The last guy I was with just contacted me and said that he just got results back saying that he is HIV pos. We fooled around about a month ago, and I regrettably have to say that I didn't use protection. So is there a time limit I need to wait out before I get tested, or should I go ahead and schedule an appointment?
Many people will advise you on getting tested now versus waiting - there is no clear answer - it will depend on your perspective. If it were me, i would like to know now with the understanding that it will be several months before i am in the clear. Make an appointment with someone who can offer pre/post test counseling and who is knowledgeable on viral load testing versus traditional bloood testing for HIV antibodies.
lilman, don't panic! There are ultra sensitive test that will give results within about 2 weeks of exposure. They are more expensive but some health centers do them for free.
And if you are worried about the result, remember HIV is manageable so don't think it is the end of the world. If you come out neg, remember protection next time! Whats done is done .. worrying won't help.
You should be tested regularly every 3 to 6 months regardless of sexual encounters.
Get tested now and again in about 5 months as the incubation period in every person is different. Most doctors I have discussed this with recommend up to 6 months, but I got to admit none of them sounded like they were 100% sure on that answer.
You could get a viral load test rather than an antibody test. You'll have to pay for it--and they're pricey--but it will let you know whether or not you are okay without waiting.
i would get tested now just to know... but when i get tested my councelors tell me the "window" period is 6 months, so after u get tested today go back 6 months from when u messed around with the guy. I hope everything turns out ok, ive been in that situation and it sux
Thanks for the info guys. I have setup an appointment on Monday. I would have done it today or tomorrow, but I'm busy with school and finals. Anyways, keep me in your prayers please. This was one of my first times going without protection, and while I know that doesn't justify anything.. it just sucks.
If you go to your doctor and take the standard test then it could take 3-6 months to register. My doctor gives a test that measures the DNA and exposure can be detected earlier. A previous poster did mention it being more expensive but it should be covered by insurance.
Now is the time for clear thinking. Don't beat yourself up. Try and go through the steps to get information.
When you say "fooled around", what activities did you engage in,specifically?
*Mutual masturbation is considered EXTREMELY low risk.
*Oral sex is considered low-risk (unless you had an open sore in your mouth, or you brushed and/or flossed vigorously a few hours before).
*Topping without protection is somewhat controversial. While it is considered risky, it is considered less risky than being a bottom. Moreover, there is evidence from a recent UN study in Africa that uncircumcized men who engage in vaginal intercourse are at a higher risk of contracting HIV than those who are not (no evidence has been collected for anal intercourse).
*Bottoming without protection is considered very high risk.
As for the window of time for testing, it can take up to 3 months for it to show up in your system, and therefore if you get tested before this time, you should definitely get retested after this time if you come up negative just to be sure.
You didn't mention if you were under the influence of anything when this happened. If so, regardless of the outcome, you should seriously re-evaluate your use of these substances as they impare your judgement.
If you DO come up positive, seek help from an HIV support group in your area, who should also be able to refer you to a practitioner who specializes in HIV. Even if you did get caught up in the moment and make an error in judgement, don't beat yourself up for it too much. You're human, and humans make mistakes. Fortunately you live in a country that has a decent health care system, and you can still lead a worthwhile, productive life -- including having a healthy sex life, a relationship (and maybe even children of your own if you choose -- look up "sperm washing" online).
I think that what everyoneUNDERLINE TEXT GOES HERE should be taking away from this is that if you choose in engage in casual sex with someone whose status you are unable to verify, you should be approaching them like they might be positive, and engage in safer sexual behaviour. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of being with someone who is -- or who might be -- hiv+, then don't have sex with anyone until you have achieved a serious level of trust with that person (which usually comes from the parameters of a relationship).
tafkalil saidI'm totally freaking out right now....
The last guy I was with just contacted me and said that he just got results back saying that he is HIV pos. We fooled around about a month ago, and I regrettably have to say that I didn't use protection. So is there a time limit I need to wait out before I get tested, or should I go ahead and schedule an appointment?
You can get tested now, but, you'll need to get tested again in about 6 months to just really be sure that your bad behavior didn't nail you.
It's good that you posted. Like being a fat ass, and its related diseases, HIV is almost 100% preventable via proper behavior patterns. The I,I,I,me,me,me self-indulgent irresponsibility of unsafe sex really has to go in order for these diseases to be contained...be they obesity or HIV. As I said, it's nearly 100% avoidable through good behavior.
Good for you for sharing your experience. I hope it's one you don't choose to repeat, for the sake of yourself, and the sake of society.
