is the big deal? A cold will not effect your tests, nor antibotics or anything else.
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Rapid,
I am not asking the same question again. I just wanted to know if Valtrex (as medication) can affect HIV results if taken while you want to test for HIV. I know that HSV1 will not affect results. Like you said, Dr. HHH clarified that for me. I meant the medication itself since it is used to suppress a virus and HIV is a virus, I thought it made sense to make sure.
Thanks for your response.
P.
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P,
Valtrex is specific for the Herpes Simplex Virus and has no suppressive effect on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. More to the point, the tests used to detect HIV infection don't look for the virus itself. Rather they look for the immune system's response to the virus, ie antibodies.
MtD
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Prog,
Antivirals for the herpes virus have no effect on hiv whatsoever. Hiv is a retrovirus, which is a whole 'nuther kettle of fish to herpes.
No drug will effect an hiv antibody test.
Ann
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thanks again for your responses. I will take my Valtrex then to prevent anything. I don't need an outbreak right now!
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I just talked to the person that is going to do my test tomorrow. Man, don’t I feel worse! I called to confirm my appointment tomorrow at 11 AM. Of course I asked her a few questions. She would give me a neutral answer to everything. I can only remember a few at this point. For what I remember, I asked her if she had seen lines that were that faint on the test that turned out positive at the end. She said “yes”. I asked her if there were as fainted as mine and she said “maybe not as fainted”. I also asked her about what were her thoughts about getting two negatives afterwards and her opinion about the finger prick being more accurate than the swab and she said “well, they are both almost just as accurate”. When I asked her when it would be conclusive then she stated “I have a problem using the word conclusive”. She also said that she has seen people test positive after a negative at 6 weeks! I asked her about that a little further and she contradicted herself a little by saying “some people come in here not sure which encounter could have infected them”. Well, I am sure there is just one for me and I know the dates, times, etc! I mean, that should give you all and idea! Then, at the end I asked her the odds about me testing negative and she said “the odds are good”. After all of the other responses that I got from her before, I don’t know if she said that just to make me feel better!
I mean, she is a nice lady, but she really makes you feel worse about everything. Now I am feeling really down about this whole thing and most of my hopes are gone. I am sorry, but I can’t stay positive when you are given such a somber picture.
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Does anyone have any opinions?
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There is nothing more to add. There is no reason to get upset on the information given to you.
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Well, I went to get tested today; the 8th week mark. They performed the Oraquick Oral swab and the blood prick finger one. They were both negative!
You guys have no idea how this felt after getting that "positive".
They oferred to do a Western B. and they said that if the enrolled me on some kind of research it would be free. Two people were there while I was testing and one of them thought it was a good idea to make sure completely that I didn't have HIV since they would do the whole thing, viral load test, etc.
The other one said that based on the results so far, she was not sure if I needed to do this.
They gave me some paperwork and told me to think about it. They actually gave me some kind of "contract" if I decide to be part of the research.
One also said that if I came back HIV negative, I wouldn't be part of it. So, it is a way to get a Western B. free! She basically said that.
I want to take a couple of days to think about it. In the meantime, I just want to enjoy myself a little since this gives me a piece of mind at the moment.
I still think I should get tested again at the 13 week mark just to be 100% sure and maybe I will take advantage of that "free" Western B.
What do you guys think?
I want to thank all of you here that offered your support at the darkest hours of my life. It was really encouraging and I don't have words to express my appreciation.
I know I am not "home free" yet, but I think I am almost there.
Best to all of you.
P.
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What would the research entail? You are negative and I see no reason for you to be in a research study or to have a Western Blot test.
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I think they would do a Western B. and if it comes out negative, they would drop me off the research. They wanted me on it because they have never had someone that tested "positive" and negative later. First "false positive" so far in two years according to them. So everyone is looking at me closely there. Like you said, I would have to be positive first, so that's why the nurse said that it would be a good way of getting a Western B. for free. ;)
Andy, Ann, etc, any opinions about the results?
Should I still get a Western B. at 12-13 weeks?
Thanks for your response Rapid.
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You've got to be kidding? False positives happen all the time. You don't need any further testing.
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Prog,
You don't need a WB. You've had two more negative results - that brings the total up to four negative results after your alleged false positive. You should test at the three month point for a conclusive result, but I do not expect it to change.
