Scared about an upcoming HIV test

[LisaS1983]

Three weeks ago, I had sex with a guy who I don't know that great.  I know he gets around, he didn't even want to use a condom but I made him and it broke (before he ejaculated)!  When I heard stories about people getting STDs/HIV that said the condom broke I was always the type to to think to myself, ya right they're full of it and just were trying to make themselves look better.   Well guess what I was wronggg!  I just went for my annual gyno appointment on Nov 11, 2009 and I was tested for all STD's and I was fine.  I had sex with this guy Nov 29, 2009 at about 5 a.m, condom breaks, 4-5 days later I noticed a funny odor and I never smelled in my life!  Sure enough I get tested again and he gave me Trichiamoniasis!  I'm still waiting for the chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis tests to come back.  I didn't get an HIV test because I read online the average amount of time it takes most people to have enough HIV antibodies for a rapid HIV test to detect takes 25 days, however the CDC recommended window period (the time between first infection and when the test can reliably detect that infection) is 3 months and in some cases 6 months!  I've been keeping count literally by the hour since we had sex to get this test.  I've had anxiety about HIV tests before, but this time its different...I feel like I can feel that I have it.  I'm literally sick from anxiety (and maybe the infection.)  I feel nauseous, sad, crying, depressed, pains in my chest, fatigue.  Anyone else in the same situation or experienced this situation?

[LisaS1983]

***Another Update***  I had a rapid HIV test performed today (Uni-gold Recombigen 10 minute test) and it was negative!  I know the window period is 90 days/3 months and its only been 38 days since the possible exposure, BUT I'm feeling pretty confident I'm OK.  Just wanted to share that with anyone who reads this post and feels anxious, hopefully this well help ease you nerves.

[LisaS1983]

*UPDATE* I went to my 2 week follow up appointment and got my test results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and they were all negative! Also, my trichomoniasis infection completely cleared.  I'm feeling pretty good but now I just have to get the HIV done.

[LisaS1983]

Hi,  

Thanks for the support.  I've been trying to keep my mind off of the subject and actually the more time that goes by the less I care, I just cant keep putting out so much energy into researching and worrying anymore.  I'm just starting to feel like, I either got it or I didn't, and if I do then there's nothing I can do to change it.  I think most of my anxiety comes from just not knowing!  I just want to know so I can deal with it.  I keep imagining going for the rapid test and 20 mins later having the person sit me down and say I'm sorry to tell you this but your test result is positive.  This 3 month wait is driving me crazy!  My life is on hold because of one stupid night.  It makes me even more mad b.c I'm not the type to think I'm invincible, I'm the opposite actually.  I really did try doing things "right" by using a condom and still no luck. I'm mad at myself.  Speaking of chlamydia, I'm still waiting on those results plus syphilis and gonorhrea results too.  Im scared I'll have at least one of those.  To top it all off i just had my annual gyno exam and I was perfectly fine, not 1 STD.

[Vance2335]

A positive test at this point means nothing because false positives do happen. That is why we recommend tested at 3 months. It is 100% and if you do get a positive antibody at 3 months you get a WB to confirm those results. But testing now will do you no good.

[mwb17]

Hey Lisa, sorry to hear about your anxiety. I am going through a similar thing, as I had unprotected sex with a girl who i knew very well and asked her about her testing. She was "clean" but I ended up with Chlamydia, so I know how you feel somewhat. I took a 6 orasure test to ease my mind, which was negative, but waiting for the 3 month test. I know how you feel, your scared and its all you can think of. The one thing I can say is to stay offline from HIV symptoms sites. You will get a wide variety of symptoms that are common, and may even scare you into getting them. Surround yourself with friends. Workout.... Do things that will keep your mind off of this. When your alone, talk to one of your friends,  call them up. Do something. Just don't sit in your room and freak out. You will end up with stomach and lower back pain from anxiety. I wish the best for you, but just try and take your mind off it.

All the best,
mwb17

[LisaS1983]

Teak-  sorry about that.
Andreab19- He didn't ejaculate.  I'm not sure if there was pre-ejaculate though...the condom came lubricated on both sides so I couldn't tell if it was the lube or pre-ejaculate.  I'm going to get tested today, I know its early but just curious anyway.  I figure if it comes out positive then I def got it. If its negative then I'll feel a little better but not 100% until I get a negative result at the 3 month mark.

[andreab19]

Haha sorry... I guess that would be March 1, not February 29.

[andreab19]

Being scared is normal.
Did he ejaculate inside of you after the condom broke?
Your 3 month test will be conclusive. Get 6 months out of your head.
You can test on February 29th and it will be conclusive.

[Teak]

Your questions need to be posted in the HIV Prevention Forum. This is a forum for individuals who are HIV positive or have AIDS to connect and support each other.