Question for Teak and Others

[Worried 9999]

Teak, I wanted to ask your take on this because I know that you are extremely well informed on HIV and HIV testing.

I had unprotected (condom breakage) vaginal sex with a prostitute 10 weeks ago.  I won't go into detail about the symptoms as they are irrelevant.

However, I wanted your opinion about my testing thus far.  I am going to test out to 13 weeks because I want to be absolutely sure about my status.  However, until that 13th week arrives, I am looking for some comfort in my test results thus far.

I have had a negative OraQuick done at 6, 8, and 10 weeks.  I also foolishly had a PCR DNA test done at 8 weeks.  It was also negative.  Bearing in mind that I will still test out to 13 weeks, do you at least believe that I can be "confident" in my negative status until then?  Based on the test results alone, do you think the odds are well in my favor?  Or do you believe that it is 13 weeks or nothing?

Best,

Ryan

[mike_no]

Ryan,

If you ask me, I'd tell you

DNA PCR + antibody at the 10th week = 100 % HIV NEGATIVE

You could go ahead and retest at the 12 week but I know what's going to be the result , definitely Negative

If you wanna know why:

DNA PCR after 30 days is conclusive (though it's not a standard diagnostic test alone) but you backed it with a 10 week antibody and that's where it all ends, you're negative :)

Technically,

DNA PCRs (NAT) look for the virus directly unlike the antibody tests

The HIV replicates it self in millions every day and at the 7 the week imagine the number of virus present in an human body if truly HIV positive

If the virus was present in your body, it would have been detected in Millions but guess what not even one virus was detected !!!

Average time to seroconvert : 14 -22 -42 days and two weeks preceding seroconversion would be good enough to show up detectable antibodies, a test at the 70th day is definitely reliable

Best Regards

Mike

[Worried 9999]

Thanks for the reassurance Mike.  I most likely believe you and my test results.  I do take comfort in my testing history.  I fully believe that the odds are WELL in my favor.  

However, maybe it's just because of my personality, or the fact that HIV is such a devastating thing that I'm not going to be able to put it past me until I hit that 3 month test.  

I was hoping for a response from Teak though given his conservative views on testing and the window period.  I know he disagrees with Dr. HHH, and most of the people on this board, but his opinion carries some weight with me.  I'm just curious about what he is going to have to say in response to my plight.

Thanks again for the response Mike.  You have always given me comfort and info with your posts.  Thanks again.

[mike_no]

Ryan,

My intention here has always has been to logically analyze one's situation and present facts, yes I do rely a little bit on practicality cuz I'm sure by now even you might have understood that CDC is very conservative about many things, which is possible only in books and not in real life

My notion wasn't meant to deliberately comfort you but I told you what's true

You could go ahead retest at the 13 weeks, meanwhile I'll practice my "I TOLD YAs"

Mike

[Teak]

You are negative. I would not worry anymore about it. Just make sure when using condoms that you use plenty of water base lube.

[dumbo]

" but his opinion carries some weight with me.:"

LMAO.....why?????????????????????

[Worried 9999]

I know that Teaks views are in the minority here on this board.  However, given the gravity of the situation that we are all in, I would like to hear information from all comers.  I'm not saying that Teak is right in his theories and I'm not saying he's wrong.  What I do know is that he has spent a lot more dealing with and researching HIV issues than I have.  Therefore, I am interested in what he has to say in that regard.

Best,

Ryan

[dumbo]

You are wrong there.  Teak is not in the minority here anymore.  his repetitive fear tactics are obviously working.

Read my post on how he has beat ALL the odds......he is literally 1 in a million...maybe more.  

I asked how his unfortunate infection was recorded in the "stats" I get blamed for quoting wrong....I received no reply to that question.  I am assuming that he recorded it as "other".

[Worried 9999]

I have appreciated reading your posts as well.  They too have been very comforting and informative.  I, just like almost everyone else, come to this board to deal with my anxiety about a possible HIV exposure.  For this reason, I don't think that it is a wise course of action to get into a fued with Teak.

I think Teak means well with his views.  He doesn't want anyone to suffer the same fate that he has.  He would rather be conservative with his views on the window period because in the end, shortening the window period does no good other than putting us worried wells at ease.  On the other hand, shortening the window period in haste, or because that is what we all want to hear can have terrible and obvious consequences.

Again, I don't necessarily agree with everything that he says.  However, he is more knowledgeable that I am, and knowledge about HIV is really what I'm after right now.