POZ Community Forums

Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: spacebarsux on May 21, 2011, 02:47:07 am

Title: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 21, 2011, 02:47:07 am
Why do so many members on this forum and/or other poz people find it so unbelievably hard to believe or accept that some of us got infected despite taking precautions every single time that we can recall?

Now I don’t claim to be an innocent virgin. I did sleep around, but AS FAR AS I CAN REMEMBER, I had protected sex every single time with every single guy (except my ex bf). Don’t remember a single slip up or condom break. Not one. In fact, I didn’t even have anal sex too much and mostly stuck to oral. Sometime in early 2006, I distinctly remember developing a fever and swollen lymph nodes that lasted a few weeks and they hurt quite a bit. I got tested immediately (don’t remember how much time after last sexual exposure). The test was negative. The woman at the clinic said that it was most likely a viral infection (not HIV) and I needn’t worry given that I had  not had unprotected anal sex.

On the assumption that we both were negative, the only person I did have unprotected sex with was my ex, and he tested negative 3 months after last exposure with me. I have seen the test results so I know for certain that I didn’t get my infection from him.

What am I to conclude from all of this ? That I got it from oral sex and had bleeding gums or a gaping cut in my mouth? That I must’ve been drunk  out of my mind and probably did slip up somewhere, and that event, for whatever reason has been completely erased from my memory? That I let someone poke around without  a condom (like once or twice) when I was drunk and just can’t remember.

Yes, I am open to accepting the above possibilities. Maybe I was drunk and slipped up, or maybe I got it from oral- who knows. But that is not my point in making this post.

The point in my making this post is that, there are many of us WHO, IN OUR MIND, DID TAKE PRECAUTIONS EVERY SINGLE TIME  (AT LEAST TO OUR RECOLLECTION) AND STILL GOT INFECTED. It really annoys me how so many people are just so dismissive at even the possibility of that happening. I am not making this post to get a lecture on the science behind transmission. I know that oral sex is only a theoretical risk and their have been extremely few documented cases. My point is there are some of us who never made a conscious decision to have unprotected sex and still got infected somehow. For us it was nothing more or less than an unfortunate accident.

My doctor said that he has seen such cases before; that although oral sex is a much  much lower risk than anal sex, the risk remains and is not eliminated.

In any case, all I wanted to get across is that some people should open their mind to the possibility that some of us did get infected by accident somewhere (however miniscule the chances were). I certainly would never judge anyone who has got their infection from bare backing but it does piss me off that it is automatically assumed that I also must have got infected because I was equally callous about my sexual health.

At the end, it doesn’t really matter because I/we can’t change my/our status and have to move on.  I also think we are ultimately responsible (EVEN IF WE THOUGHT WE WERE ALWAYS BEING SAFE) for our own actions and whatever has happened cannot be reversed. I think I have now accepted my status and I know I can’t turn back time and have no choice but to look forward.

I just needed to get this off my chest.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: tednlou2 on May 21, 2011, 03:15:26 am
I know we recently had this exact discussion with some saying they don't believe broken condom stories or other transmission stories.  I suppose it is what it is.  Did this come back up in a thread that I missed?
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mecch on May 21, 2011, 04:10:28 am

At the end, it doesn't really matter because I/we can't change my/our status and have to move on.  I also think we are ultimately responsible (EVEN IF WE THOUGHT WE WERE ALWAYS BEING SAFE) for our own actions and whatever has happened cannot be reversed. I think I have now accepted my status and I know I can't turn back time and have no choice but to look forward.

I just needed to get this off my chest. [/left]

Your second to last paragraph, "it doesn't really matter" contradicts the rest of your text and the point of your post.

What exactly do you want to happen in this forum?  HIV+ people to reach a consensus that "always protected sex" results in seroconversions?  The minuscule risk of oral?  That would be counter productive to one of the agendas of this forum. Its not going to happen.

Just tell yourself that you fall into the "unknown risk" category, which certainly does exist.  Nobody contests that category.  You simply can't identify the risk.  

You haven't moved on yet because you're putting yourself and everyone else into categories for some reason or another. Despite your last words here.

Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 21, 2011, 04:42:20 am
Your second to last paragraph, "it doesn't really matter" contradicts the rest of your text and the point of your post.

What exactly do you want to happen in this forum?  HIV+ people to reach a consensus that "always protected sex" results in seroconversions?  The minuscule risk of oral?  That would be counter productive to one of the agendas of this forum. Its not going to happen.

Just tell yourself that you fall into the "unknown risk" category, which certainly does exist.  Nobody contests that category.  You simply can't identify the risk. 

You haven't moved on yet because you're putting yourself and everyone else into categories for some reason or another. Despite your last words here.




I said it doesn't really matter cos I can't change the fact that I am positive and have no option but to look forward now and have stopped asking myself on how it happened. I have accepted it has happened and that's that.

In my eyes, everyone who is poz is more or less in the same boat- after the point in time infection ocurred.

And I would want nothing to 'happen' on this forum. Its a lovely place with lovely people just as it is.

