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Dear Doctor, please help me to leave my fear behind before the New Year once and for ALL!
Dear Doctor, I am a 19-year-old woman obsessed , fearful, and full of anxiety. I simply can't let go and am looking to find some comfort in the opinion of a doctor experienced in this field. That being said, my story is as follows:
Whilst on vacation in Trinidad several months back, I had a little too much to drink on our departure night (May 9th, 2009) and wound up foolishly having unprotected sex with a guy I met during my short time there. It was incredibly stupid of me, and even more incredibly stupid of me not to think anything of the possible consequences for such a long period of time.
November 2009, I watched an HIV special on TV which shook me into a wakeup call: I recounted on my exposure in May and realized my need to be tested :
November 12, 2009 I went for a routine pap smear at Planned Parenthood. The gyno informed me everything looked normal, and if the labs came back different I would receive a call.
November 21, 2009: I returned to Planned Parenthood for an HIV test (I wanted to put myself at a decent enough time past 6 months, as I had heard that was the window period) It was done via rapid ORAQUICK FINGER STICK...the result: negative. However my relief was shortlived, as I had called the guy from Trinidad and asked him straight out about his sexual health. I asked if he had HIV, and he started to sound extremely shaky and awkward. Stating "I havent been tested in sometime, you should go Ive had multiple partners". This was a kick in the face, and when I told him I did get tested, and was negative...he didn't believe I went for some reason or another. Thus scaring me into testing a second time.
Dec. 1, 2009: I went to a random clinic and got another rapid test: STAT PAK 1/2 and the result was negative. The tester informed me I was testing too close from my last test, and that I should get blood work done at a lab to satisfy my doubts. story continued:
Whilst on vacation in Trinidad several months back, I had a little too much to drink on our departure night (May 9th, 2009) and wound up foolishly having unprotected sex with a guy I met during my short time there. It was incredibly stupid of me, and even more incredibly stupid of me not to think anything of the possible consequences for such a long period of time.
November 2009, I watched an HIV special on TV which shook me into a wakeup call: I recounted on my exposure in May and realized my need to be tested :
November 12, 2009 I went for a routine pap smear at Planned Parenthood. The gyno informed me everything looked normal, and if the labs came back different I would receive a call.
November 21, 2009: I returned to Planned Parenthood for an HIV test (I wanted to put myself at a decent enough time past 6 months, as I had heard that was the window period) It was done via rapid ORAQUICK FINGER STICK...the result: negative. However my relief was shortlived, as I had called the guy from Trinidad and asked him straight out about his sexual health. I asked if he had HIV, and he started to sound extremely shaky and awkward. Stating "I havent been tested in sometime, you should go Ive had multiple partners". This was a kick in the face, and when I told him I did get tested, and was negative...he didn't believe I went for some reason or another. Thus scaring me into testing a second time.
Dec. 1, 2009: I went to a random clinic and got another rapid test: STAT PAK 1/2 and the result was negative. The tester informed me I was testing too close from my last test, and that I should get blood work done at a lab to satisfy my doubts. story continued:
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This is a new question. It should have been asked that way. I will however answer in the hopes that this will suffice for you.
Condom protected sex is safe sex, thus there is virtually no risk of HIV from vaginal intercourse in which the condom stays intact, even in the unlikely situation that your partner had HIV. (BTW, given your anxieties, I presume you asked your partner before having sex if he had been tested for HIV, the result and when? This is something we advise everyone to do but is particularly appropriate for you).
As far as blood tests, you do not need one but since you did not follow my advice last time, I suspect you won't this time either (which makes me wonder why you ask?) At any rate, about half of people who acquire HIV have positive blood tests at 2 weeks, at 4 weeks the figure is in excess of 90% and at 8 weeks virtually everyone who is going to develop a positive test has done so.
This concludes this thread. If there are further questions you must start a new thread. I hope however my answer will suffice. Take care. EWH
Condom protected sex is safe sex, thus there is virtually no risk of HIV from vaginal intercourse in which the condom stays intact, even in the unlikely situation that your partner had HIV. (BTW, given your anxieties, I presume you asked your partner before having sex if he had been tested for HIV, the result and when? This is something we advise everyone to do but is particularly appropriate for you).
As far as blood tests, you do not need one but since you did not follow my advice last time, I suspect you won't this time either (which makes me wonder why you ask?) At any rate, about half of people who acquire HIV have positive blood tests at 2 weeks, at 4 weeks the figure is in excess of 90% and at 8 weeks virtually everyone who is going to develop a positive test has done so.
