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Author Topic: I still question my HIV+ status  (Read 12136 times)

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Offline CallMeSid

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  • Posts: 117
I still question my HIV+ status
« on: December 19, 2007, 12:23:33 pm »
I've posted here a few times since July or so.  I just got my latest CD4 and VL results and still have lingering questions regarding "Am I really infected?" 

Long story short is the following:

07/2006 HIV-negative
06/2007 HIV-positive  (Not all of the bands on the WB were reactive.  CDC criteria = +.  Red Cross criteria = Indeterminate.)

Althought it IS possible that I was exposed/infected/seronconverted between my last HIV-negative test and the this first HIV-positive result.  I didn't have any sort of "flu-like illness" that many (though not all) experience during seroconversion.  The HIV+ result sort of surprised me.  The two f*ckbuddies I had sex with right around that time went and got tested when I got my results and they were both negative (and they're getting tested again soon).  So I didn't get it from them and I didn't give it to them, but again it IS possible I got it elsewhere (multiple partners, not always 100% safe prior to this + result).

07/2007 CD4: 795 (40%), VL: <50
09/2007 CD4: 629 (43%), VL: 895  (~2 weeks after measles/mumps/rubella booster)
12/2007 CD4: 854 (45%), VL: <50

So, when I got that detectable VL result back in September, I thought that was definitive proof of actual infection.  But, it's not a very high value (especially considering that I received a live, attenuated vaccine a few weeks prior) and false positive HIV RNA results are NOT unheard of.  Now that I've received these latest "undetectable" results and my CD4s have been stable throughout, the last ~6 months, I'm back to seriously questioning my HIV+ status again!  I'm think I'm going to have the HIV Antibody and WB tests done again. 

I suppose it's possible that I'm slightly in denial, but this next antibody/WB result should give me a final answer, I hope.  If it turns out that I am definitely, definitely positive, then my numbers are surprisingly good and I'll just focus on that.
07/2006 HIV-negative
06/2007 HIV-positive
07/2007 CD4: 795 (40%), VL: <50
09/2007 CD4: 629 (43%), VL: 895  (~2 weeks after measles/mumps/rubella booster)
12/2007 CD4: 854 (45%), VL: <50
03/2008 CD4: 880 (45%), VL: 151
12/2008 CD4: 943 (46%), VL: 116
05/2009 CD4: 865 (44%)  VL: 107

Offline Andy Velez

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  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2007, 12:28:35 pm »
Even though I fervently hope you're right in doubting your positive status, I moved your thread over to this section.

For the timebeing you are identified as being HIV+ until proven otherwise. It's good that you are being re-tested to remove any doubts about your status.

Good luck with your result and keep us posted.

 
Andy Velez

Offline Tim Horn

  • Member
  • Posts: 797
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2007, 02:01:20 pm »
Sid:

With "indeterminate" numbers like this, I think it's a good idea to consult with an HIV specialist who really knows the ins and outs of various diagnostic technology -- someone at an academic institution whould be best. It might be a good idea to have an HIV DNA test -- a qualitative, not a quantitative assay -- to help guide your next steps. I'd be happy to refer you to someone; please PM me with your location -- I'll see if i can match you up with someone nearby.

Tim Horn

Offline achim-martin

  • Member
  • Posts: 43
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2008, 03:00:32 pm »
Well, lets hope you're one of those few who do happen to heal themself. It does happen, so who knows? At least you got great figures - so just have it tested again, speak to a specialist and all the best luck from here...

Offline sharkdiver

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  • Posts: 1,353
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2008, 08:00:33 pm »
'Heal themselves....it does happen"

What are you talking about?

Offline Matty the Damned

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  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2008, 08:03:56 pm »
I was wondering the same thing myself, oh Sharkalicious One.

MtD

Offline Miss Philicia

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  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2008, 08:07:29 pm »
Well, lets hope you're one of those few who do happen to heal themself. It does happen, so who knows?

Clarify please, because I'd love to heal myself.  Hopefully this involves a trip to Brazil like the last poster that offered me this opportunity and medical wonderment.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline achim-martin

  • Member
  • Posts: 43
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2008, 08:32:23 pm »
Well, since there are a lot of people from around the world visiting this site, who knows why he's having such great results lately. There is a small number of people who don't get ill be hiv and don't get a viral load. Maybe he is so lucky... Hope his next test will confirm those positive results.   :)

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2008, 08:45:24 pm »
No Martin,

You miss the point. People have an issue with your comments about this chap "healing himself". It's not clear if the OP of this thread even has HIV so he's being encouraged to seek expert diagnostic assistance.

No-one can "heal themselves" of HIV.

This happens from time to time, some people have indeterminate test results and/or false positives.

You would know these things if you spent more time reading and less time airing your "knowledge".

MtD

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2008, 09:53:35 pm »
My sister in law tested positive and years later tested negative.

Best of luck.

Offline beaubrent

  • Member
  • Posts: 44
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2008, 08:49:20 am »
Sometimes, particularly when doing yoga, I like to imagine I'm killing HIV cells. I think the mind has the ability to cure the body in ways we can't imagine.

At very least, being aware and asking the question is an important part of wellness. At best, it's part of a cure. No harm either way.
When I found out I had HIV,

I woke up and started living.

Offline BT65

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Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2008, 09:13:20 am »
Sometimes, particularly when doing yoga, I like to imagine I'm killing HIV cells. I think the mind has the ability to cure the body in ways we can't imagine.

At very least, being aware and asking the question is an important part of wellness. At best, it's part of a cure. No harm either way.

I believe in the power of the mind Beau, but not to actually heal anything.  Just sayin'.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2008, 09:19:54 am »
well yes, yoga can be a healing tool, especially when you deepen your practice and look at the first two steps of yoga (of the eight) Yama and Niyama.  I have to admit when I started my Asana practice I was very focused on my illness, but when that step of yoga deepened it's hard not to focus on much else except just being in the present. For example, if I'm balancing on one arm with the rest of my body I'm pretty much focused on that and only that.

Let's not let this become an issue of semantics, but healing isn't about curing. There have been way too many nasty arguments about this and this isn't the forum to have that discussion

Shiva Sharkie
 :)

Offline MOONLIGHT1114

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  • Posts: 1,918
  • Cheech 2.2.94 - 4.23.10 We miss you so much!
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2008, 09:22:03 am »
OK, Sharkie, rotate that picture cause you look like you're ready for "Dancin' On the Ceiling....."

LOL   :P
HIV+ since '93, 1/12 - CD4 785 and undet.   WOO-HOO!!

Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2008, 09:24:03 am »
Cindy Sweatheart

I am!   That was my audition for Lionel Richie

hehee

Offline MOONLIGHT1114

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,918
  • Cheech 2.2.94 - 4.23.10 We miss you so much!
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2008, 04:26:46 pm »
Cindy Sweatheart

I am!   That was my audition for Lionel Richie

hehee

Now I'm a "SWEATheart."

But did you make it thru to the Finals?   ;D
HIV+ since '93, 1/12 - CD4 785 and undet.   WOO-HOO!!

Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: I still question my HIV+ status
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2008, 05:03:01 pm »
oops damn spellcheck  LOL


well I was pretty sweaty from that

 


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