The only point in making this post was that some of us truly believe/know that we got infected notwithstanding condoms being used every single time and some people constantly doubting our version of events or telling us that we are making it up, is frankly quite insensitive. That’s all.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mecch on May 21, 2011, 06:14:56 am
The only point in making this post was that some of us truly believe/know that we got infected notwithstanding condoms being used every single time and some people constantly doubting our version of events or telling us that we are making it up, is frankly quite insensitive. That’s all.
Well you got a point. I am in the unknown risk category. Online I got slapped into the party line and after some time I understood it made sense (the party line). In daily real iife, nobody was incredulous or insensitive about my bewilderment - how did i get it.  

Obviously EVERYONE knows there had to be something risky.  

Who is being insensitive to you - friends in life?

The observation is that you say this is "constant" --  so why is this ignorance or judgement still a constant problem for you?  How often are you talking about how you got HIV?  Is it because people are asking you how you got it?  

If you are newly diagnosed, don't be impatient with yourself and think you are over something when you are not yet. It takes time. Its one thing to mouth or type the peaceful mature outlook ("I can't look back, only look forward") and another thing to live it in your being.

With time, once you have informed most people you care to know you are HIV+ that you are, the question how you got it shouldn't arise.  Only with new disclosures.  

If you feel like explaining you'll have to really OWN your explanation "I can't identify the risk".   You pretty much have no control over some peoples judgements about you, or about HIV+, or how you got HIV.  

You could also say, "I got it from Sex, duh".  

I think if you "own" your truth people are not going to go on pestering you about the "unknown risk" category.

You're on a sinking ship, online, if you want to pursue "oral sex" or some weird "sex accident" because people don't like complicated stories or complicated prevention messages.  And in fact the simple prevention message works well enough.

__________

If someone online or offline wants to get his or her panties in a bunch about judging your truth, just walk away from this person. Because 1) you say you aren't interested in the topic anymore, anyway and 2) that person is poison to you.


Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: eric48 on May 21, 2011, 08:05:56 am
Don't do this , don't do that.

Do not drive without proper licence and training, etc.

Yet, Shit happens

I have related my own here:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=37482.msg467878#msg467878

the odds I got infected was very low, yet, it happenned.

I (nor my family doctor) did not reconized the seroconverion episode eventhough it was really severe.

Ship happens

A Throw of the Dice will Never Abolish Chance

The good news is:
- you know you should get tested on regular basis
- you know meds exists with many options and are successfull (finally)
- you know what to do now.

People know that being overweight leads (statistically) to diabetes, they know that smoking, ...

Don't do this , don't do that....

Last year, I fell asleep while driving (leading to a very minor accident)

Shit happens

Which does not mean that you are not in control.

I sympathize that Dx is a shocker. It is.

But treatment are efficient. They are.

So, be well

Eric

Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Dachshund on May 21, 2011, 08:37:39 am
Lot's of caveats to your "I always used protection" story.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: skeebo1969 on May 21, 2011, 09:04:35 am

  It's not important how others view your mode of transmission and whether it's true or not.  I suppose the real issue for you is whether this could be a documented case of safe sex transmission, and as long as this is said:

Yes, I am open to accepting the above possibilities. Maybe I was drunk and slipped up, or maybe I got it from oral- who knows. But that is not my point in making this post.

You really can't accurately claim you were infected in this manner. 

This site makes every attempt to give accurate advice based on facts, not what you or I believe to be true.   Whatever that truth is will remain clouded in mystery I guess, because to be honest you can't remember.

So what to do???  I guess you and I would at least agree we shouldn't be rewriting the textbooks on your case alone, right?

Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 21, 2011, 09:35:25 am
Like I said before, in my mind I was always careful. I don't know how it happened. The possibility about me being drunk etc, is based solely on me going over the scenarios over and over and still not being able to recall a single unsafe encounter. I meant to say, if I can open my mind to the possibility of maybe slipping up somewhere, even though I don't really believe it my self for a second; why can't others accept the possibility that there are people like me who do everything to protect themselves but still get infected. Why is it so hard to accept that there is only 'safer' sex and no such thing as 100 % safe sex? Surely, mine is not an original case.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mikeyb39 on May 21, 2011, 09:36:08 am
I dont believe the 'oral sex' thing is as low a risk as they say.  I believe its the kind of oral sex you are having.  If you are just sucking a cock with no ejaculation, then the risk is pretty low, but if you are swallowing or allowing a guy to finish in you're mouth, then that increases the risk two fold.  I don't know how folks can't think that taking a load in you're mouth is safe, but I i've known guys that think that way.  I didn't get infected by oral sex BTW.  

This is just my two cents I guess.  
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: skeebo1969 on May 21, 2011, 10:12:16 am
why can't others accept the possibility that there are people like me who do everything to protect themselves but still get infected.

When you say "others" you are, of course, including everyone it seems.  I don't care how you were infected.  To be honest I would never ask someone else how they were infected because to me.... it's unimportant.  While other's may have refuted your claims it does not necessarily mean they are judging you, they are merely disputing something you have reported as "possibly being true".

It doesn't mean they think you are a slut who brought this upon themselves through promiscuity.

