2 tests to confirm positive status

[racingmind]

OK.  It's now been a week and a day since my doctor told me I was positive.  I tested negative in May and then I got tested again in the first week of September which came back positive.  As far as I know, there was no second test done.  I asked the doctor if he was sure about the result and he said 'yes'.   He took more blood to do the baseline measurements and only one has come back so far....CD4: 442.  Still waiting on the viral load test.  How long does that usually take to get back?  Like I said, it's been 8 days....I called my doctor for results but he didn't return my call yet.  I'm concerned about not getting that second test.  On the other hand, I figure if the viral load test comes back undetectable...that will warrant an antibody retest.  I know that this is grabbing at straws....but it's something that has been on my mind after reading some of the posts on here concerning confirmation tests.  I can't remember half of what my doctor said that day because I was so stunned.  Does anyone have an opinion on what I should do?   I know that the doctor would make damn sure before telling someone they were positive, or at least I hope they would.

[kentb]

Racing, your doctor should have done a confirmatory "Western Blot" test.

The other piece of your lab work that you are waiting to hear from your doctor is likely your viral load test.  It usually takes about two weeks to get these results.  Maybe as early as 12 days dep. on the lab.  Your doctor's nurse should be very accessable even if he is not, the nurse is able to pull your chart and see if results are back.

Good Luck,

Kent

[DingoBoi]

actually kent, it truly does vary in the extreme on how long it takes to get labwork back depending on the lab and where you are located.   

My last labs were taken at about 10 am and the results, including viral load, were reported to my doc at about 6pm.

Now, that is certainly not normal being so speedy but the stars are lined up for that test.  I usually get my results in a day or two though, probably because where they send my blood is very close to where i live.

That being said, it's not usual to have it take 2 weeks either... again, it just depends on the lab, their 'volume' and backlog and if they do testing in batches, like running viral load tests once they accumulate a certain number.

[Ann]

racing,

You could always go and get a 20 minute oraquick swab antibody test done somewhere. If you're in the States, check out this HIV testing center database - just enter your zip code into the box and hit search.

Good luck - keep us posted.

Ann

[PositivelyYours]

Hello Racingmind,

First of all, I would like to say Welcome to the forum.  You are now a part of one of the most vital resource groups for support in dealing with your diagnosis.  I found out on August 10, 2006 that I was HIV Positive.  It was the most devastating news I had heard in my entire life.  I took a couple of days afterwards to express my anger and what I was feeling.  It has been a little over a month and I am doing okay.  I had my first doctors visit and he talked to me and then I had some labwork done.   My results took almost two weeks.   I found out through my first set of labs that my CD4 count was 240 with a Viral Load of 39,000.  My doctor suggested I have more labwork done to confirm the first set of numbers. The second lab test was done about two weeks later and I got the results back a lot quicker.  My new CD4 count was 359 with a Viral Load of 50,000.  I don't want to make these numbers an issue in my life because I know they will change from time to time.   I just want to tell you to keep your head up and keep enjoying life the way that you always have.  All of us are much bigger than this virus.  It is a part of our life now, but we still can enjoy life to the fullest - We just have to be a little more cautious.   I love you as I do everyone of my HIV Positive brothers and sisters and We WILL MAKE IT!!!!!

[gaz41]

Normally the same blood used for the Elisa test is also used for the western blot if the elisa is positive, when this is the case your doc should have both results on file

With the other tests it really does depend on the workload of the lab, my results are always back in a week and all together so i only need one appointment to go through them with my doc

all the best garry   

[racingmind]

     Thanks for all of your replies, I really appreciate them.   Well I finally got my test results back, including the Western Blot test.  So there is no doubt about it.  I knew that it would confirm it, I think that I was just too "out of it" during the initial shock. 
     Tomorrow morning is my first appointment with the Infectious Disease Specialist.  I am actually looking forward to it because I want to get an expert opinion about the status of what it goin on in my body.  According to the genotyping, I have a strain that is not predicted to be resistant to any of the drugs. I am happy about that.  As I said before, my CD4 count is 442 (28%), but the viral load is >100,000.  I'm not sure what these numbers really mean.  My primary care doctor seemed to think that they were not too bad.  I had tested negative in May, and then positive the first week of September, so I guess I caught it early.  I knew that something was up because I wasn't feeling great and when my lymph nodes popped out, I was pretty sure.  My lymph nodes still are inflamed.  They get pretty sore from time to time.  I am hoping that they return to normal, although I am told that they might not.  I am a little paranoid about people noticing them.  I am not ready to disclose to anyone yet. Only my partner knows (he tested negative after I found out....I'm thankful for that).  He needs to get tested again in November to make sure that he is in the clear.  He has been wonderful and supportive through this thing and I don't know where I would be without him.
     I am trying to get back to normal, other than the inflamed lymph nodes and the night sweats, I feel fine.  I have been trying to locate a local support group and I think I found one, but they never seem to answer the phone and I am wary to leave a message because of disclosure issues.  I would love to know when the meetings are because I think they could really help me deal with all the feelings I have about this.  I have days where I feel relatively normal, and other days when I ask myself, "what's the point in going on now?".
     I know I need to be strong and not feel sorry for myself, but sometimes it's just so overwhelming.  I am hoping that after I see the ID doctor tomorrow, I will have new hope for the future.  I just need to talk about this with someone other than my partner because I don't want to overly burden him.  He keeps telling me that it's just something that happened and we will deal with it in the best way possible.  I just don't want it to comsume my every thought of every day.  As it stands now, it is the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of before going to sleep.  Most of the time I wake up wet in the middle of the night and that of course, makes it come to mind as well. 
     I know that this is long, but I guess I need to get it out.  I have stopped crying at least.  I really want to just feel better so that I can stop thinking about it so much.    Thanks again for reading and your warm replies.

Dxx

[Eldon]

Hello Dxx, it is Eldon.

It is unfortunate that you have tested positive with HIV. However, it is a good thing to know rather than not know so you can take action with your health. Your numbers look relatively good and your percentage is in a good range. Right now you need a strong support system. It is good that you have your partner by your side which is understanding and he is willing to support you. Actually, that is powerful.

A support group is an excellent way to add to your support system and it will give you a chance to interact with others who are HIV positive. In the beginning there is a sense of shock however, this will dissipate in time. You are not alone, we are all in this together.

I wish to extend to you a warm WELCOME to the forums. Here you will find communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions answered relating to HIV/AIDS. There is a lot of information on this site at your disposal. Please DO take the time out to read through our lessons section which is located on the upper "left" hand corner of the page. We have a great group of people that will be listening as well as answering you.

There is a lot that may come to your mind. I DO urge you to come and vent from time-to-time. Again, Welcome!

Make the BEST of each Day!