Is my nightmare finally over?

[nightmareover]

I have tested twice and both have come back negative, thankfully. First was at 8 weeks after unsafe sexual encounter. I took the follow-up three month test and that also came back negative. I have read lots of posts saying that 3 months is conclusive. I live in the Southwest region of the USA where it seems doctors are a bit behind the times as far as HIV goes. All the doctors and Nurse Practitioners that I've spoken to have told me that it is not conclusive at 3 months and that I need to stop listening to anybody who has told me that 3 months is conclusive. They told me that only a 6 month test is conclusive. Even the people who work at the HIV clinic told me that only 6 months is conclusive. They handed me a pamphlet that says this. I kinda panicked when I read it. Then I looked at the back of the pamphlet and read that it was published in 1992! I guess I am just posting for some reassurance that my 3 months is okay. The last 3 months were a nightmare for me of worry, anxiety and a lot of sleepless nights. So am I okay now?

[Vance2335]

3 Months is conclusive. Go into the experts forum and read what the Dr's have to say about testing time. These are 2 of the most highly respected Dr's in the HIV field. They know a lot more then whoever you have seen.

[LIZZIE LOU]

CONCLUSIVE :)

[nightmareover]

Thanks for the reassurance! I just wanted to thank Vance, Lizzie Lou, Teak, nursegirl and of course the doctors on this forum and the information that you provide. This forum helped get me through the last couple of weeks waiting for my test results to come back.

[stupidassmoron]

I am told at 6 weeks a rapid test is 99% and here in MA we all believe a 6 week test is conclusive and in some states like PA they say 4 weeks....

[LIZZIE LOU]

until the cdc, fda, and the manufacturers of the tests agree to change the current guideline...3 months stands as conclusive.