POZ Community Forums

HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Lagoon77 on March 04, 2007, 03:41:27 pm

Title: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 04, 2007, 03:41:27 pm
I am in need of a second opinion to my current situation. 1 month ago I had protected anal receptive sex and unprotected receptive oral sex w/o ejaculation for either. About 7-8 days later I developed a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and on day 9 developed a full body rash/redness. (skin turned white when pressed down on). The rash lasted about 1 day, but the sore throat lasted nearly three weeks until I went to see a doctor, who performed a swab and came back "slight positive" for strep. He did not notice any enlarged lymph nodes in my neck. I also developed a white coating on my tongue, that appeared like a plaque. I was given antibiotics and the throat problems cleared about three days later, and the plaque retreated off my tongue. I always try to practice safer sex, but this incident really scares me, do you think it could be ARS given only the "slight positive" on the strep test? Should I obtain further testing? Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: Scary coincidence or ARS??? PLEASE HELP!
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 04, 2007, 04:49:00 pm
Anyone have any knowledge/can help with this one?  Very nervous....
Title: Re: Scary coincidence or ARS??? PLEASE HELP!
Post by: Ann on March 04, 2007, 05:03:16 pm
Lagoon,

Sorry, missed you somehow...

The protected anal was just that, protected. Condoms have been proven to prevent hiv infection. No risk.

It is rare to become infected through giving a blowjob and you don't really need to test over this specifically either - especially as there wasn't even ejaculation taking place in your mouth. There have been long-term studies of couples where one is positive and one is negative. In the couples who used condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, but no barrier for oral activities, not one of the negative partners became infected with hiv. Not one. This shows us two things. One, condoms are very effective for the prevention of hiv transmission. Two, oral sex is much lower risk than previously believed. We now have the evidence that oral sex (giving a blowjob) is a very low risk activity where hiv transmission is concerned.

You say you waited three weeks to get your sore throat checked out, and then were surprised when you only got a "slight positive" for strep? You were likely in the process of recovering from the strep. Your symptoms sound like strep and you have a positive strep result. Sounds like you had strep throat and strep throat has nothing to do with hiv.

Although you don't need to test over this specific incident, 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.

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. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence. The links are well worth checking out, even if you're used to using condoms. A correctly used condom rarely breaks and that means you'll be protected.

Ann
Title: Re: Scary coincidence or ARS??? PLEASE HELP!
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 04, 2007, 06:48:17 pm
Thanks for the response, greatly appreciated.

I am just really nervous from all this, I thought I did the right things, used a condom, didn't ejaculate during oral or sex, but yet I come down ill so close?? Just makes me really scared.
Title: Re: Scary coincidence or ARS??? PLEASE HELP!
Post by: Ann on March 04, 2007, 06:58:09 pm
Lagoon,

People get sick and sometimes it just happens to happen after they've had sex. It doesn't mean they've been infected with hiv. Symptoms or even the lack of symptoms mean absolutely NOTHING when it comes to hiv infection. ONLY testing will reliably inform you of your hiv status.

As I said to you earlier, while I see no reason for you to test over this specific incident, if you aren't already having regular sexual health care check ups, now is the time to start. It's what responsible, sexually active adults do.

As long as you haven't been engaging in unprotected intercourse, I would fully expect your routine hiv test to return negative results. If you want more in-depth information on transmission and testing, read the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) and follow the links.

Ann


Title: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 10, 2007, 11:01:42 am
About one week after having unprtoected oral sex with no ejaculation and protected (I hope) anal sex with no ejaculation I developed a bad sore throat. My skin also became very flush for about a day (not sure if it was a rash or just anxiety) I went to the doctor and had a "slight positive" strep test and a 99.2 fever, my question is is this indicitive about ARS? I didn't ask my doc as I was very nervous and scared, any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Ann on March 10, 2007, 11:39:35 am
Lagoon,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

So-called "ARS symptoms" are similar to the symptoms of hundreds of other illnesses. That is why we cannot diagnose hiv through symptoms.

Please re-read the answers you have already had in this thread. The answers are not going to change.