Ann
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FYI. I had the same problem with a rapid Orasure test. You could just barely see a line, I would not even call it a line, I would call it a discolor of where the line should be. I was also told positive! I took a Elisa test at 16wks, it was neg. Dont worry about the false pos. I am not a big fan of that test anyway. Hope this helps
Chris
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Thank you guys! I appreciate your advise and knowledge. Well, I hope you are right Ann, I definitely feel better about this with the results at the 8th week mark. I guess the odds are in my favor right?
I will definitely post the final results at the 12-13 week and will continue to be around. I am thinking of doing some volunteering work and definitely some donations. I hope that my results continue to be the same.
This disease is terrible and is affecting so many wonderful people... It is mindblowing!
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
P.
PS- If anyone has any thoughts about where I am so far, please post.
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Ann, Andy,
Have you ever seen a result change after an eight week negative and turn into a positive?
I don't mean only in this forum, but have you read about it as well?
I know you guys do a lot of research.
Also, would you still worry of a change after a 8 week negative?
Thanks a lot!
P.
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Prog,
I've never seen an eight week negative change in this forum and I've never read of one happening in recent years either - recent being the past ten years.
I'm still fully expecting you to continue to test negative.
Ann
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Ann,
Coming from you, that's all I need for now. :)
I will wait patiently and test again at 13 weeks for a conclusive result.
Thanks again.
P.
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I think this very important. When I got that “positive” (see my thread) I went pretty much out of my mind and I didn’t see (or cared at the time) the Dr. replacing the lancet before I had the Oraquick finger prick test. I haven’t posted about it because I felt like maybe I was being a little paranoid, but I am worried about it. The 2nd finger prick test I had done no worries, I made sure that time. However, it is a valid question. Let’s say that a lancet is not replaced; Is it possible to be infected that way?
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It is not a valid question and if you have any other questions or concerns keep them in your own thread.
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Well, I am just following up on this thread since the question was raised here. I'd like to know the answer to this question as well. I really don't have anything to add, but I posted to show that other people are interested and worried about this as well. I thought I was the only one until I read this. If I post on mine is not going to make any sense since my thread is a completely different issue.
Hopefully I am making sense.
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porg
This question is not relevant because things like this just don't happen and your question shows a high level of paranoia, stress and fear.
Usually people who received a negative result but can not accept the news are asking such questions.
I doesn't happen. Fullstop!
Darkfiber
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That's the reason why I didn't post it at my thread. I haven't been obsessing about it, but it crossed my mind a few times. I just responded on this thread because I thought I was the only one that have thought that. Obviously I am not.
Well, the original poster is worried about it, but the only responses that he is getting is that it doesn't happen. The question remains, if it did, could you get infected?
Thanks for responding Darkfiber.
Prog.
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Prog,
I removed your hijack of "thethruth's" thread and placed it here in your own thread, which is the ONLY thread you should be posting in. Please do not hijack another thread.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Ann
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Hi guys,
I know this is going to sound silly, but I am just waiting for the 13 weeks to get my test and this event occured on Sat.
I went to get my haircut and while I was waiting for the guy that cuts my hair, he cut himself while doing someone else's hair with his scissors.
He went to the bathroom and put on a band aid. He continued to cut the other guys' hair for about 5 more minutes. Afterwards, it was my turn.
I was feeling uneasy about it because I am already dealing with an exposure and of course this was not the ideal situation.
I didn't see him sterilize the scissors, but I saw him spraying something on the clippers.
I went ahead and I let him cut my hair anyway. I didn't see any blood coming out of the band aid, but I could see dry blood on his finger undeneath the band aid. however, he "massaged" my hair several times with gel with full hands l and I am sure that finger touched my hair or maybe the scalp. he also touched my ears and everything else that you would touch when you are giving someone a hair cut. If he had some dry blood on his finger or hands, could HIV be transmitted this way? I don't think I was cut in any way and I checked myself afterwards.
I know I might be acting a little paranoid, but hey, I got a "positive" and of course this would affect someone's anxiety levels. I just want everything to go perfect until I get my result at 13 weeks.
Is this something I should be concerned about? If I had a cut in my scalp or somewhere else, could this be an issue? If not, can I get a brief explanation of why this is not a risk?
Thanks guys!