This concludes this thread. If there are further questions you must start a new thread. I hope however my answer will suffice. Take care. EWH
Just an update to you doctor. I tested again after my last post here, against your judgement. It was negative on January 7th, 2010 which if you remember makes that test two days short of 8 months post my original (May 9) exposure . I know you have told me there is no way I could have gotten hiv and still be negative at this point. This anxiety has caused me to question everything as a possible exposure, however, so the point here is. I did state in my revised question to you that I had gotten up the courage to have intercourse since all of this. A little before Christmas last month, I had protected sex but Im concerned the condom was slipping since he was quite soft. Do you think my January 7 test is also conclusive regarding this (low? Or no?) risk situation or is it too soon? I heard the average time to seroconversion is actually 25 days?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I have had what I have to say about your risk for HIV. Your fears and anxiety is unrealistic and, I suspect, harmful to you and your relationships with others. You do not need further HIV testing, you need to seek the help of a trained mental health professional in grappling with your anxieties. I say this out of concern and nothing more. EWH
Dr. Hook, I know you maynt respond to me but I am truly terrified by my persisting symptoms. I am experiencing a bad outbreak on my upper right arm, it looks somewhat like ringworm or some kind of skin lesion/ shingles and I have no idea where they have come from as my doctor insists it has nothing to do with my herpes. I know that I tested past the window period for HIV, but that window period is based on statistics and I usually never fit into statistics and have a feeling this is no different. Also my appetite has not returned nor have I gained weight. Are such scabs/ringworm common in a person infected with HIV? I truly have no idea what is going on with my body anymore and my anxiety will never go away if my symptoms don't. I want to believe it is impossible to test positive after 6 months, but when there have been reported cases how can I?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is a clean cut answer for your. Being at higher risk (not that you really were at dramatically higher risk) does not mean you have to test for longer. You did not get HIV. You can test more but the result will be the same. It is now time for you do step away from your concerns over the exposure you described and address yoiur anxiety. Going from web site to web site will not help you to accomplish this. I have nothing more to say. EWH
I am very stressed because i feel as though i was at very high risk ; unprotected vaginal in a 3rd world country with the possibilty i may have had hsv2 then, and the male has confessed to me he hasnt been tested in a while , and has been very promiscuous. The aids rate in Trinidad is high. my doctor told me that she would recommend i keep testing up to a year. That is crazy. also I was on thebody.com today, and a poster had told Dr. Bob he slept with a hiv+ woman unprotected, and the doctor told him to start PEP, test at 3 months and again at 6 because his partner was confirmed
. What the heck? I thought 3 months was conclusive no matta what.... i dont understand. It is very hard because there is no clean-cut answer.
. What the heck? I thought 3 months was conclusive no matta what.... i dont understand. It is very hard because there is no clean-cut answer.
You are to stressed for nothing you have a negative 6 month plus test after exposure.. You dont have HIV no way no how... The onliest time I have heard or read about people testing out of the Window Period due to an exposure is people who take PEP or IV drug users.. Correct me Dr. Hook if I am wrong...
You need to quit reading on the net searching for answers.. You will only add to your stress and anxiety goodluck...
You need to quit reading on the net searching for answers.. You will only add to your stress and anxiety goodluck...
Dear doctor....can u clarify one last thing up for me? What did you mean by "The PCR test is totally independant of antibody production" ? Also, is it true that the higher the risk the longer you need to test out? I now realize there is a possibilty i may have had hsv2 during the encounter.
Thank you doctor, and I will be sure to check out the website, Merry Christmas. And Happy New Year...I know I'm ready for this one to be over.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for re-stating your question. I can tell you that without a doubt you do not have HIV. the effect of low vitamin D on antibody production is modest and would not make your tests for HIV antibody negative. In addition, you have been tested at times beyond which virtually ALL who have acquired HIV will have developed positive tests. Finally, the HIV PCR test is totally independent of antibody production and thus confirms that, without a doubt, you did not get HIV.
By way of explanation, I would also point out that if your questionable partner did in fact have HIV, your risk of infection is only 1 infection per 1000 episodes of intercourse. Thus, while unprotected sex with a partner of unknown status is never a good idea, the odds are very much in your favor, a fact that was "proven" by your multiple negative blood tests.
I hope that my statement here will help you enter the New Year without concerns about HIV from an exposure 6 months ago- you do not have it. No further testing for HIV is needed. EWH
While this is the HIV Forum, while you are working out your HSV status with further testing, you may wish to visit the web site of the American Social Health Association (ASHA). It has lots of good information. (Disclosure, both Dr, Handsfield and I are members of the ASHA Board of Directors) EWH
By way of explanation, I would also point out that if your questionable partner did in fact have HIV, your risk of infection is only 1 infection per 1000 episodes of intercourse. Thus, while unprotected sex with a partner of unknown status is never a good idea, the odds are very much in your favor, a fact that was "proven" by your multiple negative blood tests.
