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Making myself sick thinking about possible hiv infection
I am a 21 year old female. One year ago I made a mistake that has forever haunted me. I had unprotected vaginal sex with this random guy after a drunken night. Shortly after that, I'd say a month, I met my boyfriend whom Ive been with now it's been almost a year. We have had unprtected sex as I was on bc...just recently stopped the pill tho. This will relate as my story unravels. Just about a week and a half ago I started getting weird feelings in my stomach, just generally a sick feeling. For a couple of days, not very much, I got hot flashes and chills. No night sweats really. One time I felt all hot and anxious my heart was palpitating so fast. During this time I had such trouble sleeping. Could be anxiety but the heart palpiations lasted pretty much until my stomach symptoms were gone (atleast I think its stomach). This all lasted 5-6 days. Now that that's done with I feel a weird urge to always swallow like my throat is irritated or like there's a lump in it or something and I check it allll he time and it looks fairly normal maybe a little red. No white stuf flike I've red about...yet anyways Im praying. The biggest thing now though besides the throat is this weakness I'm feeling in my leg muscles. Not enough to keep my from my daily life activities but enough so that I notice I'm not myself. Sometimes I get random tingling in my left arm off and on. It's strange. Everyone is not taking me seriously but perhaps that's because they dont know of my stupid encounter a year ago. I know i know i know get tested for hiv but that's a lot to handle, I need to mentally prepare myself so it's been delayed but I will go. I have hypochondriac tendencies but this muscle weakness/fatigue for 3 days seems odd. I never had ARS symptoms in thne time frame they are supposed to occur. Either has my steady bf, who if I am infected, would probably have hiv as we've done it unprotected many many times. Also, I have no rash or fever, I can't feel my lymph nodes and my friends tell me if they were swollen Id feel them easily. However, I have this weird itch all over but no bumps or flaky skin, just generally more itchiness. My main questions are:
1) what does this sound like? Is it normal to have these symptoms a year after cause I read symptoms in healthy ppl usually dont show up until years after? could I be THAT unlucky that I'm that small percentage that experiences symptoms and develops AIDS within a year? Would I know if I had AIDS? So basically a year later is it common to have these symptoms be honest i can handle it I think:(
2) what are the chances me and my bf are both infected but both never experienced ars symptoms.
ps. I realize my symptoms are varied that's what's so confusing, I went to a clinic initially who said it was stomach flu but now I know better because I'm pretty sure leg muscle weakness even if associated with teh flu wouldn't last very long. I just picture my funeral allllll the time and it's really just always in the back of my head. My family nor bf who wants to marry me could handle this. Thank you.
1) what does this sound like? Is it normal to have these symptoms a year after cause I read symptoms in healthy ppl usually dont show up until years after? could I be THAT unlucky that I'm that small percentage that experiences symptoms and develops AIDS within a year? Would I know if I had AIDS? So basically a year later is it common to have these symptoms be honest i can handle it I think:(
2) what are the chances me and my bf are both infected but both never experienced ars symptoms.
ps. I realize my symptoms are varied that's what's so confusing, I went to a clinic initially who said it was stomach flu but now I know better because I'm pretty sure leg muscle weakness even if associated with teh flu wouldn't last very long. I just picture my funeral allllll the time and it's really just always in the back of my head. My family nor bf who wants to marry me could handle this. Thank you.
True. Biolytical the manufacturer is based in Canada and has been approved by Health Canada passing all the stringent clinical trials and therefore this is why Canada is lucky enought to have been one of the first to use this. The UK uses it as well. Im betting soon enough the US will be using it also.
INSTI HIV test is not yet approved in the US. The FDA has given clearance as of a year ago for trials.
worriedsick. you are correct
it is the insti test that is used in Ontario. All are gov't run and all covered under OHIP. They are made in canada. Not by the company that my bf is hoping to get a job at, but another one in BC.
for any other Ontarioians that had any doubt...what Worried sick has posted is very valuable information.
thanks!
it is the insti test that is used in Ontario. All are gov't run and all covered under OHIP. They are made in canada. Not by the company that my bf is hoping to get a job at, but another one in BC.
for any other Ontarioians that had any doubt...what Worried sick has posted is very valuable information.
thanks!