We all realize HIV doesn't discriminate between the whore on 79 St in Miami or the faithful housewife who lives on the water.  We all share an equal opportunity of infection here, and in so share a bit of responsibility unfortunately.

There are exceptions, of course.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mecch on May 21, 2011, 11:46:47 am
why can't others accept the possibility that there are people like me who do everything to protect themselves but still get infected. Why is it so hard to accept that there is only 'safer' sex and no such thing as 100 % safe sex? Surely, mine is not an original case.

2 times now and skeebo as well.   Who are all these people who find it difficulty to accept that your risk isn't identifiable?   I suspect, in fact, its yourself.  

Just chillout you'll see in time no HIV+ people care and anyone HIV- who cares about you, doesn't care about how you got HIV.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Joe K on May 21, 2011, 11:59:56 am
I am not sure what you are suggesting by this post, but it seems to me that you are judging methods of becoming infected, as if there is both a right and wrong way to become poz. You also seem to be confusing the idea that oral sex is somehow more prevalent as a route of infection, than what science tells us. I also think you are having a difficult time in adjusting to your being poz and that is perfectly normal and understandable. However, you must remember, that just because we "feel" something, that does not make it true.

You say it frustrates you, when others do not believe your take on how you became infected and to that I answer: "So what?" Please do not confuse our doubt over oral transmission by anyone, because nobody said it could never happen, it is just that it has been rarely reported from reputable sources. And this brings us to what I believe is the crux of your frustration. As I read your replies it seems so very important to you, how others perceive your infection and that my friend, is a game you can never win. What others think about you, cannot affect you unless you allow it to be. But what is paramount here, is how you perceive yourself.

I wish I had an easy answer for you, but the answers you seek must come from within you. If you truly want to thrive with HIV, you need to get a grip and that always starts with being honest with ourselves. How you became infected does not matter to me, however it appears that it does matter to you. All I can offer is that your time will be better spent working at adjusting to being poz, than trying to control the views of others, over which you have no control. Sometimes perception can be everything, but in the end, all that ever matters is how we see ourselves.

There is nothing wrong with you because you are poz. We all know that and hopefully, with time, so will you.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Inchlingblue on May 21, 2011, 12:12:37 pm
I think part of what spacebarsux is trying to convey (not to put words in his mouth) is that for people who consistently had safer sex, an HIV diagnosis is a bewildering thing.

If someone is going around barebacking and tests HIV+ they can't exactly be surprised about it. In fact what would be surprising is if they remained HIV-free.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 21, 2011, 12:25:46 pm
I thought spacebarsux stated that he barebacked with his ex-boyfriend.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: thunter34 on May 21, 2011, 12:36:06 pm
I got my infection by living as a human sperm sponge, and I don't care who knows it.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Ann on May 21, 2011, 12:41:44 pm
I thought spacebarsux stated that he barebacked with his ex-boyfriend.

...who allegedly tested negative three months after their last encounter, but Space hasn't seen proof.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on May 21, 2011, 12:42:10 pm
I am not sure what you are suggesting by this post, but it seems to me that you are judging methods of becoming infected, as if there is both a right and wrong way to become poz. I also think you are having a difficult time in adjusting to your being poz and that is perfectly normal and understandable. However, you must remember, that just because we "feel" something, that does not make it true.

There is nothing wrong with you because you are poz. We all know that and hopefully, with time, so will you.

Can I get an amen?  This is the heart of the matter and I think Joe so eloquently nailed it.

We know there are still some people who look at hiv as being aids; as something you can catch from a toilet seat/eating utensils or even as something only gay men, prostitutes, or drug addicts fall prey to.  We know there are still many uneducated people in the world who believe these things.  Just because you are poz, does not mean that you were a member of any of the numerous high risk groups that come to mind first thing for some people.  If it bothers you that much, just tell them you are a hemophiliac who got it from a blood transfusion and smirk when you can see that they have no idea of what a hemophiliac is.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 21, 2011, 12:44:35 pm
...who allegedly tested negative three months after their last encounter, but Space hasn't seen proof.

Well, there ya go... not sure why anyone is jumping hoops here.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: thunter34 on May 21, 2011, 12:47:44 pm

On the assumption that we both were negative, the only person I did have unprotected sex with was my ex, and he tested negative 3 months after last exposure with me. I have seen the test results so I know for certain that I didn’t get my infection from him.


The OP said he/she did see the results. 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on May 21, 2011, 12:51:45 pm
I got my infection by living as a human sperm sponge, and I don't care who knows it.

I think you should've posted this in Am I Infected   ;)
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Ann on May 21, 2011, 12:56:47 pm

The OP said he/she did see the results. 

