Hi! I'm new here... +

[Elijah_lo]

Hello everyone!
This seems a big forum on this topic. Thank you all for posting about your experience here!

Recently found out I'm HIV+. Yet another MSM case 
Practiced safer sex always, abstained when with bruises/sores/etc. anywhere, minimized fluids getting anywhere, no cum eating, and so on. Not too promiscuous either, always sober, no drugs. I am so clueless how this could have happened, no idea where or when did it go wrong but apparently the nasty thing found its way in.
I should have tested more often. My last known negative is two years behind already. All of my dates from these two years whom I could reach said they're negative. Who knows if they actually are... Only few showed test reports.
Feeling so broken now.

7/1/2014 - ELISA signal/cutoff ratio = 29.69.
7/2/2014 - Western blot = gp160, gp110/120, p68, p55, p52, gp41, p34, p25.
7/7/2014 - RNA by PCR (VL) = 216 copies/mL.
7/11/2014 - CD4 = still waiting...

How bad is my luck?

[Jeff G]

Welcome to the forums . Im happy you found us .

[initforlife]

Hi Elijah_lo. Welcome I'm also new here but glad you found this site , People have been a great help and I'm sure you will find they will be the same to you.. Just know you are going to have many emotions the next few weeks and months.( I think the dr's and some case workers don't address this enough)We are here for you ! Try not to over load your mind with to much info at first. It about drove me nuts! Hugs and You will be ok!

[Dantheman]

I'm the same as you.  Always careful, and safe.  You just never know with these things sometimes~ 

In the beginning, there will be a lot of information thrown at you.  Also a lot of tests.  But eventually you'll get through it. 

[zettainaoru]

Welcome,

Well, condom is not 100% effective.
It largely reduce the risk. But not 100% (Almost the same with how it reduce pregnancy, not 100%).
You were just unlucky.

But the good thing is life is not over. With todays drugs you can live just like a negative person. Especially since you diagnosed early. Thats a big thing.

[mecch]

7/1/2014 - ELISA signal/cutoff ratio = 29.69.
7/2/2014 - Western blot = gp160, gp110/120, p68, p55, p52, gp41, p34, p25.
7/7/2014 - RNA by PCR (VL) = 216 copies/mL.
7/11/2014 - CD4 = still waiting...

How bad is my luck?

Yes its pretty damned bad luck to get HIV and not be able to see where there was a transmission risk.

Well if you want a silver lining, if your VL is 216, thats pretty spectacular without drugs, so count your blessing, and you should probably look forward to more good news from your docs how easily you will be able to fight this medically.
Socially, emotionally, financially, that will probably take a lot more work.

[tednlou2]

Welcome to the forums, even though I'm sorry you had to join.  I am not sure whether you're a top, bottom, or vers.  Condoms are not 100%, especially when not used properly. 

I am pretty sure I was infected by a longtime friend.  He wanted me to bottom.  He removed the condom at some point.  When the deed was done, I would have never known he did that, if I hadn't immediately turned the lights on and asked him where the condom was, so I could dispose of it.  He couldn't produce it and didn't have time to pretend he was just taking it off.

This may not have happened with you.  Just an example of how someone can be infected, when they thought they took precautions.  Of course, you could have had a condom break, and no one took advantage of the situation.  Regardless of how it happened, it is good you know.  I look forward to hearing more from you and how you're doing.   

Ted