Final Post

This is probably my last post here on medhelp and i appreciate all of the info i've read here.
The past 6 months of my life have been a living hell.

I'm a full time student and i find it very difficult to maintain good grades let alone normal daily functioning.

ive just begun to work myself up to consider getting tested but i am so so so very afraid. since my paranoia began [see my first post for info about my exposure] i've abstained from sex/unsafe practices for fear or possible transmission even though i am unaware of my status. i just need advice on how to push myself to walking thru those clinic doors. I've met someone new who i am completely fond of and we've discussed things such as the importance of getting tested before taking it to that level and i completely agree. He doesn't know about my anxiety related to the fact that my status is unknown... I would never want to hurt him or anyone else because I care. so i realize what my responsibilities are. I just want so much for a negative result so i can pursue a healthy relationship with someone i care about. this anxiety is killing me....I admit to the fact that i've been symptom searching and alot of the things i've been enduring for almost half a year are most likely a manifestation my crippling anxiety...but I guess...i just need support since I'm too afraid to seek it elsewhere. any suggestions on rapid tests to take or the accuracy of home test kits? Id like to have anonymity as well as same day results.

thanks :]

[joggen]

If your only risk was "a combination of unprotected/protected sex 3-4xs with male of unknown status" your result will almost certainly be negative. Very few people get infected in your situation, unless the partner has some risk factors that would increase his odds of infection (bisexual or iv drug user).

But even if you are somehow really unlucky and got infected, you either have it right now or you don't. You need to do yourself a favor as you know that getting tested is the only way for you to move on.

You need to just walk into that clinic expecting a negative result, and picture in your mind how relieved you will be when the nurse tells you that you're negative.

I would recommend a blood test over a rapid test as the chances for false positives are much higher. Planned parenthood or your local health department are suggestions. I suggest these over an at home test as you would obviously benefit from face to face HIV counseling.

[poppystar]

thank you for your response. when i go in for testing will they allow me to choose what type of test id like to take or will that be based on availability depending on that particular location? how long does it take to receive blood test results? id really prefer not to wait weeks.  

regards,
tf

[joggen]

That depends on the clinic. If you really want a rapid test, I'm pretty sure planned parenthood offers those. I generally advise against that in low risk situations like yours for the reasons I've said. But since you're so anxious that might be the best option for you. And I don't mean to scare you about false +'s -they are not common.

I think it generally takes 1-2 weeks for blood test results to come back (mine took 8 days).

But obviously you need to contact the clinics in your area and inquire about testing options and turn around times when you make your appointment. Please do it first thing tomorrow.