Cross your fingers, and if you're still clear in six months, you're likely lucky...this time.
Don't be an idiot about sex.
If you end up positive, well, I hope you'll spread your lesson to others, so they don't repeat your ill-thought behavior.
Most health organizations have vast resources on the disease, and that information should be easily attainable.
While you wait to see if you've made yourself sick, take time to educate yourself on your sexual health, and the various STDs. Contingent to your bad behavior, risks of infection vary.
tafkalil saidI'm totally freaking out right now....
You can get tested now, but, you'll need to get tested again in about 6 months to just really be sure that your bad behavior didn't nail you.
It's good that you posted. Like being a fat ass, and its related diseases, HIV is almost 100% preventable via proper behavior patterns. The I,I,I,me,me,me self-indulgent irresponsibility of unsafe sex really has to go in order for these diseases to be contained...be they obesity or HIV. As I said, it's nearly 100% avoidable through good behavior.
Good for you for sharing your experience. I hope it's one you don't choose to repeat, for the sake of yourself, and the sake of society.
Cross your fingers, and if you're still clear in six months, you're likely lucky...this time.
Don't be an idiot about sex.
If you end up positive, well, I hope you'll spread your lesson to others, so they don't repeat your ill-thought behavior.
Most health organizations have vast resources on the disease, and that information should be easily attainable.
While you wait to see if you've made yourself sick, take time to educate yourself on your sexual health, and the various STDs. Contingent to your bad behavior, risks of infection vary.
Most HIV tests are antibody tests that measure the antibodies your body makes against HIV. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for the antibody test to detect and this time period can vary from person to person. This time period is commonly referred to as the “window period”. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within 2 to 8 weeks (the average is 25 days). Even so, there is a chance that some individuals will take longer to develop detectable antibodies. Therefore, if the initial negative HIV test was conducted within the first 3 months after possible exposure, repeat testing should be considered >3 months after the exposure occurred to account for the possibility of a false-negative result. Ninety seven percent will develop antibodies in the first 3 months following the time of their infection. In very rare cases, it can take up to 6 months to develop antibodies to HIV.
Another type of test is an RNA test, which detects the HIV virus directly. The time between HIV infection and RNA detection is 9-11 days. These tests, which are more costly and used less often than antibody tests, are used in some parts of the United States.
For information on HIV testing, you can talk to your health care provider or you can find the location of the HIV testing site nearest to you by calling CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), in English, en Español. Both of these resources are confidential.
Ok, so I'm going to the clinic tomorrow to get tested. I think you have to wait a week for the results... I've heard that is the worst part... the wait. Anyways, thanks guys for the info/prayers/emails.
My thoughts are with you. Chances are you'll test neg. But you're doing the right thing to be tested ASAP and then again in 3-6 months.
I've never had an 'HIV scare', but I find that even when I have a routine HIV test waiting for the results can be nerve wracking. So try to find a place that has pre and post test counseling and don't be afraid to turn to your friends on RJ for support.
You can get tested now, but, you'll need to get tested again in about 6 months to just really be sure that your bad behavior didn't nail you.
It's good that you posted. Like being a fat ass, and its related diseases, HIV is almost 100% preventable via proper behavior patterns. The I,I,I,me,me,me self-indulgent irresponsibility of unsafe sex really has to go in order for these diseases to be contained...be they obesity or HIV. As I said, it's nearly 100% avoidable through good behavior.
Good for you for sharing your experience. I hope it's one you don't choose to repeat, for the sake of yourself, and the sake of society.
Cross your fingers, and if you're still clear in six months, you're likely lucky...this time.
Don't be an idiot about sex.
If you end up positive, well, I hope you'll spread your lesson to others, so they don't repeat your ill-thought behavior.
Most health organizations have vast resources on the disease, and that information should be easily attainable.
While you wait to see if you've made yourself sick, take time to educate yourself on your sexual health, and the various STDs. Contingent to your bad behavior, risks of infection vary.
Shouldn't you be in your cave somewhere filing down your brow ridge or something?
If it's any consolation, one instance of bad behavior often doesn't result in getting sick. Many times, it takes several attempts at getting sick to do so.
Unless you choose the more expensive tests, you'll know for sure in about 6 months.
Many folks running around sick did it by repeatedly engaging in wanton bad behavior despite all the warnings put before them.
