Stressed -

So, I was tested for HIV 10 years ago.  After my divorce, I had unprotected sex with a few people.  I have now been in a monogamous relationship for 4.5 years. We have done it all.  He gives blood and has been tested, but I have not.  No symptoms.  I know...I could show none for up to 14 years.  I'm highly stressed normally and figure that woudl definitely speed up an progression of a disease.  I am now pregnant.  I declined the test (stupid me!) and now am freaking out.  I had a Hep C test because of a peircing and it is negative.  All my other blood work is fine.  

I plan on getting tested at my next visit.  My question is:
What are my risks of being postive.  I am a heterosexual woman...I have never used IV drugs or been with anyone who has.  I have not had unprotected sex with anyone who has been with other men.  

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Simon7]

Addendum....does a negative Hep C test give me any consolation?

[Simon7]

This will be my last addendum...I have had normal pap tests since the time of my last test, have had no STIs, and had no symptoms.  I'm very healthy, except for my anxiety.

[sparkeler]

Whoa relax.  You have no real reason to suspect you are HIV positive.  I would say you actually WOULD notice if you had hiv after 14 years.  Something would have to be off.  I think you should go ahead & test for your baby's sake, so you don't miscarry b/c of the stress you are putting on yourself.  Your hiv test will be negative.  But peace of mind is a powerful thing!

[Simon7]

Thanks.  It hasn't been 14 years, but I generally think I'm okay, but I have so much anxiety and now with the pregnancy and all the hormones I freak out.  Like I said, my husband regularly gives blood and he's negative.  I've not had yeast infections or anything else, but I'm sure I could worry myself into all kinds of HIV related illnesses.  Thanks.  I plan on getting tested but it always helps to go in with "I'm okay" but let's test to be sure kind of thinking, rather than "Oh no!  I've got it!  Now what?!"

Thanks so much!!!

[Xhost]

Simon,

I suppose, as an expectant mother, that it is natural to be worried and anxious about all sorts of things. Congratulations on your pregnancy, by the way.

You sound like you are going to be just fine. If having an HIV test is one of those things to cross off your list just so that you can sleep better at night, by all means, go ahead and do it. As the wise poster said before me: peace of mind is a powerful thing. Also, you probably already know or you will find out, mothers-to-be routinely get tested for HIV at some point. So, you can get it now, or wait. If getting it now helps, then sure, go get it now.

If you are going to go get test, you could do worse than find a clinic or doctor's office that offers one of the rapid tests. The rapid tests on the market today will either use your blood or a swab of your gum and cheeks as the testing medium, and the results are usually available to you within 10 to 30 minutes. Heck, you could do it on your lunch hour and with any luck have an extra thirty minutes to grab a bite to eat ;-).

Best of wishes to you and the baby!