Oops, yer right. I musta misread. Mebby I need new glasses. :o
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: thunter34 on May 21, 2011, 01:02:14 pm
I think you should've posted this in Am I Infected   ;)

Well, it might sound like a flip response, but it really isn't.  There's liberty in just owning your infection and all behaviors therein.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 21, 2011, 01:06:12 pm
Do people really demand to see an ex-boyfriend's HIV test result? Sorry, that kind of boggles my mind. Was it notarized?
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 21, 2011, 01:21:38 pm
Yes, I demanded to see my ex's test results. He is negative on 2 tests after last exposure with me. The last one being more than 3 months after last exposure. Thanks for your replies\analysis guys. I concede I might be still not entirely over why it happened to me and am getting counselling for the same. I just have to accept that I have it and move on.      Inchingblue- what u said definitely was implicit, in my post I thought.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: elf on May 21, 2011, 06:38:02 pm
Results, as everything, can be doctored.
Trust no one.  :)
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: tednlou2 on May 22, 2011, 02:23:27 am
Results, as everything, can be doctored.
Trust no one.  :)

The Health Dept here will not give you any documentation that you tested neg.  They said they don't want people using a neg result as proof to a partner that they are neg on the day they have sex.  But, I know doctor offices and other clinics do give out documentation.  But you're right, anything can be faked these days.  I remember faking a doctor's note when I was 17 by scanning their letterhead and typing what I wanted it to say.  I'm not suggesting at all this is what the OP's bf did.  Just agreeing it can be done. 

To the OP, I would just forget about what others say.  People doubt my infection story.  So what!  Who cares!, as Joy Behar would say--actually the SNL caricature of her would say.     
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: leatherman on May 22, 2011, 09:17:22 am
Results, as everything, can be doctored.
Trust no one.  :)
they don't even have to be doctored. As I was recently counseling a guy who was wanted "paper proof" from a potential partner, I pointed out that the piece of paper was only good for that exact moment in time. What if his soon-2-be sexual hookup went out the night after the test and was infected, before coming to visit this guy several days later? That's why, especially for a negative person, you have to behave like everyone you have sex with could be/is positive and take precaution. Documents mean nothing.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Buckmark on May 22, 2011, 10:25:31 am
But you're right, anything can be faked these days.  I remember faking a doctor's note when I was 17 by scanning their letterhead and typing what I wanted it to say.

There goes any chance you have of running for public office.  :P
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Buckmark on May 22, 2011, 10:43:25 am
Why do so many members on this forum and/or other poz people find it so unbelievably hard to believe or accept that some of us got infected despite taking precautions every single time that we can recall?

Now I don’t claim to be an innocent virgin. I did sleep around, but AS FAR AS I CAN REMEMBER, I had protected sex every single time with every single guy (except my ex bf). Don’t remember a single slip up or condom break. Not one. In fact, I didn’t even have anal sex too much and mostly stuck to oral.
...

I've been thinking about this, and I think the problem here is the number of people proclaiming that they were infected despite taking all recommended precautions.  If so many people really got infected that way, I think we would have a much larger epidemic on our hands.  So the issue oftentimes is that people don't want to admit that they slipped up or took a risk, and hence are at least partly responsible for their own infection.  I don't have a lot of tolerance for people who cannot accept responsibility for themselves and their health.

Even on the "I Just Tested Poz" forum, people introduce themselves and speak mostly of when they tested as positive, but less often speak of how they became positive.  It would be refreshingly honest to hear more people say something like this: 

I HAD UNPROTECTED SEX AND BECAME INFECTED WITH HIV

So we're not unsympathetic, just doubtful that there are so many proclaimed "immaculate infections".  I suppose there is the odd case where is happens, but I think it is much less common than the posters here would lead you to believe -- and lead others to believe who are not HIV positive.  Standing up and up and owning up to you got infected is the best way to help educate others.

Regards,

Henry
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: leatherman on May 22, 2011, 10:59:40 am
...It would be refreshingly honest to hear more people say something like this: 

I HAD UNPROTECTED SEX AND BECAME INFECTED WITH HIV
not "admitting" to how you got infected often has to do with the many stigmas surrounding HIV - the biggest one just being a prudish attitude towards sex. Many people are secretive about their sexual activities and are then a little leery about proclaiming that is was via sex that they were infected, much less that it was through a specific act.

It really doesn't matter whether it was through drug-injecting, hetero or homosexual sex, what matters is that most people engaged in a documented risk behavior and now deal with the consequences. I think trying to define the exact act often contributes to people "classifying" their infection vector and thus giving a stigma to the situation making it seem like there are "right" ways and "wrong" ways to be infected.

I would rather hear most people be even more honest and include less stigma by just saying something like:
I engaged in a risk behavior and became infected with HIV.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: PozJeepGuy on May 22, 2011, 11:12:26 am
But there those of us that were not "a sperm sponge", that made the right decisions to practice safe sex. Then you meet what you think is the love of your life, you both go and get tested, even wait the six months and get tested again and then make the choice to have unprotected sex. I know my partner sorry ex partner and I said no unsafe sex outside the relationship. It makes it hard to except (or at least for me) that I am now positive because of another's lies and betrayal. I feel that this is happening alot and for those of us it makes the mental aspect of having this a hard pill to swallow
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: wolfter on May 22, 2011, 11:18:57 am


So we're not unsympathetic, just doubtful that there are so many proclaimed "immaculate infections". 
Henry

Priceless, that is too freaking funny!  I've never shared my infection story.  I accidently fell on a huge cock loaded with the HIV.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 22, 2011, 11:21:01 am
But there those of us that were not "a sperm sponge", that made the right decisions to practice safe sex. Then you meet what you think is the love of your life, you both go and get tested, even wait the six months and get tested again and then make the choice to have unprotected sex. I know my partner sorry ex partner and I said no unsafe sex outside the relationship. It makes it hard to except (or at least for me) that I am now positive because of another's lies and betrayal. I feel that this is happening alot and for those of us it makes the mental aspect of having this a hard pill to swallow

Do you need to use the term "sperm sponge"?