Ann
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 11, 2007, 11:49:48 am
last night I woke up drenched in sweat, this is six weeks post exposure, no real symptoms over the past week until this, took my temperature this morning and it was 98.5....what is going on with me?
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Ann on March 11, 2007, 01:04:52 pm
...what is going on with me?

Lagoon,

We cannot possibly diagnose you. If you're worried about what is going on with you, you need to see your doctor, not post about it on an internet forum.

You've already been told you are highly unlikely to have been infected with hiv through what you describe. Certainly not through the protected anal and it's unlikely through giving a blowjob without ejaculation (or with, for that matter) either. You're more likely to win a ten million dollar lottery than you are to end up positive from this incident. You don't even need to test over this specific incident.

Ann
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 12, 2007, 06:50:11 pm
I just talked to a guy I made out with, had insertive oral (no ejaculation with) about three weeks after this occurance (these are the only two guys I've been with in three years) and he came down with a bad sore throat.  Went to the doctor who said it was strep also (didn't to a swab), do you think I gave him HIV as well or is it jus the strep?

Please help!
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: RapidRod on March 12, 2007, 07:48:44 pm
Reread Ann's last reply to you.
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 13, 2007, 10:22:06 am
going to test today...and preparing for the worst...very scared
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: ACinKC on March 13, 2007, 12:47:51 pm
You shouldnt be.  Based on what you have told us it will be negative.
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 15, 2007, 09:57:35 am
I haven't tested yet, I'm in the grips of fear about this, I'm just worried, what if the condom broke and I didn't know it, what if it slipped off and he didn't tell me....the closeness of the symptoms is driving me insane....I'm scared to death I'm going to walk into the clinic and I am going to be told the terrible news, why did I choose to be so dumb....
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 15, 2007, 02:19:25 pm
40 Days Negative!  Can I be satsified yet?
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: RapidRod on March 15, 2007, 02:34:13 pm
When are you suppose to test? Don't say you don't know. You are back and forth between this forum and Medhelp. You know what the answer is.
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 15, 2007, 02:37:40 pm
I took the test this afternoon, it was negative at 40 days.  Is this reliable?
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: RapidRod on March 15, 2007, 02:41:55 pm
Go to the "Welcome" thread and click the link to the HIV testing lessons and read its entirety.
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 15, 2007, 02:48:35 pm
So I have to wait 13 weeks....ok...well thanks Rod
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Ann on March 15, 2007, 02:55:41 pm
lagoon,

40 days is nearly six weeks. I would not expect your result to change - especially considering you didn't really have a risk. If you cannot accept your result, confirm it at three months, just don't expect the result to change.

Ann
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 15, 2007, 06:06:02 pm
Thanks Ann, how often does someone test negative at 40 days or six weeks, and then positive at 13?
Title: Re: ARS Symptoms similar to strep throat?
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 16, 2007, 08:11:30 pm
anyone have an answer to this?
Title: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: tryingtomakeit77 on March 23, 2007, 06:14:39 pm
Hey guys, thanks for all the GREAT work you do, you don't know how many lives you SAVE by talking clear safer sex in these forums.

Heres my question:

I had what I believe to be protected receptive anal sex with no ejaculation and receptive oral sex with no ejaculation with a partner who claimed he tested negative two weeks after our encounter and that the condom did not break.....but how do I know for sure right?

Anyways, I had an HIV test at 40 days, it was the Oraquick Advance Oral Fluid test and it was negative..whoohoo right?  Well anyways I've heard many conlicting reports based on the risk factors I have had, and I wanted to gain your opinions for the following question:

1)If I WERE to be experiencing symptoms one to two weeks after exposure, who I test positive by day 40?
2)Do I need additional testing, or can I be confident in my WHOOHOO!
3)I had what I think is a stomach virus right at week 6 (achy muscles, fatigued, diarreah, felt very warm), could I have been seroconverting then?

I'm a normal healthy 24 year old male, maybe get sick once or twice a year.

your help is VERY appreciated.

Thanks! :-)
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on March 23, 2007, 06:27:56 pm
Trying, as far as anal sex is concerned you did exactly the right thing by having the insertive partner use a condom. Way to go! Even if he had ejaculated you would still have been protected. Condoms do the job very effectively of preventing HIV transmission.

