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Still scared after testing negative at 3 months
Hello,
I have done much reading on the internet about HIV and to be honest it is scaring me more everyday. Back in July 2008 I decided to get tested for HIV after a possible exposer incident in April( My male partner with an unknown status took the condom off after I told him to put it on, I didn't realize this until we were finished). You can only imagine how violated I felt, and how scared I was at this point in time. I was told at the clinic that day that there was a 3 month window period and that if the test comes up neg. then I do not have HIV...the test is upto 99.6% accurate using the Elisa Oral Swab. Upon coming home form the test I was still scared and decided to look into the window period on the internet. After doing a lot of reading I found that 97% of HIV exposed people will show up positive within the first 3 months, but in very very rare cases it can take up to 6 months to show on an anti-body test. So then i was freaking out again, went to my regular Dr. explained the situation and scheduled an appointment for my yearly pap screening and STD screening along with regular blood work. After getting the results back from all my test I was told that I do not have any STD'S and my blood work came back fine, not to worry. My Dr. then said I could come back a 6 months to test for HIV again to make sure everything was ok, but she highly doubts that I was expossed to anything being that I have no STD's and the test today are highly sensitive. I started having servere anxiety, crying all the time, shaking, depression after all this and decided to see a therapist b/c i couldn't get through evreyday life without being scared. I was wondering if someone could tell me why there is a 6 month window period after the 3 month and I would like to get tested again in October but I am so scared...do you think i may have this virus and it just didn't show up on the 3 month test? Or do you all think i'm crazy and should keep seeing my therapist cause i have serious mental issues with worrying...lol. Thanks for your help.
I have done much reading on the internet about HIV and to be honest it is scaring me more everyday. Back in July 2008 I decided to get tested for HIV after a possible exposer incident in April( My male partner with an unknown status took the condom off after I told him to put it on, I didn't realize this until we were finished). You can only imagine how violated I felt, and how scared I was at this point in time. I was told at the clinic that day that there was a 3 month window period and that if the test comes up neg. then I do not have HIV...the test is upto 99.6% accurate using the Elisa Oral Swab. Upon coming home form the test I was still scared and decided to look into the window period on the internet. After doing a lot of reading I found that 97% of HIV exposed people will show up positive within the first 3 months, but in very very rare cases it can take up to 6 months to show on an anti-body test. So then i was freaking out again, went to my regular Dr. explained the situation and scheduled an appointment for my yearly pap screening and STD screening along with regular blood work. After getting the results back from all my test I was told that I do not have any STD'S and my blood work came back fine, not to worry. My Dr. then said I could come back a 6 months to test for HIV again to make sure everything was ok, but she highly doubts that I was expossed to anything being that I have no STD's and the test today are highly sensitive. I started having servere anxiety, crying all the time, shaking, depression after all this and decided to see a therapist b/c i couldn't get through evreyday life without being scared. I was wondering if someone could tell me why there is a 6 month window period after the 3 month and I would like to get tested again in October but I am so scared...do you think i may have this virus and it just didn't show up on the 3 month test? Or do you all think i'm crazy and should keep seeing my therapist cause i have serious mental issues with worrying...lol. Thanks for your help.
I have been doing a lot of reading about HIV and I have thought to myself..If i get tested at 6 months, will I be completely over this?? I think the answer is NO! I'm trying to figure it out in my head, I just dont understand why it has to be a constant thought throughout the entire day...from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. My consular recommends medication but I have never needed meds. before so why do I need it now??? I guess it's just an OCD thought b/c of my experience an it is one of these things that will go away with time. Healing takes time. Hope all is well with you and if you want to talk let me know, not sure if ill be of much help but ill try. Take care.
Ive been in the same boat as you over the last 5 month and even tho you have a conclusive test result as i did after 5 month it doesnt put the worry at ease. Dont go for a 6 month test unless you really need it to move on, although i doubt even after that you will be able to put it behind you so easy. Carry on talking to your consultant and try and move on and enjoy life again, all will work out!!
Thanks again...I just wanted to say I read a little about you and I hope all is well with you and your family. You seem like a wonderful person and I wish you the best of luck. Have a nice night
Hi there...This morning you posted a comment explaining to me why people test positive after 6 months and I thank you for that. But, Do you really think I'm ok and can move on with my life without getting tested again, or do you think I should go for my 6 month test.
Thank you for your response. I continue to pray to god everyday and try to have more faith that everthing will be ok. I will try to move on from this experiance with a clear mind but i must say that it is very difficult after I feel that i was violated. Thanks once again and have a wonderful day!
Thank you for your response...i guess i'll get tested again only if I continue to think that I am infected with this horrible virus, but the reality of it all is that i really need to move on with my life. Have a great day!!!
ppl with severely compromised immune systems need to test til 6 months. by severely...i mean ppl on chemotherapy or taking anti rejection meds after a transplant.
your 3 month test IS CONCLUSIVE!!!!!
your 3 month test IS CONCLUSIVE!!!!!
In 2004 the guidelines were changed from 6 months to 3 months. Those that may take longer are those on Chemo, those that take antirejection drugs for a transplant and chronic IV drug abusers.
I am seeking help from a therapist, but it just so scarey...no one wants to be sick or die I really just don't undertsand why some say that 6 months is conclusive? I am doing the best I can here that is why i went to see a therapist b/c I think I know deep down in my heart that I am ok but my head continues to tell me 6 months. Thanks for your quick response.
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