As far as people that were infected through a relationship, where as you describe you both went together to get tested, shall we now discuss the length of the courtship to determine if it was appropriate to enter into such a pact?  I can't tell you how many times on this forum I've read stories that left me scratching my head that after a six-month courtship you know enough about another guy to leave yourself open to not-really-so-monogamous. (not saying that's what you did, as I don't recall your own story or even if you've gone into it, just that I've read such stuff here over and over through the years)
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: PozJeepGuy on May 22, 2011, 11:41:25 am
The ex and I were together around a year before condoms came off.   I only used the term "sperm sponge" because someone else used it. I'm not passing judgement but when you put yourself in a high risk it would be hard to be surprised that you caught it. Once again no judgement. For me mentally it just sucks that I didn't get to have the fun but I got the punishment. 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 22, 2011, 11:59:37 am
The ex and I were together around a year before condoms came off.   I only used the term "sperm sponge" because someone else used it. I'm not passing judgement but when you put yourself in a high risk it would be hard to be surprised that you caught it. Once again no judgement. For me mentally it just sucks that I didn't get to have the fun but I got the punishment. 

See, to me there's not much difference in being an outright "sperm sponge" and being someone that enters into a condom-free relationship with a guy you've only known for a year. You rolled the dice and you got burned. Surely you knew that there was a significant chance that someone you only knew for a year would turn out to not actually be faithful.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Joe K on May 22, 2011, 12:00:24 pm
The ex and I were together around a year before condoms came off.   I only used the term "sperm sponge" because someone else used it. I'm not passing judgement but when you put yourself in a high risk it would be hard to be surprised that you caught it. Once again no judgement. For me mentally it just sucks that I didn't get to have the fun but I got the punishment. 

Now I understand why you are having such a hard time adjusting to being poz, especially if you see HIV as some sort of punishment. As I understand your story, you really have two separate issues at play here. The first is that you practiced safer sex consistently, yet you still became poz. That happened because of your second issue, which is that you were betrayed and lied to by your ex. I know the two seem hopelessly entwined, but I suggest that you really take a look at how you feel and "why" you feel as you do, to gain a better understanding of how you view yourself and your infection.

This is why some infection stories can become so complicated, because in your case, you followed safer sex guidelines, but unfortunately your ex did not. It is not that the safer sex guidelines failed you, it is that you were betrayed by someone close to you. While it may not ease your pain, I believe you could benefit greatly from gaining a better understanding of just what happened and how you feel about those events. Maybe then you can start to separate "your" issues, from the feelings of betrayal and hurt that you so rightly feel.

I am so sorry that you are suffering such pain, but at some point you need to choose, as to whether you are going to allow that pain to continue draining your being. We can never change the past, however, we can always control how we "see" that past. Ultimately, all that matters here is for you to come to a place of acceptance regarding your infection. All the rest is history and history cannot help you adjust to being poz, only you can.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: hope_for_a_cure on May 22, 2011, 12:15:35 pm
For me mentally it just sucks that I didn't get to have the fun but I got the punishment.  

I think you are still in the anger stage.  With all due respect, you have a right to be pissed off because you were lied to, but as you know regardless of who its with.... when you have unprotected sex you have accepted the risk that comes along with it.  

I knew all along that there was a risk and just threw that part aside.  I wanted that raw cock DEEP inside me and you know what... I got it.  

Peace!
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: PozJeepGuy on May 22, 2011, 12:24:50 pm
Bottom line is you guys are. To the op. There is alot of good people here with alot of great advise. Let's just remember doesn't matter how we all got here were all in the same boat now. So grabs ore and start paddling
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: PozJeepGuy on May 22, 2011, 12:27:19 pm
That was suppose to say you guys are right
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on May 22, 2011, 01:03:36 pm
See, to me there's not much difference in being an outright "sperm sponge" and being someone that enters into a condom-free relationship with a guy you've only known for a year. You rolled the dice and you got burned. Surely you knew that there was a significant chance that someone you only knew for a year would turn out to not actually be faithful.

I dunno. I agree with Miss P.  Not knocking anything here, but I'm just wondering if someone can explain to me why a gay couple would even want to forego using protection anyway?  I mean, is it because it's a sign of the ultimate commitment and love for one another?  It feels better?

What would be someone's motivation for going this route, especially if they are neg?  Can someone share a little insight so I can wrap my ambien-fogged brain around it?

I do understand that to some people they faithfully get tested when they decide to forego latex...  okay, maybe this is something best left for a new thread in order not to hijack this one
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: PozJeepGuy on May 22, 2011, 01:06:49 pm
That's how I always saw it. To be bare with just that one person out of love and respect.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 22, 2011, 01:26:15 pm
if someone can explain to me why a gay couple would even want to forego using protection anyway? 