As far as giving oral is concerned there is a great deal of evidence that it is not a risk for transmission, particularly if ejaculation doesn't take place. But there have been a few anecdotal cases of people claiming that was their only risk and they became infected. The longterm studies of sero-discordant couples where there was lots of protected intercourse and unprotected oral resulted in not a single sero-negative partner becoming infected. So it's a matter of deciding what your comfort zone is about what you will do.

We do in general recommend that anyone who's sexually active should get tested regularly with a full STD panel. At least annually and every six months is even better. But I don't see any need to get tested for this incident in particular.

As to your symptoms, there is nothing HIV specific about any of them. But then neither the presence or absence of symptoms is ever the way to know about your HIV status. Only an HIV test can give you that answer if you have had a real risk. This incident did not fall into that category.

Cheers,
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: tryingtomakeit77 on March 23, 2007, 06:34:06 pm
So even in the event that the condom may have broke and I was unaware (obviously a lot is going on at that moment!) is a 40 day test sufficent to be confident of my negative status?

Thanks Andy!
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on March 23, 2007, 06:40:57 pm
When a condom breaks it is not a subtle event. Often when people are worried they start thinking what if there was this teensy weensy hole and HIV got in through that.

Uh uh. It doesn't happen that way. When a condom fails the guy wearing it suddenly has a hula hoop with fringe around his johnson and it's very clear what's happened.

A negative test result is always a good thing, although in this case I don't think testing was even necessary. Also, the average time to seroconversion is 22 days. All but the very smallest number of those who are going to seroconvert will do so within 4-6 weeks after a GENUINE risk, which this incident wasn't.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: godblessu on March 23, 2007, 07:18:51 pm
long you are hiv neg u can save a life by gaving blood make sure all your tests are NEG , good luck stay safe
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on March 23, 2007, 09:25:12 pm
godblessu, do not post in any other's threads other than your own.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: tryingtomakeit77 on March 24, 2007, 10:10:10 am
Ok that was a strange post...

Anyway, I've been looking around, and Oral Sex even without ejaculation is a risk for HIV infection, I know it is small, but I want to make sure I'm HIV negative, given the risks, is a negative test accurate at 40 days?

Thanks
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on March 24, 2007, 10:33:16 am
The CDC recommends testing at 13 weeks if there has been a risky incident to get a reliable result.

In your case I wouldn't have even thought testing to be necessary. You have to decide what will allow you to let go of this concern. If your current negative result does that, fine. If not, re-test at 13 weeks and collect what I expect will be another similar result.

We always recommend that anyone who's sexually active get a full STD panel done regularly. Which means at least annually and every six months is even better.

Cheers,
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on March 25, 2007, 07:45:31 am
tryingtomakeit77

Can I ask why you are using different usernames while posting to our forums? Thus far, you have also used Lagoon77 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=9878.0)

Please realize that this kind of activity is disrespectful of other forum members, as well as our moderators. People spend a considerable amount of time helping others in these forums. Using multiple accounts is at the very least annoying, if not deceiving and disrespectful of others. It is also against our Terms of Membership (http://forums.poz.com/Terms.htm) which you agreed to when you became a member. This information is also contained within the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0), which you should have read by now. So really, you have no excuse.

You must realize that the answers won't change, no matter how many names you post under.

I would appreciate a reply to this message, and I hope you will commit to using just one account - preferably your original one. If not, you will be banned from further access to the forums.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: tryingtomakeit77 on March 25, 2007, 12:39:26 pm
Hi Ann-

My apologies, this has been a very stressful time for me, I'm not sure why this specific instance has me nervous, but it does and I just want to make sure I am ok.

I will continue to use the same name moving forward, and I appreciate all the insight and advice that you, Andy, and Rod have provided thus far.  I am not a bad person, or attempting to be deceiftul, I just want to make sure I am ok, and I still have a long way to go to make it to that 13 week mark.