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This is not any kind of an exposure. Read the "Welcome" thread and read the lessons. If you've read it once read it again. You are going way out in left field. Seek out help for your unwarranted fears.
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Thanks for your response RapidRod. I know I am being a little paranoid, but it is maneagable at this point since I am completely functional and I am not thinking about it all day long; however it does bother me a little. The only reason why my anxiety leves are high is because of that false positive. It was really scary.
Ann, Andy,
Could you explain the science behind this or why this is not a transmission issue? I knew the answer already ( I guess no risk), but I am looking for the scientific explanation.
Thanks as always.
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Ann,
Can I please get your feedback on this? I think I am overreacting, but I'd like to know the scientific reason of why this wouldn't be a risk. I won't ask anymore questions until I get my results in 3 more weeks.
Thanks very much for your help.
Sincerely,
Prog
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Prog, I think you were doing reasonably well until this nonsense with the barber...first of all, what on earth makes you think he was positive??? I don't get it. Second, IF he was, there was no risk there. For blood-to-blood transmission there needs to be an open, flowing wound, on both ends...dried blood touching your scalp will not do it. Relax and get a hold of yourself.
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Yeah, sadly, I agree with your statement. This has really gotten to me and I am getting very paranoid. I think I had kept a "good head" and I might be losing it a little lately. Man, this has been the most stressful experience of my life! I am just looking at things differently since that experience and I need to calm down. I guess not knowing and waiting is making my mind trip a little. I will remain calm and stop the nonsense.
Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.
Best,
Prog
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Hi guys,
Does anyone know which generation are the Oraquick oral swab and the prick finger blood one in the US? Are they 4th generation? I would really like to know.
I am having a little uncomfortable feeling on my lower abdomen and I am going to the Doctor tomorrow. I am not sure if you can call this "pain"; actually, I don't think it is. It is like a pressure feeling there. Definitely uncomfortable. I am afraid it is my appendix. I hope not.
Anyway, next Weds will be 13 weeks since my unprotected exposure. If the Dr. orders some blood work done, I will ask for a HIV test as well. It will be 12 weeks since my unprotected exposure then. Can I rely on those results? remember that I have gotten 4 negatives since that "positive".
Also, I had this little "patch" thing on my beard and I went to a Dermatologist. Hair was not really growing. He told me is Alopecia Areata. He says that it shows when you are under a lot of stress most of the time. Well, that's a no brainer!
I am just hoping that it won't affect my hair since so far it is only on my facial hair. We'll see what happens. I am trying to relax as much as I can.
Thanks in advance for your responses you wonderful people!
If you guys can respond to my questions I would appreciate it.
Best to everyone,
P.
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Prog,
The generation of test only matters in the first few weeks. ANY ELISA test is conclusive at the three month point. The only difference between a twelve week test and a thirteen week test is how you calculate a three month period. A year is 52 weeks, which is thirteen four week months. As you may have noticed, there are only twelve months in a year. To make three even quarters, one week of the thirteen month is added to each quarter, making a quarter thirteen weeks. In the UK and most of Europe, the three month period is considered to be twelve weeks, using the same exact tests as are used in the States. So, in short, it doesn't really matter if you test at twelve or thirteen weeks. Your result will be conclusive, no matter what generation test is used.
I'm fully expecting you to continue testing negative.
Ann
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Thanks for your response Ann.
If the Dr. order blood work today, I will definitely be asking for a HIV test. If he doesn't, I will take it next Weds at the 13th week mark.
For what you are saying, any ELISA test will do. So, any rapid test should be sufficient right? If I do an Oraquick oral swab, can I take that as a conclusive result based on my history of negatives and one "positive" with those particular tests?
I will do whatever is advised and will not post again until I get my results.
Extremely thankful,
P.
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Prog,
Either oraquick tests (blood or oral) are just fine. They are very sensitive and will normally pick an infection up by the previously discussed six week mark. They are conclusive at the three month point.
Ann
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Hi guys,
Well, I got my test. Oraquick finger prick, It was NEGATIVE! 12 weeks and 3 days after my unprotected encounter. I guess per Ann's response, this is conclusive.