I think for the same reasons straight couples forego protection.

Unfortunately, gay people are statistically at a higher risk and so can and do get burnt in the process :(.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: LM on May 22, 2011, 01:28:11 pm
I think it's important to realize that no one is guilty for getting HIV, even if we made mistakes along the way. So you got it through oral sex, or having 20 guys cumming inside of you in one night. Does it matter? No one deserves getting HIV. It only shows that, in whatever case, we like sex. Is that a sin? Well, then maybe that's why the rapture didn't happen yesterday, 'cause, damn, we are all guilty. I don't know anyone who hasn't had unprotected sex at least once in their lives. Some people get HIV, some don't. Some take a lot of risks with many partners and don't get it; some are very careful, having few partners, if not one, and get it anyway. It's like food poisoning: you may take all sorts of precautions, but no one can guarantee what will happen after that. That's life.

Somehow, the wheel of fortune has presented us with HIV. It could have been something else, something much worse. All we gotta do now is move on and face the wave, ever vigilant, ever hopeful.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: LM on May 22, 2011, 01:43:56 pm
Not knocking anything here, but I'm just wondering if someone can explain to me why a gay couple would even want to forego using protection anyway?  I mean, is it because it's a sign of the ultimate commitment and love for one another?  It feels better?

All of the above, and more. It feels great, much better; refusing to do without condoms sounds like you don't trust the person (if you are in a relationship); people think it will never happen to them; and people are just tired of safe-sex campaigns. I've mentioned this last one before, and I think the number of new infections will show a rise in the next years.

The thing is, it's a double-edged knife. As there are campaigns to reduce the stigma and discrimination against people with HIV, it also reduces the fear people have of it. I mean, and this is something I heard from one guy, you hear a lecture from a guy who has HIV for 20-something years, and it says that you should protect yourself, but he looks healthy, he just takes some pills a day, so you think it's not so bad. The message kind of loses its effectivity. In the 80s and 90s it was different, you would see those skinny people, famous artists, all dying from it. That scared the shit out of people. So how can a normal-looking guy scare you?

Also, there's another factor: depression. There are more people depressed than ever, and it's still on the rise, and that makes people not worry about protecting themselves, quite the contrary. One guy I know once told me he didn't mind getting HIV, because he didn't want to grow old and lonely. Many people think like that, although "luckily", even with HIV, they might grow old anyway. In my case, I was feeling down and I let my guard down because of that. Few times, but enough to get HIV.

So there's no plausible solution, except for a cure. And I see some scientists and activists realizing that, what explains the more recent push for finding one.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: spacebarsux on May 22, 2011, 02:01:42 pm
So there's no plausible solution, except for a cure. And I see some scientists and activists realizing that, what explains the more recent push for finding one.

I can think of many safe sex campaigners being a bit appalled by that statement.

I do hope they find one real soon though!
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: tednlou2 on May 23, 2011, 01:08:34 am
Are there studies showing how many poz gay folks got infected while thinking they were in a monogamous relationship, and not from dating, hook-ups, etc? 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Theyer on May 23, 2011, 06:55:56 am
I've never shared my infection story.  I accidently fell on a huge cock loaded with the HIV.

Me too, again and again and again......
mhtv
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: woodshere on May 23, 2011, 09:31:47 am
Are there studies showing how many poz gay folks got infected while thinking they were in a monogamous relationship, and not from dating, hook-ups, etc?  

'Cause getting the AIDS while in a monogamous relationship is far more acceptable to society than from dating and hook-ups.  I guess its a better form of HIV if contracted in a so called "monogamous" relationship.

Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mecch on May 23, 2011, 01:03:41 pm
I charged my AIDS at Tiffany's and like Gringrich I'm still paying it off.  I wanted a more avant garde AIDS but my mom insisted in these matters one must stick with a classic, solid, respected brand of AIDS.  Tiffany AIDS never goes out of fashion. 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: leatherman on May 23, 2011, 02:43:33 pm
'Cause getting the AIDS while in a monogamous relationship is far more acceptable to society that from dating and hook-ups.
no, not that getting it is more acceptable but more surprising. Obviously a person in a 5yr monogamous relationship shouldn't be expecting a wayward partner or a diagnosis of HIV. I doubt people will ever live their "married" lives together having safe sex because they expect the other partner to cheat. Quite the opposite, people expect honesty and commitment in a marriage/partnership.

One would think with the clamouring for gay marriage that monogamous gay relationships were actually the norm. If gay relationships are not that monogamous after all, then why the hoopla for the marriage since they'll just end up with divorce costs (or worse, HIV) when the supposed monogamy turns out to be a failure.

that kind of study Teddy suggested could surprise us and show how few, fragile, and rare truly monogamous gay relationsips actually are.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: thunter34 on May 23, 2011, 02:53:47 pm
that kind of study Teddy suggested could surprise us and show how few, fragile, and rare truly monogamous gay relationsips actually are.