Thanks again for all you do, I'm very sorry.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on March 25, 2007, 01:12:08 pm
77,

You will go back to your original account - I know you can still access it. I've disabled your new one and merged your threads. Create a third account and be banned. We take time-wasting like this very seriously.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 13, 2007, 06:39:12 pm
Hello Again-

I'm approaching week 10 and am waiting for the remaining two weeks for my final results, I still am very nervous and am just scared. I have been ill more in the past three months than I have in the past three years, its not nerves its the truth.  Heres my current situation

About 10 weeks ago I had protected receptive anal sex and unprotected receptive oral sex with no ejaculation for either, I'm not sure if the condom broke, however I did use one for at least part of the time and we did use water based lube.

I developed a severe sore throat at about week after the event, eventually went to the doc and had a "slight positive" for strep, at day 40 I went and tested using the oral rapid test, negative.  At about 6.5 weeks developed very achy muscles and fatigue that lasted about a day or so, however had diarreah for about 2-3 more days, with not many other symptoms (individuals noticed I looked very flushed and red in the face). 

At week 8.5 I developed a severe cold, productive cough and congestion, that I am still slowly recovering from.

After all of this, its now been 10 weeks and I am still scared, what can I do to get through this guys?  I know I sound crazy, but I'm very nervous, you thoughts would be very appreciated.

Thanks again
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on April 13, 2007, 07:09:12 pm
Lagoon,

My thoughts? Your 40 day negative isn't going to change.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 13, 2007, 08:38:16 pm
Thanks Ann, I really appreciate you being there.

My question is why do you think this, my symptoms have been very similar to those in ARS, I'm a gay male, I had sex, I'm not sure if the condom broke?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on April 14, 2007, 04:41:56 am
Lagoon,

If your symptoms had anything to do with hiv, you would not have had that 40 day negative result. The symptoms of ARS are produced by the production of antibodies, not the virus itself.

I do not expect your 40 day negative to change.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 14, 2007, 12:54:28 pm
Thanks Ann-

That is the first time I have heard that, that antibodies are the cause of ARS?

Also, my later symptoms occuirred after the test, by about 4 or 5 days, would it be possible that I tested just before seroconversion?

Thanks
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on April 14, 2007, 01:13:52 pm
Lagoon,

It is the process of production of antibodies that can make a person feel ill, not the antibodies themselves.

It's highly unlikely that you only started seroconverting after 40 days. As soon as a person becomes infected, the body starts mounting its defence, which includes antibody production. This is why seroconversion illness normally happens (when it happens in a noticeable way at all) between two and four weeks after infection has taken place. It takes an average of 22 days for enough antibodies to be produced to be detected on standard ELISA tests.

I do not expect your 40 day negative result to change, especially as a condom was used and a broken condom is difficult to not notice.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 14, 2007, 09:32:20 pm
Thanks for all the help!

I greatly appreciate all the work you do, you do not know the difference you make in the lives of those who are undergoing severe anxiety over this.

Just one more quick question, what generation is the Oraquick Rapid Oral Test, is it less reliable or slow are detecting antibodies, and if it is not a 4th generation test is it slower as well?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 15, 2007, 04:07:54 pm
Any info for this one guys?  Your help is appreciated...

I also called the CDC today and they stated that Pre-Semen is just as infectious as Semen, and that they do not classify risks for oral, anal or vaginal sex, do you have any opinions on this?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on April 15, 2007, 05:32:19 pm
Look, take the time to read the lessons. OraSure does not go by generations as classification. It's a very reliable test.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 15, 2007, 08:42:10 pm
I am absolutely terrified, reading through the symptoms that correspond with HIV and the experiences of those recently infected I fit the bill for new HIV perfectly.

Had protected (maybe) receptive anal sex with no ejculation and receptive oral sex with no ejaculation
Partner says hes tested negative 10 days after eent
About a 7-10 days later develop severe sore throat, test only "slight positive" for strep about three weeks later.  A partner (I've only had about 2 in three years! that is different form the first performs oral sex on me, I did not ejaculate) However he develops sore throat and tiredness about two weeks after us being together, doctor says its strep but never tests.

