Aa
Immunopressive therapy?
The only reason I am scared is because me and my baby that I breastfeed keep getting sick. She is on her 2nd ear infection since September and is still sick after antibiotics. My 12 week test was negative for HIV and hepatitis c after a needle stick, but I was taking a medrol dose pack for 3 days before my 6 week test and I had a kenalog shot a week before my 12 week test. I read that those drugs interfere with a test and that it can take 6 months to develop antibodies. Is my test really accurate?
Stay off the internet,it's the best thing you can do.People have gone mad & made poor decisions just from what they have read on the internet.Find something else to do to occupy your time.You know you're safe now,there is no need to keep asking questions about your incident anymore--all the best.
Thank you. After I read your post, it puts things into perspective. I am what iffing and need to stop. I need to get off the Internet. I guess I just needed someone to tell me to do that.
"but I was taking a medrol dose pack for 3 days before my 6 week test and I had a kenalog shot a week before my 12 week test. I read that those drugs interfere with a test and that it can take 6 months to develop antibodies. Is my test really accurate?"
I want to add that your quote above is a perfect example of why searching the internet is a BAD idea. You're taking info out of context and applying it to your situation, trying to find a way in your mind that it's possible that HIV is a concern for you.
Immunosuppressive drugs that could THEORETICALLY cause a delay in antibody production would be things like anti-rejection medications taken post organ transplant, or chemotherapeutic drugs. Not Prednisone.
Also, the days of a person taking true immunosuppressive drugs needing up to 6 months to ensure a conclusive result are basically done and gone. With the advancements in testing sensitivity, even people in those groups would almost ALWAYS test positive within the 3 month window period, even if they're advised to test out to 6 months. That's just a precaution for the most part these days. You taking the medications you did would not have interfered with the antibody production.
Your anxious mind is trying to find a way to link HIV with your issues. Only YOU can help yourself break that cycle. That will require professional intervention and making a concerted effort to do whatever you can to stop seeking information about HIV. All you're doing is reinforcing your fears.
I want to add that your quote above is a perfect example of why searching the internet is a BAD idea. You're taking info out of context and applying it to your situation, trying to find a way in your mind that it's possible that HIV is a concern for you.
Immunosuppressive drugs that could THEORETICALLY cause a delay in antibody production would be things like anti-rejection medications taken post organ transplant, or chemotherapeutic drugs. Not Prednisone.
Also, the days of a person taking true immunosuppressive drugs needing up to 6 months to ensure a conclusive result are basically done and gone. With the advancements in testing sensitivity, even people in those groups would almost ALWAYS test positive within the 3 month window period, even if they're advised to test out to 6 months. That's just a precaution for the most part these days. You taking the medications you did would not have interfered with the antibody production.
Your anxious mind is trying to find a way to link HIV with your issues. Only YOU can help yourself break that cycle. That will require professional intervention and making a concerted effort to do whatever you can to stop seeking information about HIV. All you're doing is reinforcing your fears.
You have so many questions because they're anxiety driven. Lizzie Lou has a great saying...it's so true and you should keep it in mind...
FEAR IS NOT FACT.
You must focus on the FACTS, not the FEAR. You're "what iffing" yourself into a frenzy and your continued searching about HIV is only fueling your anxiety. You need to seek professional help for your anxiety and obsessive thoughts about HIV. You do NOT have an HIV concern. Neither you nor your baby is at risk.
FEAR IS NOT FACT.
You must focus on the FACTS, not the FEAR. You're "what iffing" yourself into a frenzy and your continued searching about HIV is only fueling your anxiety. You need to seek professional help for your anxiety and obsessive thoughts about HIV. You do NOT have an HIV concern. Neither you nor your baby is at risk.
I know I have asked a lot of questions and I'm sorry. If you could just put yourself in my shoes. It's very scary when there is so much conflicting information and then your baby and yourself keep getting sick. I just want to do the right thing and not hurt anyone else. That's why I have so many questions.
12 weeks is conclusive,6 months is not required & those medications do not affect the result.
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