Just the gay ones, dear?
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Joe K on May 23, 2011, 02:59:57 pm
One would think with the clamouring for gay marriage that monogamous gay relationships were actually the norm. If gay relationships are not that monogamous after all, then why the hoopla for the marriage since they'll just end up with divorce costs (or worse, HIV) when the supposed monogamy turns out to be a failure.

that kind of study Teddy suggested could surprise us and show how few, fragile, and rare truly monogamous gay relationsips actually are.

The quality of gay relationships, has nothing to do with gay marriage. The idea of gay marriage is that it is part of full equal rights for all citizens period. There are no qualifiers required to grant full equal rights to all Americans, regardless of anything and to suggest there is, only serves to diminish what we seek. Every American should have the exact same civil rights and what we might do with those "rights" has no bearing on our right to have them.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: woodshere on May 23, 2011, 03:11:00 pm
no, not that getting it is more acceptable but more surprising. Obviously a person in a 5yr monogamous relationship shouldn't be expecting a wayward partner or a diagnosis of HIV. I doubt people will ever live their "married" lives together having safe sex because they expect the other partner to cheat. Quite the opposite, people expect honesty and commitment in a marriage/partnership.


What I was getting at is that discussions about a cheating ex infecting you vs being a whore and becoming infected translates to me like a victim vs. you got what you deserved scenerio.  Does it really matter??

that kind of study Teddy suggested could surprise us and show how few, fragile, and rare truly monogamous gay relationsips actually are.

I can think of far more important things to research than this. 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Ann on May 23, 2011, 03:15:11 pm
Every American should have the exact same civil rights and what we might do with those "rights" has no bearing on our right to have them.

Well said.

I suspect that often times when hiv rears its head in a monogamous relationship, that it's an undetected, unsuspected left-over from before that particular relationship began.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Buckmark on May 23, 2011, 03:46:42 pm
Just the gay ones, dear?

You read my mind, Tim!
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Rev. Moon on May 23, 2011, 04:07:16 pm

What I was getting at is that discussions about a cheating ex infecting you vs being a whore and becoming infected translates to me like a victim vs. you got what you deserved scenerio.  Does it really matter??



I had an accident with a teabag.  I am a victim.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: tednlou2 on May 23, 2011, 10:48:38 pm
'Cause getting the AIDS while in a monogamous relationship is far more acceptable to society than from dating and hook-ups.  I guess its a better form of HIV if contracted in a so called "monogamous" relationship.



No, my question has nothing to do with that.  It has to do with whether gay, longterm partners really should still use condoms.  I have no idea what the numbers are for people getting infected thinking they were in monagamous relationships.  I've read some studies that say 80% of ALL people have cheated at one point in their relationship.  That seems high, but I actually believe it.  I don't remember the study.  Even if that study was off, I would bet it is at least 50/50.  We know gay men are more likely to get HIV from infidelity.  So, I was trying to get at whether there is data that being in a gay relationship proves to be no safer than just hooking up on Manhunt, or somewhat safer, or way more safe.   
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on May 23, 2011, 11:36:41 pm
So, I was trying to get at whether there is data that being in a gay relationship proves to be no safer than just hooking up on Manhunt, or somewhat safer, or way more safe.   

I don't think that you'd be able to find an answer to your question.  There are just too many variables to consider, and the only way to obtain a representative sample which can actually prove your hypothesis would be establish a control group which was totally restricted from having any outside contact whatsoever away from their respective partners.  In other words, you'd have to remove all access to outside influences and force them to be completely monogamous.  We know that ain't gonna happen.... I'm not saying that all men are inclined to cheat, but there is a general consensus that many will get the itch to stray after being coupled up with one person; now whether they act upon it is a different story.

As for my personal experience, I can't begin to tell you how many profiles I see online these days where someone professes to be involved but has express permission to play (either with or without their partner).
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: woodshere on May 24, 2011, 09:39:07 am
So, I was trying to get at whether there is data that being in a gay relationship proves to be no safer than just hooking up on Manhunt, or somewhat safer, or way more safe.    

Makes absolutely no difference!!  Once you decide to do it raw the risk is there no matter who you are with.  I still go back to victim vs. whore.  I think that when someone gets hung up on the fact that their partner cheated/lied and infected them it some how sets that person apart from someone who became infected through a hook-up, etc. Almost like, as has been alluded to earlier, the hook-up person shouldn't be surprised.  In the end both are infected.  I suppose it's all a matter of coming to terms with being HIV+, some of us accept the fact immediately, others struggle.

I am of course referring to infection via barebacking as opposed to the OP's original statement that as best as he can remember he was infected performing oral sex.

Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: mecch on May 24, 2011, 12:37:23 pm
In the past years as more and more people are casually barebacking for one reason or another, in the cruising for sex scene, it seems so LESS tenable for committed gay HIV- couples to abandon condoms for their sex.

In the 80's I would NEVER have thought of giving up condoms in the most committed of relationships even.

At the end of the 90's I was ready to give them up with a boyfriend, and we put all the rules on the table. Always condoms for tricks outside the relationship.  

I would guess in the casual sex scene there is a lot more barebacking now then in 2000.  What do you think?  So the temptation to bareback, for guys playing outside their relationships, its more present, no?