Tested negative at 40 days with oral swab

At week 6 1/2 develop severe body aches one day, then diarreah for three days after (co-workers have similar symptoms, but not the body aches and fatigue I first felt)

Then at week 8 develop severe cold, very productive cough very similar to Bronchitis, have this for nearly 10 days, just recovering now.

I'm a nervous wreck, I'm scared, confused, and feel alone, I don't know where to turn.  I know this sounds crazy, but it follows the ARS timeline progression perfectly, sick at about two weeks, develop severe cold at 8 weeks...that some many others have.

I'm scared guys, I really am.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on April 15, 2007, 09:07:43 pm
Look Lagoon,

If your illness at two weeks had anything to do with hiv, you would have tested postive at 40 days.

I do not expect your negative result to change. Symptoms mean nothing. People often get colds and/or flu when the seasons change and guess what, the seasons are changing.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 15, 2007, 10:08:10 pm
yes but my body could be slow at producing anitbodies, the line may not have shown up correctly

Isn't it typical to have Bronchitus symptoms after ARS, as your immune system is weakend and CD4 count is low?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on April 15, 2007, 10:10:55 pm
Lagoon,

So you've already completely forgotten what I told you about what the actual cause of ARS is.

I don't know what else to say to you, so I'm done responding to your repetitive posts and questions.

Ann


Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: milker on April 15, 2007, 10:21:45 pm
That is the first time I have heard that, that antibodies are the cause of ARS?
Hi there. You're fine. I tried to find Andy's post about the dancing penis with a tutu around it when the condom breaks but I couldn't find it. When a condom breaks you know it :)

Milker.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 23, 2007, 08:40:11 pm
I am one week away from my one week test, I have to admit I'm scared as hell....I have never been this sick over three months in my entire life.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on April 23, 2007, 08:48:43 pm
If you have been sick that long, then it has nothing to do with HIV. See your doctor for your illness.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 25, 2007, 07:08:59 pm
I just want to get past this all, I am so scared...how often are tests accurate at 40 days?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on April 25, 2007, 07:37:46 pm
12/13 weeks is a conclusive test. Post then, when you get your results.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 26, 2007, 07:43:16 pm
I just talked today with a conselour at the Fenway Health clinic in boston, he told me not to use the oral rapid test as it is not reliable and does not detect HIV as quickly as a blood test, is this true?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on April 26, 2007, 09:42:13 pm
What he told you is not true.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 27, 2007, 09:37:08 pm
Tommorrow will be 12 weeks since the incident, the longest, strangest 12 weeks of my life.  All these symptoms all these feelings, I just feel worn out and sad.  I tested negative at 40 days, but I just have a gut feeling this isn't going to turn out for me.  On the other hand sometimes I feel just like a fool for being worried and tell myself that 40 days was more than enough and I need to move on with my life.  I just feel conflicted.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 29, 2007, 11:17:28 am
So I am going in for the HIV test tommorrow, but I just talked with my insurance company and they stated two things.

1) Oral sex without a condom is a high risk activity for HIV, especially for men who have sex with men
2) My result would not be conclusive until 6 months after the event.

So now I have to wait another whole six months for this "high risk" event?

geez....
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on April 29, 2007, 11:27:40 am
Call your insurance company back up and tell them to get updated on transmission and testing. Both answers YOU said they gave, are INCORRECT..
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on April 29, 2007, 08:50:07 pm
Tommorrow is the 12-13 week since this all started and I'm just starting to wonder why I have been so worried and anxious this entire time.  I know Andy and Ann have given up on me, but I still feel this impending feeling of doom, what can I do to bring me to take that test?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Matty the Damned on April 30, 2007, 05:46:18 pm
Tommorrow is the 12-13 week since this all started and I'm just starting to wonder why I have been so worried and anxious this entire time.  I know Andy and Ann have given up on me, but I still feel this impending feeling of doom, what can I do to bring me to take that test?

You walk in there, sit your arse down, answer their questions and have the frigging test done. It's not difficult and you'll get no sympathy from any of us because we have far scarier blood tests performed on a monthly basis and we manage to cope with it.

Especially since the result of your antibody test will be negative.