I hope that my statement here will help you enter the New Year without concerns about HIV from an exposure 6 months ago- you do not have it. No further testing for HIV is needed. EWH
While this is the HIV Forum, while you are working out your HSV status with further testing, you may wish to visit the web site of the American Social Health Association (ASHA). It has lots of good information. (Disclosure, both Dr, Handsfield and I are members of the ASHA Board of Directors) EWH
I am a 19-year-old female.
I had unprotected vaginal sex while on vacation in Trinidad on May 9, 2009. It was my last unprotected exposure. 6 months later I went to a Planned Parenthood for a rapid hiv test, on November 21. The result was negative via Ora Quick Finger Prick. Still afraid, after learning some incriminating information about the guy in Trinidad, plus reading up on false negatives and window period confusions, I decided to test again on Dec. 1st at a random clinic. The result was negative from a Stat-Pak 1/2. The tester advised me I was testing too close together, even though I waited a little over 6 months. She told me to get blood work done at a lab. I went to Quest Labs and got blood drawn to screen for HIV, HEP C/B, HSV1 & 2. The HIV was non-reactive (although i dont know what test was done) as obtained by results given to me on Dec, 8th. However, I tested positive for HSV1&2 and she also disclosed that my vitamin D was extremely, extremely low. I know vitamin D helps the immune system produce antibodies. I also was found to have lost 11 lbs between November 12, to Dec 8th. Horrified by the possibility of Herpes and extremely low vitamin D causing delayed antibody response, I got blood drawn for a PCR-RNA test that day. The result came back Dec.10th, negative. However I am still experiencing symptoms. Should I test again, or are my 4 tests done past the recommended window period, the last one being a PCR-RNA at a few days short of 7 months post exposure, conclusive, despite my complications? I have finally had the courage to have intercourse again since all of this, it was protected although I did not disclose with my partner my HSV2 diagnosis as I am waiting for more definitive testing (it was a low positive.) Now I am still worried I might have some kind of undetectable HIV.
I had unprotected vaginal sex while on vacation in Trinidad on May 9, 2009. It was my last unprotected exposure. 6 months later I went to a Planned Parenthood for a rapid hiv test, on November 21. The result was negative via Ora Quick Finger Prick. Still afraid, after learning some incriminating information about the guy in Trinidad, plus reading up on false negatives and window period confusions, I decided to test again on Dec. 1st at a random clinic. The result was negative from a Stat-Pak 1/2. The tester advised me I was testing too close together, even though I waited a little over 6 months. She told me to get blood work done at a lab. I went to Quest Labs and got blood drawn to screen for HIV, HEP C/B, HSV1 & 2. The HIV was non-reactive (although i dont know what test was done) as obtained by results given to me on Dec, 8th. However, I tested positive for HSV1&2 and she also disclosed that my vitamin D was extremely, extremely low. I know vitamin D helps the immune system produce antibodies. I also was found to have lost 11 lbs between November 12, to Dec 8th. Horrified by the possibility of Herpes and extremely low vitamin D causing delayed antibody response, I got blood drawn for a PCR-RNA test that day. The result came back Dec.10th, negative. However I am still experiencing symptoms. Should I test again, or are my 4 tests done past the recommended window period, the last one being a PCR-RNA at a few days short of 7 months post exposure, conclusive, despite my complications? I have finally had the courage to have intercourse again since all of this, it was protected although I did not disclose with my partner my HSV2 diagnosis as I am waiting for more definitive testing (it was a low positive.) Now I am still worried I might have some kind of undetectable HIV.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You have not followed the Forum rules. The character limit is present for a reason. If you cannot state your question within the character limit it is too complex a question to be answered in an on-line site. If you re-state your question(s) clearly and concisely I will do my best to answer them. EWH
So the same day as the rapid test (Dec. 1) I went and got my blood drawn at Quest lab to screen for HIV, HEP C, HEP B, HSV1&2. The results came back on Dec. 8th. I was, as the doctor put it: "negative for STDS that can kill you." My HIV was non-reactive, although I did not ask her what kind of testing was done. I was too startled by the other results of the labs. I tested positive for HSV 1&2, as well as her telling me my vitamin D was EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY LOW. She also weighed me at 129, when on November 12, the day I went for my pap smear I was 140. Rapid weight loss. I broke down at all of this, expressing with my doctor my fear that due to my extremely low vitamin d (which i know produces antibodies), and herpes infection that I may be having a delayed antibody response even after 6 months. She said while unlikely, my fear warranted some possibility and sent me for an HIV PCR-RNA test. The same day, I went and got my blood drawn for this test. I was told it was a more extensive kind of test, so the results might take longer. Thus I was shocked when the came back two days later, on Dec. 10th: Negative. I still experience a bucket load of symptoms, such as diarrhea from day to day, tingling and itching all over and muscle aches. I just cant help but feel I am one of those rare people who take much longer for HIV antibodies to be produced...especially given my herpes diagnosis as well as low vitamin D. I fear I will go back in a month and test positive, and this fear is eating away at me despite constantly being told otherwise by knowledgeable indivuals and I am also in therapy. I'm afraid I have also made matters much worse for myself:
After 7 months since the incident in May, I finally got up the courage to have intercourse again last night. It was prtoected of course, however although he knows about my incident in May, my negative HIV tests and normal papsmear thereafter, I did not disclose with him my Herpes diagnosis as I am waiting for more difinitve testing to prove the antibody result. I was told by my doctor it was confirmed by a Wester Blot, however it was a low positive and I was also told by a few other people it was highly unlikely I recieved a Western Blot for Herpes, as I live on the East Coast and got my results back in less than a week. I have had no signs and no outbreaks ever, so I am going for more testing to be sure....as such, since I used a condom last night...I did not disclose any of this information with my partner. I thought that a condom was effective against the spread of Herpes, and now I am finding out the contrary. I feel extremely awful for not telling him now that I know I could pass HSV2 even with a condom, and also my HIV fears are levitating to new heights now that I learn I am at higher risk of obtaning the HIV virus because I have Herpes. Are condoms still AS effective against HIV , even with HSV2? Or are condoms less effective now that I have Herpes -- this is something I am very confused on and can't seem to get a straight answer on. I feel so crazy, I am going to give up on having a normal sexual life anymore. I can't stop thinking what if I go and test again in a month and I will show up positive, despite my negative tests at 7 months post exposure. I can't stop thinking what if this what if that: What if one of my testers stuck me with a used needle? What if Herpes and Vitamin D defiency are causing a very delayed antibody response.....What if I will be punished by some higher power above... for not disclosing my HSV2 diagnosis before having sex last night (ALTHOUGH IT DEFINITELY PROTECTED), and consequently test positive for something much worse (HIV) speficically, despite my negative testing thus far? I hope I am making sense. I am clearly a trainwreck, and on the verge of crying as I type this all up. and although I am in therapy I can't cope I can't function. I just want to know the truth about everything....speficially, depsite all my signs, symptoms...complications....were my four negative tests at a few days short of 7 months...REALLY AND TRULY CONCLUSIVE? Or should I test AGAIN?
Please and thanks, and happy holidays to you and yours.
After 7 months since the incident in May, I finally got up the courage to have intercourse again last night. It was prtoected of course, however although he knows about my incident in May, my negative HIV tests and normal papsmear thereafter, I did not disclose with him my Herpes diagnosis as I am waiting for more difinitve testing to prove the antibody result. I was told by my doctor it was confirmed by a Wester Blot, however it was a low positive and I was also told by a few other people it was highly unlikely I recieved a Western Blot for Herpes, as I live on the East Coast and got my results back in less than a week. I have had no signs and no outbreaks ever, so I am going for more testing to be sure....as such, since I used a condom last night...I did not disclose any of this information with my partner. I thought that a condom was effective against the spread of Herpes, and now I am finding out the contrary. I feel extremely awful for not telling him now that I know I could pass HSV2 even with a condom, and also my HIV fears are levitating to new heights now that I learn I am at higher risk of obtaning the HIV virus because I have Herpes. Are condoms still AS effective against HIV , even with HSV2? Or are condoms less effective now that I have Herpes -- this is something I am very confused on and can't seem to get a straight answer on. I feel so crazy, I am going to give up on having a normal sexual life anymore. I can't stop thinking what if I go and test again in a month and I will show up positive, despite my negative tests at 7 months post exposure. I can't stop thinking what if this what if that: What if one of my testers stuck me with a used needle? What if Herpes and Vitamin D defiency are causing a very delayed antibody response.....What if I will be punished by some higher power above... for not disclosing my HSV2 diagnosis before having sex last night (ALTHOUGH IT DEFINITELY PROTECTED), and consequently test positive for something much worse (HIV) speficically, despite my negative testing thus far? I hope I am making sense. I am clearly a trainwreck, and on the verge of crying as I type this all up. and although I am in therapy I can't cope I can't function. I just want to know the truth about everything....speficially, depsite all my signs, symptoms...complications....were my four negative tests at a few days short of 7 months...REALLY AND TRULY CONCLUSIVE? Or should I test AGAIN?
Please and thanks, and happy holidays to you and yours.
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