Here's the rapid test now used in Ontario with results as fast as 60 seconds. Sorry Teak I was wrong again as this is different from a multispot test I believe. This is one on its own. This site below very informational, there's pictures and everything. This was my test and will be similar for most of you in Ontario as it is now widely used. It is called the INSTI test. Fashiongirl, this is what you had done guaranteed so like us anyone wondering what the heck test they had done as it does not show up on the net and if it was done under 5 minutes- this would be the test. There is nothing in this forum about this test I don't believe so here it is. I know I'm negative, I believe the results, I'm moving on from any doubt that I'm not cause there's no way I am positive, end of story. Thanks.
http://www.hpa-midas.org.uk/reports/documents/PER06016_Insti-HIV.pdf
http://www.hpa-midas.org.uk/reports/documents/PER06016_Insti-HIV.pdf
To anyone in Ontario uncertain about their negative results because of the timing in which they received them. Take a look at these 3 sites concerning the newest in rapid test results for hiv in Ontario:
http://www.hasslefreeclinic.org/CP22Jun07.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/06/22/ont-hiv-070622.html
http://newsblaze.com/story/2007062212140100001.cc/topstory.html
http://www.hasslefreeclinic.org/CP22Jun07.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/06/22/ont-hiv-070622.html
http://newsblaze.com/story/2007062212140100001.cc/topstory.html
well, neither of us had a 10 minute analysis time. Neither did another girl who I know from these boards that went to the same HIV clinic that I went to.
i'm pretty sure we don't use Oraquick up here at our rapid clinics.
as i was explaining to Worriedsick last night, last year Ontario went on a blitz and opened 50 annoymous rapid testing facilities. All of these facilities are gov't run and use the same testing equipment. She is in Ottawa, i'm in Toronto, the other girl was in Toronto and we've all taken the same test and all got our results in less then 2 minutes and all were reassured that the tests were accurate.
I'm not sure which brand we use, but i've done a lot of reading up on different elisa tests and have found that it is true that you can get some now that give results in 60 seconds.
i'm pretty sure we don't use Oraquick up here at our rapid clinics.
as i was explaining to Worriedsick last night, last year Ontario went on a blitz and opened 50 annoymous rapid testing facilities. All of these facilities are gov't run and use the same testing equipment. She is in Ottawa, i'm in Toronto, the other girl was in Toronto and we've all taken the same test and all got our results in less then 2 minutes and all were reassured that the tests were accurate.
I'm not sure which brand we use, but i've done a lot of reading up on different elisa tests and have found that it is true that you can get some now that give results in 60 seconds.
Worriedsick106, said Oraqucik she did not say Multispot. Multispot takes ten minutes for Analysis Time.
Thanks a bunch! Alright so I'm not crazy here thinking that I actually got an untrained nurse who did not know what she was doing. Sorry for confusion it wasn't oraquick as I thought because as I read more about it, it deals with lines. Mine dealt with dots no lines whatsoever... Yes all in all it was 20 minutes including the counselling but probably even more cause we talked quite a bit guess that's what they are referring to when they say 20 minutes. I was also thinking maybe they say 20 minutes to be safe that if nothing comes up at all after that time, that you should take out another test and try again as it is rendered indeterminable. Great news and reliable from a biologist, I feel a lot better about this now.
it took all of 2 minutes to get my test.
I was concerned as well when the nurse too my blood and came back in 2 minutes later.
she explained that it's a quick rapid test with results in 60 seconds.
She explained how it worked and my boyfriend (biologist) confirmed that she was correct.
I was told that it was a 25 minute appointment. They give 10 minutes for precounseling, then they do the test and then another 10 minutes for post counseling with the test in between.
I was concerned as well when the nurse too my blood and came back in 2 minutes later.
she explained that it's a quick rapid test with results in 60 seconds.
She explained how it worked and my boyfriend (biologist) confirmed that she was correct.
I was told that it was a 25 minute appointment. They give 10 minutes for precounseling, then they do the test and then another 10 minutes for post counseling with the test in between.
Thank you. It was free at the sexual health clinic where I live. I'm sure it is where you are too. Don't buy any home test, it was a little more relaxing and professional when I went to get tested. You'll want people with insight there with you to give you as much information as possible. Best of luck to you.
It had nothing to do with lines. She said this particular test had to do with dots. One blue means you're negative, two blue means you're positive. It took the nurse like 5 mins maybe 10 (felt like less cause I was expecting half an hour wait). I was the last one in the clinic so maybe that's why it got to me so fast I don't know. I believe it was the Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test. I looked it up when I got home and this sounded like the test I received. Also, this test is said to be the quickest with results as soon as testing is done. I also called the aids hotline twice cause I was so worried why the results were so quick and they said, it doesn't take 20 minutes to show up all the time if it was negative it was negative if there was no blue dot they would have done it again as it would have been indeterminable. But they said you can't get a negative result that turns positive and that trained nurses wouldn't half *** a test and say im negative if they're confused as it's my life we're dealing with herehe told me to stop calling...should I test again?
She said what? The pad is always blank except for the C (contol line) then you wait 20 and no more than 40 minutes to read the test. No line after 20 minutes in the T area then you are negative. A line and you are unconfirmed positive. Three minutes was to quick to give anyone a result.