MtD
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on April 30, 2007, 06:09:57 pm
I don't know if Rod seriously wants you to call the insurance company back. Although he's absolutely right about it being outrageous that they're handing out such blatantly incorrect dis-information.

Do follow Matty's intructions to the letter.

Then collect the inevitable negative result at 13 weeks, which I hope will get you to let go of this unwarranted concern. No kidding. 
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on May 01, 2007, 09:28:16 pm
So I contacted the guy I slept with and we had a good long discussion.

Turns out he is in the military and got tested about 10 days after our meeting, and was negative for HIV.  He said his last partner was in December, so more than six weeks before we got together.

Should I be feeling good about this, or am I just kidding mysellf?
Title: NEGATIVE!
Post by: Lagoon77 on May 02, 2007, 05:44:34 pm
NEGATIVE at 87 days 12.5 weeks...oral fluid Oraquick Advance...Can I crack open a beer?!?!

Thanks Andy, Ann, Rod, and EVERYONE else in the forum through this difficult three months, your opinions, comments, and support really helped me through this.  I want to say thanks to all!
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on May 03, 2007, 10:36:00 pm
87 days is sufficent right guys?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: milker on May 03, 2007, 10:42:30 pm
87 days is sufficent right guys?
Yes. And tell your insurance company to go on aidmeds.com. They may learn something that they obviously don't know.

Milker.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on May 04, 2007, 05:09:44 am
Lagoon,

Yes, you are conclusively hiv negative. Twelve weeks, thirteen weeks, it doesn't really matter. The window period is three months and some countries define three months as being twelve weeks (such as the UK and most of Europe) while other countries define three months as thirteen weeks.

You're good to go - move on with your life. Keep on using those condoms correctly and consistently and you will continue to avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on May 15, 2007, 10:22:40 pm
when is a six month test necessary, why does the CDC still reccomend this?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: anniebc on May 15, 2007, 11:05:38 pm
I think you will find the 6 months testing applies mostly to health care workers..normally after a baseline test has been done at the time of exposure, i.e a needle stick injury, a follow-up test could be performed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after exposure...other than that a 3 month test is the norm so if you have had a negative test at 3 months then you are free to go and enjoy life...but take heed about what Ann has to say about those condoms.

Jan



Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: milker on May 15, 2007, 11:06:48 pm
when is a six month test necessary, why does the CDC still reccomend this?
Because the CDC is a governmental entity and doesn't want to be sued, so they issue the worst case scenario. The worst case scenario hasn't happened.

I thought you were enjoying your life and left the forums?

Milker.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on June 12, 2007, 11:38:46 pm
hey guys,

just met up with the guy I slept with before, he mentioned that he likes to bareback, all of the sudden I am freaking out again, is the 87 day rapid oral test accurate or do I need to go get a full blood scan?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Bucko on June 13, 2007, 01:11:51 am
Lagoon,

Yes, you are conclusively hiv negative. Twelve weeks, thirteen weeks, it doesn't really matter. The window period is three months and some countries define three months as being twelve weeks (such as the UK and most of Europe) while other countries define three months as thirteen weeks.

You're good to go - move on with your life. Keep on using those condoms correctly and consistently and you will continue to avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann


Lagoon-

Reread what Ann has told you. You are negative. Accept the good news graciously and move on with your life.

Always use condoms and water-based lube for anal and/or vaginal sex and do not share IV drug works with anyone and you should be fine. Sucking on a condom will do you no harm, but in the face of overwhelming data, unprotected oral sex poses no real risk either. So it's your choice...

Brent
(Who really wonders about misinformation coming from Fenway Community Health Center)
Title: Quick follow up question
Post by: Lagoon77 on July 23, 2007, 10:14:41 pm
Hey Guys-

Quick question, I know this sounds crazy but I am unsure of things.  Tonight I was with a guy I meet every once in a while, he is married so doesn't typically do much with guys.  Anyways we were jerking each other off, and as I went to spit on my hand I tasted a slight amount of pre-cum.  Does this warrant testing for HIV at three months...trying to be super safe until I meet the right guy. 