Anyway my longterm bf seroconverted while we were together.  But our sex life was dead so I didn't seroconvert.  Then a year or two later, we broke up and I managed to seroconvert within months.  How silly.

I never heard of these seroconversions in committed HIV- couples in the 90's.  Maybe people didn't say it had happened, I dunno.  Now it seems a bit too common. 
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: tednlou2 on May 24, 2011, 10:00:27 pm
Makes absolutely no difference!!  Once you decide to do it raw the risk is there no matter who you are with.  I still go back to victim vs. whore.  I think that when someone gets hung up on the fact that their partner cheated/lied and infected them it some how sets that person apart from someone who became infected through a hook-up, etc. Almost like, as has been alluded to earlier, the hook-up person shouldn't be surprised.  In the end both are infected.  I suppose it's all a matter of coming to terms with being HIV+, some of us accept the fact immediately, others struggle.

I am of course referring to infection via barebacking as opposed to the OP's original statement that as best as he can remember he was infected performing oral sex.




Well, it does matter.  Many gays, especially, get into relationships not just for companionship, but to reduce their chances of teh AIDS.  If gay relationships prove to not provide much safety from HIV, then I'm saying maybe campaigns should tell gays in relationships that they shouldn't feel safe like their straight brother or sister can.  I wasn't making any value judgments that some deserve it or shouldn't be surprised.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: skeebo1969 on May 24, 2011, 10:14:26 pm
Well, it does matter.  Many gays, especially, get into relationships not just for companionship, but to reduce their chances of teh AIDS. 

Teddy, are you saying this was the reason you fell in love?
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 24, 2011, 10:17:33 pm

Well, it does matter.  Many gays, especially, get into relationships not just for companionship, but to reduce their chances of teh AIDS.  If gay relationships prove to not provide much safety from HIV, then I'm saying maybe campaigns should tell gays in relationships that they shouldn't feel safe like their straight brother or sister can.  I wasn't making any value judgments that some deserve it or shouldn't be surprised.

So after six months in this "so called" monogamous relationship would you put the partner's name on your checking account, house deed, and all investments/assets?  No, of course not -- so why do gays do it with their body?  Sorry, that's not a "long term" relationship but those are exactly what gets described here over and over as OMG MY PARTNER INFECTED ME WE WERE MONOGAMOUS AND BAREBACKING HE BROUGHT HOME TEH AIDS I HATE HIM

And I won't even get into the queens that decide barebacking with the partner is OK as long as their "outside" relationship activities are done with a condom What moron believes that is gonna happen? Pa-leez... mebbe if you figure a way to attach a camera to their dicks and monitor them while they're at the adult bookstore.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Rev. Moon on May 24, 2011, 11:12:35 pm

 OMG MY PARTNER INFECTED ME WE WERE MONOGAMOUS AND BAREBACKING HE BROUGHT HOME TEH AIDS I HATE HIM


And then he told errrbody and their momma that I was a hooker!!!!1

To quote a certain wise individual that I love dearly, these "infected by cockhopping, unfaithful boyfriend" stories are becoming the new trend. Immaculate infections are like so five minutes ago.
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Buckmark on May 24, 2011, 11:20:13 pm
...
Many gays, especially, get into relationships not just for companionship, but to reduce their chances of teh AIDS.  If gay relationships prove to not provide much safety from HIV, then I'm saying maybe campaigns should tell gays in relationships that they shouldn't feel safe like their straight brother or sister can.
...

Seriously?  You believe gays get into relationships to avoid contracting HIV?  Not only have I never seen any evidence of this, but it sounds like a flimsy basis for a relationship that is bound to lead to one or the other partner straying.  You could much more easily and cheaply avoid HIV by using a condom.   ::)
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 24, 2011, 11:52:13 pm
If I finally stop being single and settle down with some sucker of a homosexual do you think I can cure myself of teh AIDS?

::ponders::

::goes to ask in the Research & News section::
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: bocker3 on May 25, 2011, 07:33:33 am

Well, it does matter.  Many gays, especially, get into relationships not just for companionship, but to reduce their chances of teh AIDS. 

Are you serious here??  You actually think that people get into a relationship because of a VIRUS?  You've laid out some head scratchers before, but this one takes the cake.
Good luck in your relationship if you are in it to avoid HIV -- oops......  too late.

M
Title: Re: Sometimes accidents do happen. Why is it so hard to accept?
Post by: woodshere on May 25, 2011, 09:16:27 am
If gay relationships prove to not provide much safety from HIV, then I'm saying maybe campaigns should tell gays in relationships that they shouldn't feel safe like their straight brother or sister can. 

Once you start fucking raw with anyone, the "safety" net is gone. 

I do have a public service announcement for the campaign you suggested:

Since you met the love of your life 3 weeks ago, you might think it's safe for him to pound your ass with his bare throbbing cock until he fills your hole with his seed.  WRONG!!!  He is a lying cheating bastard who will eventually fill your chute with his AIDS infected spunk.  Sorry to disappoint you about "that getting in a relationship thing" so you can bareback like rabbits.