We have "The Early Test" here in San Diego which detects the virus not the antibodies so it can detect infection in as little as 7 days after becoming infected. It's free here as they are doing a study to convince the state to offer this type testing instead of the regular antibody test in public health facilities. The website is here and has good info. There may be somewhere in South Carolina that has something similar:
tafkalil saidI'm totally freaking out right now....
The last guy I was with just contacted me and said that he just got results back saying that he is HIV pos. We fooled around about a month ago, and I regrettably have to say that I didn't use protection. So is there a time limit I need to wait out before I get tested, or should I go ahead and schedule an appointment?
That really sucks. I sincerely hope you dodge the bullet on this one. Hope for the best and learn from the situation, whatever the outcome.
Tafkalil, The info given by ActiveAndFit & kneedraggen are correct. I ditto their responses, and couldn't have said it better. please keep us posted on your result.
Just updating everyone. I'm going in the morning to get tested. I'm having to go to the free clinic, as I have no insurance. So I guess the wait will be a week, because I don't think they do any of the immediate results. Really nervous right now and can't even focus on sleeping... someone come hit me with a 2 x 4.
Oh this must be rough and especially when you need to focus on your finals.
You should talk about what you did with a counselor. Perhaps you can take antiviral medication if you think you've been exposed. I think they still do this as a protocol to help prevent a possible infection.
I went and got tested yesterday. No rapids. Took the old school test where you gotta wait a week. The doctor was a complete asshole, but what's new. I need to find a good doctor and stop going to the clinics. Will update y'all when I know something.
::crosses fingers for you:: I think you're doing the responsible thing right now by getting tested. You can't take back the past, only learn from it. Whatever the outcome, you have a support network willing to share their knowledge and wisdom with you. Continue to take advantage.
You making it ok, through this week? ................................................. LOL, I go to the clinics too. They are douchebags. First they make you sit and wait for your nurse on the STD benches (wherever they are, everyone there knows they are the STD benches). Then when the nurse comes her demeanor is all "Tsk, Tsk," like she's never slipped in her life. Then they scare ya by making you believe that abstinence is the only way to stay 100% safe, well it is, but don't they have a way of making everything else: condoms, status questions, and oral sex seem like 10% effective? Man, that week is the pitts too. My mother always knows when I'm getting tested because I'm nice to her for a whole week. Then when I get my neg, I go back to being reserved and blaming her for everything.
I guess no results yet because of the weekend and the holiday on Monday. Anyhow, well done for getting tested. I know I'm with lots of guy on here keeping you in my thoughts, hoping the test comes back negative and knowing that you'll get through this in any case. Hang in there and let us know what you find out.
hmm a month is long enough for any symptoms to take charge of your body but then again most people dont have any symptoms. i say go down to the clinic--free testing is done im sure where you are. go in get both test..get your blood work test and the rapid response test. good luck....
this is why i dont have sex at all as too many men are being affected by the disease and as of late there have been a huge spike in hiv spread. why cant we just use a condom all the time and dont get caught up in the moment.
Well of course I'm not, its not like I'm some ho. Before I was with the guy it had been 3 years since I had been with a guy. So please, don't cast stones.
Anyways, the test came back Negative!! So I am clean as of 5/18/09. I go back in 3 months to get tested again. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts guys, really meant a lot. I will definitely be safe ALL THE TIME now.
Bless You and Congrats! Don't worry about the next three months just live and you know the rules and what to look for as symptoms ate concerned. Again congrats!
tafkalil saidWell of course I'm not, its not like I'm some ho. Before I was with the guy it had been 3 years since I had been with a guy. So please, don't cast stones.
Anyways, the test came back Negative!! So I am clean as of 5/18/09. I go back in 3 months to get tested again. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts guys, really meant a lot. I will definitely be safe ALL THE TIME now.
Congrats! Now do get tested again, because quite frankly you're still in the risk window for developing the HIV markers. But don't hide your head in the sand, you're better for knowing if you are actually poz, so you can begin a program of treatment quickly.
My partner & I are tested regularly, though we are at zero risk. In fact, during my scheduled doctor visit 2 weeks ago I asked that an HIV test be included in my routine blood work, which otherwise wouldn't have been done.
We do it for 2 reasons: as a mark of good faith with each other, and as an example for other gays. We work with the HIV/AIDS community, and it would be hypocritical and send the wrong message if we didn't do what we preach.
If you are gay you get tested, period. Do it for yourself, and do it for our community. This is one way we help to control this plague.
So is there a time limit I need to wait out before I get tested, or should I go ahead and schedule an appointment?
Don't worry about the next three months just live and you know the rules and what to look for as symptoms ate concerned.