Thanks!
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on July 23, 2007, 10:24:25 pm
Mutual masturbation and an incident such as you have described are NOT a risk for HIV transmission. Your saliva contains inhibitory elements which render the precum (if in fact you really tasted it and IF the guy is HIV negative) a non-risk for transmission.

Once again you are stressing needlessly.

Really.
Title: Oral Sex with a Bite
Post by: Lagoon77 on December 28, 2007, 08:26:57 pm
Sorry Rapid when I posted to this it said I had not posted to in 60 days and should start a new topic....

Hi Guys-

need your advice on this one....

I am a gay man, last night I performed oral sex on another man.  In the process I believe I scraped his penis and he withdrew in pain.  He grabbed a towel to wrap his penis and found it was slightly bleeding. (Small spots onthe towel).  I am now afaraid I have been exposed to his blood and therefore have a high hiv risk.

I talked to him today and he stated he has been tested and is clean, however I know this is only as good as his word.  Should I consider PEP it has not even been 24 hours.

Thanks
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on December 28, 2007, 09:13:50 pm
just one more point, the guy did not ejaculate in my mouth, he pulled out shortly after I thnk he was hurt
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on December 29, 2007, 04:51:10 am
You didn't have a risk and don't need PEP. If you are going to give head at least learn how to do it correctly.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: anniebc on December 29, 2007, 05:08:22 am
I agree with Rod..no risk.

Please refrain from using the word "clean" in your posts it is classed as an insult to those of us living with HIV..believe me we all take very good care of our personal hygiene.

Jan
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on December 29, 2007, 11:19:50 am
Annie - My Apologies

Why is there not a risk in this case?  My thoughts were always that blood is highly infectious, and the mouth isa mucus membrane....therefore seems like a fairly high risk to me?

THe qty of blood was probably a few drops.....does that make a difference?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: thunter34 on December 29, 2007, 11:41:06 am
The mouth is a mucuous membrane, but it contains saliva - which has enzymes in it that damage and deactivate the virus and impair its ability to infect.  Also, all mucous membranes are not completely equal because their functions within the body differ.  The colon, for example, is specifically designed for absorption so that makes it a particularly welcoming environment for transmission of this virus. 

Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: thunter34 on December 29, 2007, 11:48:10 am
PS:  And trolling around other AAI threads (like I see you doing right now) to get additional fodder for worry won't help your situation, so I'm saying this now before you start coming back here with, "I think my teeth were rotten or my gums might have been bleeding" or whatever other spin you wanna put on it. 

If you really think you have a legitimate worry, you'll need to see a doctor...but our current advice is that you are fine and don't need to worry.

Preemptively,

Thunter34
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on December 30, 2007, 03:15:55 pm
Thank you all for your responses (includng the premptive ones)

Just a point of discussion, are there any cases of oral sex that you would say are risky?  I guess my ideas of risk are out of wack, I always thought blood exposure was very risky and that any type of exposure would warrent testing.

Thanks
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on December 31, 2007, 02:08:52 pm
any inisght to this guys?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on December 31, 2007, 02:53:45 pm
Lagoon,

You didn't have a risk and it's time you moved on.

Ann
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on January 09, 2008, 08:34:12 pm
Is there a certain qty of blood in which you would be concerned?

I did have a tooth filling about 36 hours before, and had a shot of novicane, would this increae my risk?

I'm just having a hard time beliving that getting blood in your mouth is no risk
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: RapidRod on January 09, 2008, 08:38:19 pm
Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Andy Velez on January 10, 2008, 10:08:10 am
You want insight?

OK.

You're behaving obsessively compulsive about HIV. If you continue to look for more details and what ifs to worry about you are going to find them. Obsessive behavior is addictive. If you can't stop with this HIV stuff then I suggest it's time for you to see a therapist or other professional to discuss what's driving your unwarranted concern with these details.

I am unwilling to get into further responses to each additional what if you bring up. As has been pointed out you are teetering on getting a time out. Get on with your life and if you can't do that then get yourself some professional help.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on January 24, 2008, 11:32:50 pm
I was just reading the other posts in the other forums and SO many people say they got it from Oral Sex....how can you guys say its not a risk when people in THIS forum say its a risk????