I have one more question to put this behind me. Yes, I know that I am going to sound a little paranoid, but there is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes down to HIV right? ;)
Well, I was just wondering.. the device they use to prick your finger is something similar of the one they use to check for diabetes. My question is... Even though the lancet is replaced every time, you hit a little button on this device that pricks your finger and the lancet goes back in the device. Is infection possible if they tested someone who is HIV+ before you, even though they replace the lancet? I am only asking this because the lancet goes back INSIDE the device. I mean there are walls inside the device and I don't know if the lancet (used before) could have brought in infected blood and touch the new lancet that is placed. PLEASE don't call me paranoid. I think it is a legit question and I am sure other people wonder about this.
I won't ask about this over and over, I only want a scientific educated response of why this could not be an issue.
I want to thank all of you guys for being there for me at the darkest moments of my life. I am sure everyone understands how scary that "positive" was. You guys are a group of fantastic people that are only doing this to help and educate people like me for nothing. Just out of the goodness of your heart. God bless you all!
Special thanks to Ann. Her expertise in this field is amazing. Also, the patience that she shows responding to the same questions (at times) over and over again. She sure helped me in keeping my sanity when I was down and depressed over this. I will always keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Same with you all.
Best of luck to you. I don't completely regret going through this since it educated me and showed me some kindness and concern from strangers. That was a great experience!
I also made a nice donation to the clinic. They were so nice. They deserve it. When I gave the money the woman said "Great, we can test a lot people with this".
Sincerely,
P.
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Stop right now. You're negative and that is it. No more what ifs or buts. You're done here.
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Is it possible to get a less hostile response and a brief explanation if possible from someone else?
Thanks,
P.
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Prog,
Do you seriously believe that a testing method would be standard proceedure if it carried ANY chance of infecting another patient? You're allowing your anxieties to run away with you.
You really are hiv negative and you do not have to worry about being infected by the lancet used to test you. If you continue to worry about this scientifically unfounded worry, then it may be time to see a counselor to get to the bottom of it all.
You are hiv negative - now please protect that negative status by using condoms every time and using them correctly.
Ann
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Ok Ann. I will give it a rest. I understand what you are saying and of course it makes sense. I am just trying to clear my mind completely by placing a worse case scenario regarding this issue. and I understand that you guys don't like to deal with "what ifs".
As always, thanks for your feedback.
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Everyone has answered your questions. Please don't PM me again.
Thanks,
R
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Hi guys,
This is the articke that I read that made me feel uneasy about the lancing device. The used a new lancet on my test, but I don't know if the replaced the end cap.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cmoh/lancing.html
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What makes the difference? You have tested reliably negative. You are putting yourself beyond the scope of this forum. Seek the help of a mental health professional for your fears.
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The difference is that based on this article, the end cap should be replaced as well as the lancet for safety purposes. I know the lancet was replaced, but I don't know about the end cap. Does the end cap comes with the lancet itself or is it part of the device?
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That again has nothing to do with you. YOU ARE NEGATIVE...
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Well, it is very hard not to worry when you keep on finding articles on the net that say it is not safe. Actually, ALL OF THEM said that the lancet and the endcap need to be replaced. I am pretty sure the endcap was not replaced during my test. I understand what you guys are saying on how hard infection would be under those circumstances. However, scientifically, it makes sense that the device that holds the lancet could be a way of infection if infected blood was there and "touched" the new lancet. Would a positive person had to be tested 5-10 minutes before me for this to be a risk?
Sorry, but short answers without an explanation do not help. :(
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You can come up with all the what ifs and buts you want. It is not going to change the fact that you are HIV negative. Now if you want to worry yourself for a non issue go for it but just don't do it here.
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Everyone agrees with RapidRod?
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Ann,
Do you have any comments on the article I posted?
I called the testing site and they indeed do not replace the end cap. She said they clean it after every test though. I do know like I stated before that the lancet was new since I saw her placing a new one. Is there any risk at all on the end cap not being replaced? I am just asking because that article (and others) say that it should be replaced evey time. Why would they say so if there isn't a risk? I don't get that. Are those extra cautions articles?
I really need some advise to put this behind me. Short answers telling me I am crazy or I am negative and to move on, don't really help my worries.
Please advise.
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Victor,
If the lancet was new, why on earth are you worrying about what happened to it after it was used? How on earth could it possibly infect you AFTER it was used?
You really need to let this go. You are hiv negative, period, end of story.