Yay! I am soo happy to hear your test came back negative! Now just be careful and wear condoms from here on out! I too am in a very similar situation as you.Im a 22 year old female and had a drunken one night stand 7 months ago.I have been freaking out and stressing so bad about having possibley contracted HIV.I devoloped what looked exactly like oral thrush a month later and even though ive been told numerous times you DO NOT GET ORAL THRUSH IN EARLY HIV INFECTION for some reason I am still majorly freaked out.I wanna go get an Oraquick test.I think its about time I stop stressing and just get the test over with.How much did it cost you??
congrats dear.
i'm so glad to hear that you got that negative result that you deserved.
i know exactly what you went through and the wash of relief that comes over you when you finally hear that results.
now go and live your life, put your head up high you have nothing to hide or worry about (in this respect anymore) you may slip up once or twice and question your results...but don't. You are conclusively negative.
hugs.
i'm so glad to hear that you got that negative result that you deserved.
i know exactly what you went through and the wash of relief that comes over you when you finally hear that results.
now go and live your life, put your head up high you have nothing to hide or worry about (in this respect anymore) you may slip up once or twice and question your results...but don't. You are conclusively negative.
hugs.
Just want to say thanks for reading my stress-filled story. Here's an update I finally decided to take the advice that everyone gave me and get tested today. It ook the day off work, it was very hard and I went alone. The oraquick fingertest took the nurse literally 3-5 mins before she came back with the results which were negative. Couldn't believe it, I asked her to wait because I thought it was a standard no less than 20 minutes but she said that wasn't the case and once you're negative on the pad it doesn't change to positive in any amount of time. I am now assured I do not have hiv although I hear some people say oraquick should always be followd up no matter what the results. Still not exactly sure what all the symptoms are about guess I may go for some more tests although they have been subsiding slowly...it's been a month Ive had them so it's strange. Anyways, I prepared myself and I was ready for the worst but was blown away with happiness that I was not infecting my bf and that my mistake didn't ruin the way I wanted to live the rest of my life. Hopefully my story has helped anyone here in a similar situation. I know how it feels to be unsure and scared, nothing can help that but a test no matter how much reassurance anyone gives you, although that may ease your mind a bit but not completely. Thanks again for your responses.
You must understand what "immunocompromised" means. The people that need to test to 6 months because of other issues are SUCH a small % of people.....and I guaruntee you don't fall into that category...unless you are undergoing addressive chemotherapy...are taking anti-rejection meds post an organ transplant....etc.
YOUR result was conclusive. Trying to talk yourself into the fact that it wasn't is ridiculous and pointless.
YOUR result was conclusive. Trying to talk yourself into the fact that it wasn't is ridiculous and pointless.
Hey, my Doc told me that 12 weeks is ''more or less conclusive'' but people do get a + result after 12 wks, it can happen if your immune system isnt in great shape to begin with.
Anyway,i know exactly how you feel, and axiety can bring on many symptoms such as those you describe, anxiety can have a big effect on your body chemestry. Google anxiety symptoms, they are similar to many hiv symptoms..anyway if u were + you will find out at some stage so better sooner than later..you are only putting yourself through hell in the meantime, so get tested now and start living life again!
Anyway,i know exactly how you feel, and axiety can bring on many symptoms such as those you describe, anxiety can have a big effect on your body chemestry. Google anxiety symptoms, they are similar to many hiv symptoms..anyway if u were + you will find out at some stage so better sooner than later..you are only putting yourself through hell in the meantime, so get tested now and start living life again!
Thank you, but like Teak said you've had a test I'm 100% sure you're fine. Don't worry about anything if I had one at 12 weeks like you I would be totally fine. Good on you for having the courage to go get tested, if only I could say the same. I hope to be at that point before fall and school where I can be tested and come back with the results all in one piece and if my schooling falters so be it. There's nothing else I can do.
You are not going through the same thing. You have a conclusive test result and the above poster has never tested.
Just to let you know i am going through the exact same situation as you .Have weak/not soo good warm feelings in my stomach, soft stools,sore throat, and lymph nodes in the neck..have been so worried about me and moreso about my girlfriend who has had sick stomach too. Anyway i got tested 11-12 weeks after any possible exposure and was negative, but that was nearly 2 yrs ago and my symtoms only started 6-8 weeks ago..i know Teek says 12 weeks is conclusive..but i got tested again as i was/am worried and should be getting results today/tomorrow and im shitting myself..good luck!
Who would think it is deserving? People like Fred Phelps or the right wing Christian? You can't satisfy the ignorant and don't even try. HIV implies ownership? Only if that is the way you let you life be led. The only thing different in my life is taking medication once a day and getting lab tests every three months. Other than that, my life is still the same and very enjoyable.
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