Recently infected, trip out of the country in 2 weeks.

[colombian_22]

Hi there. Today I got tested with an ELISA 3rd generation fast test, which came out as positive, however there weren't two very bold lines which lead to a positive result, instead there was a very bold line and a blurry , almost no visible one. The person who tested me said that it could mean that my infection was very recent, however as the other line was almost invisible , I still have hope that I could be negative. Tomorrow I will go somewhere else to get a regular ELISA blood test, not a fast one, and next week I will go and see my doctor to have a western bolt and confirm the results. I am very nervous as the person who performed the fast test said that it was as accurate as a normal test, is it true? or should I still have hopes that the regular blood test or the WB come out as negative? Thanks a lot, I can barely do anything just thinking about it.

[Ptrk3]

I've moved your post to the "Am I Infected?" forum because you have not yet tested conclusively "positive" for HIV antibodies.

False "positives" do occur, so make sure that you work with a healthcare provider who can assure you that your test is conclusive.

Generally, it is recommended that a test for HIV antibodies be conducted six weeks after potential exposure to the HIV, then at 13 weeks past potential exposure for confirmation of the six week results--though some tests today may be considered conclusive in an earlier time frame.

Since you did not describe what your potential risks activities were (or what you think they were), I can't assist you in determining any risk assessment.

You will simply need to await a confirmatory and conclusive test to determine your status.

But, if you are HIV positive, you can live a long and healthy life by adhering to an appropriate retroviral regimen.  There is no reason to despair.  HIV is a virus that can be controlled and it can not control you unless you allow it to do so.

[colombian_22]

Hi there guys, I just got tested poz, my last hiv test was on march and it was negative, therefore I know that the infection was really recent. I still haven't had any other tests, to measure my cd4, as I just got the poz result today, but my problem is that I'm going on an interchange programme to Germany in two weeks, and I'll be out of my country for 6 months. As the infection is so recent and I'm feeling healthy, do you think it would be ok to wait after I come back from my trip to start my meds? It has always been my dream to do this program, and I would be really devastated if I had to cancel it. I know the best would be to get my cd4 and then decide with my doctor, but as the trip is in 2 weeks, while I get testes, I get the result and go back to my doctor it will be already too late to cancel my trip, so I don`t know if I should cancel it right away. I'll be happy to hear your thoughts/advice.

[Ptrk3]

There's certainly no reason to cancel your trip under any circumstance.

Why not get the results your CD4/Viral Load count, discuss with the doctor by phone (if you are out of the country when the results come back) and decide then when to start medication and how best to obtain the medication?

[colombian_22]

Perfect, thanks a lot for your advice. I think I will do that, I will get my CD4/viral count tests and then discuss it over the phone, and hope that I don't have to start my meds straight away, as I'm not sure how does the German health system work

[Ptrk3]

You're welcome.

Let us know what your tests indicate.  We can help you examine your options then.

[Tonny2]

     ojo.    Hola colbiano...I'M sorry to hear about your DX and your dilema no knowing your VL or cd4, but, if you are sure your infection is recent, your time abroad won't make a difference in starting treatment, although knowing those results, will give you peace of mind... don't worry too much and you seem to be a fighter, I like thatmm.buena suerte en Alemania... hugs