I feel doomed
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 25, 2008, 12:37:13 am
Matty the Damned gives up and leaves you at the mercy of the Goderators.

Reported.

MtD
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: anniebc on January 25, 2008, 05:25:45 am
Lagoon

I have given you a 28 day TO, I hope you will spend this time getting the help you need because we can't help you anymore.

Please do not try and get around your ban with different user name, if you do it will lead to a permanent ban.

Jan
Title: Depressed
Post by: Lagoon77 on February 25, 2008, 12:35:00 pm
So I took my time out-

I've rested and stayed away from the site, however I've also found I've become deeply depressed.  Two things have happened since the event.

I received oral sex from a guy, and developed NGU about a week later (perfect for a guy who is worried about STD's and HIV), I've also developed a very bad cold.   Cough, sinus congestion, and some headache. 

However, I've also gotten in the habit of taking my temperature daily, the highest I have recorded it is 99.1 (which was about three weeks after the first encounter of giving oral sex) Besides this cold, is the lack of the flu like symptoms better evidence that I didn't catch it from this encounter, or am I pulling at straws here.

I just want to be like my old self.
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Ann on February 25, 2008, 02:13:17 pm
Lag,

You should know by now that getting blown isn't a risk for hiv infection. Keep this up and you'll get another time time, for 56 days this time.

Ann
Title: Nervous
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 17, 2008, 09:47:39 pm
Why are so many men getting HIV lately?  It seems like it has come back strong, could Oral Sex be playing a bigger part in this???  Thats all I partipate in, yet I feel anxious....where do I go for help?
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 17, 2008, 10:12:58 pm
Lagoon,

They're getting HIV because they're fucking each other in the bum without condoms. If you're thinking of using this to start one of your "zomg! I'm sure I've got AIDS coz I had oral" things, think again.

MtD
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Lagoon77 on March 17, 2008, 10:58:28 pm
amazing people don't get the clue and use condoms for that, thanks Matt
Title: Re: Help guys! (and gals :0) )
Post by: Matty the Damned on March 17, 2008, 11:05:41 pm
Yeah really. Have you got the clue Lagoon?

MtD
Title: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 08:15:46 pm
I just read the news about the Oraquick test accuracy coming into question, do you guys have an opinion about the recent news?
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: RapidRod on September 16, 2008, 08:22:06 pm
It wasn't a big enough concern for the FDA to put a hault to it's use. Taken at the correct time I would trust the results.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 08:25:46 pm
Thanks Rapid, I tested at six weeks and 12.5 weeks....oral fluid test....is that accurate?
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: RapidRod on September 16, 2008, 08:28:31 pm
You never had a risk to begin with. So it would be conclusive.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: RapidRod on September 16, 2008, 08:29:40 pm
By the way return to your orginal thead. See the posting guidelines in the "Welcome" thread.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 08:34:35 pm
I was going to but when I was going to post, it said the old thread was older than 60 days and I should consider starting a new topic.

Will do in the future, sorry.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 08:45:47 pm
Rod-

I've also seen you make remarks that oral tests are lest senstive then blood in general, is that true even when you test up tothe window period?
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: RapidRod on September 16, 2008, 08:47:58 pm
You test after the window period with rapid test not before nor during.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 08:50:20 pm
ok so I tested at 12.5 weeks, after the window period, is the test less sensitive?
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: RapidRod on September 16, 2008, 08:53:39 pm
Oral tests are less sensitive but at three months they would be conclusive and again you never had a risk.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: adamsmith on September 16, 2008, 09:29:32 pm
Oral test are valid after 6 weeks even, and are approved to be used that soon after a potential exposure.
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Lagoon77 on September 16, 2008, 09:44:04 pm
what? Now I'm really confused
Title: Re: Oraquick Oral Test Accuracy
Post by: Ann on September 17, 2008, 05:21:51 am
Lagoon,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread. You've been told this before. Get with the program already.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

As Rodney told you, you didn't have a risk to begin with. If you cannot bring yourself to believe us or your oral test results, go get a blood test. Just don't expect to be allowed to use this forum to continually wring your hands over the situation. You'll be given a 56 day time out. Please consider yourself warned.

Ann