Tested Positive Nov. 4th / What Now?

[Lobster1]

Tested positive Nov. 4th.  Went in to have spot on penis checked b/c it was irratated, and they recommened HIV test.  Came up positive.  I had first appt. at Docter at Wash. U. in St. Louis, and they did some blood work.  Going back on Jan. 14.  Worst part is I believe this occurred b/c I was sloppy at work, and didn't pay attention when being stuck with a drug users needle.  2 different occassions once i thought back on it.  After testing positive I remembered one time I saw blood after being stuck, but got busy and just forgot about it.  I've also fought with people and gotten blood on me.  I know stupid for not getting checked after these events or seeking treatment.  But after 10yrs on the job you tend to blow it off, and now this. 

I guess my question is since i can't prove it happen on the job i'm wanting to keep this private now.  I read alot about how things have gotten worse for people after speaking of their HIV infection.  So, i can't take chance of even more stress at work and possibly loosing insurance i got through work.  What are chances work finds out?  I'm not a nurse, but do work for the city.  Also, have unprotected with gf several times a week.  She tested negative the first time, but have to check back in 3 months.  What is chance she will stay negative. 


Any help and answers would be great.  Thanks.

[tednlou2]

I was just reading that many healthcare workers never report needle sticks.  A doctor who answers questions on thebody.com got HIV from a needle stick.  My sister-in-law just did a course of PEP cause she got stuck with needle from woman HIV poz with very high viral load.  She goes for her 3 month test next month. 

I'm pretty sure about when I was infected.  I wish I had known more about PEP back then.  I don't think most even know what it is.  I didn't.  I constantly wonder whether I could have prevented my HIV if I had gotten PEP right away. 

I wish you all the best.  I do believe you should think very long and hard about who you tell.  On one hand, I think if we all talked about it would make the virus less of a stigma.  However, I know we live in the real world. 

About your girlfriend--  receptive partners are at much higher risk.  Vaginal sex is less risky than anal.  I hope you are now using protection.  Chances are she'll be negative, but you never know.  If you have a very high viral load, it is more likely. 

[max123]

hi lobster.

though the picture may be looking a little rough right now, welcome. you found a good place for info & support.

firstly, have you routinely been screened for hiv in the past? was your recent diagnosis made on a single test result or confirmed by western blot? it's really important that the wb be done, as the other testing can give false poz results. also, did you get other std testing to rule out other potential causes of your penis irritation?

regarding your job, you're right...without having properly & timely reporting and treating for the needle sticks in the past, your employer would likely deny any responsibility in the event that you really are poz. an aside, disclosure is a personal thing, so there's no need to worry about your employer knowing anything.

anyway, definitely make sure that all of the necessary testing was in fact done to qualify your "poz" status. and as ted said, make sure your sex is protected sex. good luck & keep us posted.

max

[Lobster1]

I think it was the elisa / and western blot they used.  The spot on my penis was said to of been caused from it getting irrated.  possible from sex b/c gf and i never used protection.  And as of sex now, it's been over month.  She is concerned, and says just doens't have on her mind.  I understand, but hurts inside that i never know if she will be sexual with me again.  I'll tell you guys the day just does not shine as bright as it used to.  If i didn't have her dont' know what i would do.  But do miss how close we were, and now it appears gone.  I've broke down several times over the past month, and no it's not the end of those moods.   Pretty much in the past i always felt i had everything, and now nothing matters any longer.  Thanks for the info. guys.  take care.

[max123]

hey again lobster.

ok, so if it was both the elisa/wb combo that you tested poz on, then your diagnosis is likely the real deal. but, you need to know for certain that they were both run. i'd recommend a phone call to your provider to confirm this, rather than going on speculation. it's a critically important detail and could significantly change the equation if the wb hasn't been done yet. it sounds like you're rightfully concerned about your gf's status given the unprotected sex. but again, in order to justify concern for her potential exposure status, you've got to be 100% sure of your own.

if in the worst case, you are poz, don't give up on life or yourself....everything in life still does matter. you can get through this. just take life one day at a time & prioritize. make your call and let us know the outcome.

hang in there man... either way, it's all going to be okay.

ps: do you know exactly what the next testing that you'll be getting on 1/14 is for?

[Inchlingblue]

There are lots of couples, both straight and gay, where one is poz and the other one not. Take things one day at a time. Check your numbers, make sure you have a doctor that has knowledge and experience treating HIV.

LINK:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/30/hiv.aids.couples.relationships/index.html