Ann
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Hi Ann,
I might have not explained myself well. I meant to say that the end cap of the lancing device was not replaced BEFORE my test, not after. I am not worried about the lancet being reused since I know it was a new one. In that article that I posted it clearly states that " lancet and end cap should be replaced if used on multiple groups". Well, the lancet was new, but the end cap was not, I confirmed that already. I know that they use that lancing device with other people, but they replace the lancet of course. My question is, if there is not risk of infection (of anything, including Hepatitis B and C), why would the article say that it is important to replace it (end-cap) as well? Extra caution maybe? It is from a reputable site and I have found the same info in others. An important thing to mention is that the worker at the site told me that the lancet does not touch the inside (walls) of the device. That made me feel a little better. Hopefully it is true.
Maybe this can clarify my inquiry. I am desperately waiting for your answer and opinion if there is a risk on the situation listed above.
THANKS!!
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viktor,
Replacing the cap has nothing to do with you. It's likely to be a safety measure for the person who administers the test. If you have further questions about this, I suggest you contact the place where you were tested and ask them.
As far as we are concerned here, you are hiv negative and there is nothing more we can do for you here.
Ann
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Ann,
I did contact the place this morning. She stated that it was 100% safe and that the lancet does not touch the inside/wall of the lancing device. Since you seem to agree with that, I guess I'll try not to worry and go on with my life. There is something in the back of my head that makes me feel a little uneasy about it, but there is nothing I can do, just to try to push the thought out of my head. I guess since I found out I am negative, I feel really aprehensive about my result and want to protect it as much as I can. I don't know if that makes sense, but that's how I feel.
I can see myself overreacting right now and it must sound risible to you guys that I am worried about getting infected while getting tested. I wouldn't have felt that way if I hadn't been looking for things on the internet that obviously got me worried.
I have someone in my life and that's who I care about the most. I wouldn't want to infect her and I was trying to make sure that everything went as safe as possible.
Anyway, thanks a lot for your feedback and patience with me.
Best to you all.
Sincerely,
Victor
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I have someone in my life and that's who I care about the most. I wouldn't want to infect her and I was trying to make sure that everything went as safe as possible.
Victor,
I want you to read the following words VERY carefully:
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 STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection.
You need to understand that you CANNOT go by how someone looks, how well you think you know them, what they tell you about their sexual health or history or what they THINK they know about their health. You need to use those condoms until you have tested together. Take my word for it. I was infected by someone I'd known for years - and for four years I would have sworn blind I was hiv negative - because I had no idea I was positive.
Use condoms unless you have BOTH tested together.
Ann
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Ann,
I must have read your last post 5 times. I take your advise to heart. I will follow it.
My deepest appreciation to you and everyone else that helped me here.
Thank you.
-Victor
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Hi guys,
Well, based on the advise that I was given at this site, I'd like to ask for clarification about one thing since I'd like to protect my negative status.
I have read endlessly here that going down on a woman is not a risk for HIV infection. However, if the female reaches orgasm while you are performing oral sex has never been addressed or I have not been able to find it on this site.
Well, that's my question, if you are performing oral sex on a female and she climaxes, is there a risk?
I have read Ann's comments about how the infectious fluids are located deep in the vagina. Now, if the female reaches orgasm, would that not "flush" all of the fluids down?
I'd appreciate a response specially from Ann since she is a female and I love her educated and scientific responses.
Thank you all!
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Victor,
Whether or not a woman cums during cunnilingus makes no difference.
Ann
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Thanks a lot Ann!
One last question that I forgot to ask please. Has there ever been a documented case of HIV transmission due to oral sex on a woman?
Thanks.
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Victor,
There have been none that I know of were cunnilingus was proven to be the cause of the infection. There has been one or two cases where it was a possibility, but never proven. One or two cases? Forget about it. Going down on a woman is not a risk for hiv infection.
Just make sure that you use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will continue to avoid hiv infection.
Ann
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Great!
I am getting ready to have some fun. ;)
Yes, I will definitely use condoms for penetration.
As always, thanks so much Ann.
-Victor
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UGH, I always forget something and I would like to ask the last question related to this subject.
If you had a cut, sore (in the mouth) or you ate something that was reallly hot and might have "burned" your mouth a little before performing oral sex on a woman, would that make a difference and is there is risk if those circumstances are present?
Thanks!
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No risk whatsoever!!!
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Hi guys,
Well, after my questions were answered here, I went ahead and had sex with that woman. We both performed unprotected oral sex on each other, but vaginal sex was protected since I know that would have been the only risk of transmission. The condom did not break and I tested it by filling it up with water afterwards.
I have indicated before that I was diagnosed with HSV1 some years ago. Well, the encounter was last Thurs. On Mon or Tues I noticed a very small outbreak on my penis. Two small sores to be exact. They are in a location in which they would have been covered by the condom, even though I do not believe I had them at the time. I am almost positive that the outbreak occurred after the sexual episode. However, I am not 100% sure since it could have been there and I didn't notice until later. I have very mild outbreaks.
My question is this.. if the condom would have roll down during sex enough to expose the sores to vaginal secretations, could this be a risk of infection if the person was HIV positive?
Like I said, I do not believe that I had the outbreak at the time, but I am not 100% sure.
Can someone please give me some advise. Ann, I would appreciate if you follow up on this since you responded to my last question regarding this issue.
Thanks,
V.
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You had protected sex, period. End of subject. I believe it's time for you to seek some advice from a mental health consultant.
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Victor,
Wow, do you have any idea how self-centered you sound? When you brought up the herpes outbreak, I thought you were going to ask about the risk of giving your partner herpes.
Condoms don't generally roll around. If the outbreak was in an area normally covered by a condom, then it was covered.
If you're going to freak out every time you have sex, maybe you need to talk to a professional about that.
Ann
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Ann,
I can see why my post would have sound self centered, but she has HSV1 as well. So I didn't think the Herpes transmission issue mattered. I was asking for risk of HIV transmission.
Maybe since I clarified this, you don't think I am so self centered after all. :-\
Apparently, the herpes HSV1 is more common that I thought. I tell my sex partners that I have it before I have sex with them and I am surprise how many other people have it as well.
So since there was no worries about the HSV1 infection from either party, I was just asking about MY risk of HIV transmission since I do not know her HIV status and I was the only one who had an outbreak afterwards. Like I said, I am not 100% sure if it was there or not when we had sex.
I hope I clarified this for you guys.
Sincerely,
V.
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Do you even know what HSV1 is? It's a cold sore of which over 3/4 of the population has.
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Wow, I will tell you I do not appreciate that superiority tone coming from you rapid rod. Obviously, you don't think I am an intelligent person since you don't treat me like one. Yes, I know HSV1 is herpes. I know that a cold sore is produced by the same virus. However, I also know that it is contagious and that it can be at the genital area. How do I know? I have it. I have also read that it increases HIV infection when sores are present. Are you going to ask me if I know what that is as well??
If someone is going to attack me because I ask a question, I'd rather not get a response from that particular individual.
I also want to clarify that I am not "freaking out" about this. The encounter happened over a week ago and I would not have asked this question if I hadn't found that outbeak right after. I do not freak out everytime I have sex. I wasn't even going to ask about this. I only thought that you were here to help and you wouldn't mind answering my question without being attacked and acussed of being crazy and ignorant.
Sorry, but I am a little frustrated and regret asking the question at all. I feel back in college when you would ask a question and the professor made you feel stupid afterwards.
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After 85 posts you think you would have understood. You should by now have read the transmission lesson found in the Welcome thread, which you should have read before you ever began to post. Anyone that has that many worries about having sex definitely needs to seek help
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Well, 75-80 of my posts were about a different issue. I have read the transmission lesson several times. I am sorry, but I didn't see anything addressing the specific question that I had regarding herpes. If it is there, please point it out to me since I was unable to find it.
Like I said, I am not freaking out about having sex. I just want to be as safe as possible. That's all. I actually used to be careless about sex. So, I am not one of those people that used to worry about it at all. That's not good either right?
I have become extremely careful (obviously) since that scare that brought me here to begin with.
I actually thought I was HIV positive for sure for at least 30 minutes! I was TOLD that. Obviously they were wrong. I am sure everyone can understand that I have made some changes since then. Am I being a little paranoid about getting HIV now? Maybe. When you face the posibility of having it, like I did, will make you that way.
Well, I guess I am done asking questions. Thanks for the previous help. I appreciate it.
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I'm sorry no it didn't not effect me in that way. I've had HIV for 22 years. I got infected when they didn't even have any idea what it was or what caused it. So no not everyone feels or acts the way you are doing.