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Exposure and PEP
Hello,
I had a condom break with a csw. After break was noticed I washed with soap and alcohol. I am a male and have no visible cuts or sores. She said she was negative, however I was still concerned. I was on vacation. And received a PEP from the ER. I have yet been able to see my Primary. I started the PEP with 12 hrs of the event. I'm quite worried and freaked out. When should I start testing post PEP? First 2 days of taking meds were not exactly at the same time each day. How does this change the effectiveness of the meds? I have been feeling some side effects aleady on day 4. Loss of appetite, tired, stomach upset. What is my general risk for actually getting HIV? Any information is appreciated. My mind has been racing. Thanks for your help.
I had a condom break with a csw. After break was noticed I washed with soap and alcohol. I am a male and have no visible cuts or sores. She said she was negative, however I was still concerned. I was on vacation. And received a PEP from the ER. I have yet been able to see my Primary. I started the PEP with 12 hrs of the event. I'm quite worried and freaked out. When should I start testing post PEP? First 2 days of taking meds were not exactly at the same time each day. How does this change the effectiveness of the meds? I have been feeling some side effects aleady on day 4. Loss of appetite, tired, stomach upset. What is my general risk for actually getting HIV? Any information is appreciated. My mind has been racing. Thanks for your help.
You started PEP well within the 72 hour window period, so that is very good.
I could give you a lot of information about PEP, but THE most important thing for you to do immediately is get in touch with an HIV Specialist who will follow you through your 28 day treatment period and advise you regarding the appropriate post- PEP testing schedule. I am surprised the ER docs did not recommend a specialist for you, as this is standard procedure. Call the ER as soon as you possibly can and ask for a referral. If, for some odd reason, they don't know of anyone, contact your own doctor. Please make these calls tomorrow!
RW
I could give you a lot of information about PEP, but THE most important thing for you to do immediately is get in touch with an HIV Specialist who will follow you through your 28 day treatment period and advise you regarding the appropriate post- PEP testing schedule. I am surprised the ER docs did not recommend a specialist for you, as this is standard procedure. Call the ER as soon as you possibly can and ask for a referral. If, for some odd reason, they don't know of anyone, contact your own doctor. Please make these calls tomorrow!
RW
3 Comments
Hello,
Thank you for your help. I was only provided the first 7 days of the treatment in the ER, but did receive the remainder of the treatment from my Primary. I assume the testing schedule you mentioned is my chemistry, not HIV testing??? I do not yet have a specialist aboard. The ER that i was dealing with is not in my home state. The first two days of the treatment were taken not at the exact time each day. Does this small variation skew the effectiveness?
thanks for your help.
Thank you for your help. I was only provided the first 7 days of the treatment in the ER, but did receive the remainder of the treatment from my Primary. I assume the testing schedule you mentioned is my chemistry, not HIV testing??? I do not yet have a specialist aboard. The ER that i was dealing with is not in my home state. The first two days of the treatment were taken not at the exact time each day. Does this small variation skew the effectiveness?
thanks for your help.
If your Primary Care Physician is following you and he is up to date with PEP testing protocol, then a specialists is not really needed. I'm sure if your doctor is not comfortable treating you, he will refer you to a specialist.
The follow up testing I was referring to is the POST PEP TREATMENT HIV TESTING GUIDELINES. (NOT routine blood work)
Post-PEP testing should be repeated at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. A negative HIV test result at 12 weeks post-exposure excludes HIV infection related to the exposure.
The NIH (National Institute of Health) has never seen a case where an individual tested negative 3 months post exposure or post PEP that later tested positive without any additional high risk exposures.
As far as taking your meds at the same time every day, it IS recommended that you TRY to keep the schedule within an hour either way. So, if you are normally taking them at 10p, if you take them at 9p or 11p that's fine. Just do your very best to not skip an entire day. Your first two days did NOT skew the results.
I hope I have touched on your concerns.
Please keep me updated at you move through the process.
Be strong and positive.
RubyWitch
The follow up testing I was referring to is the POST PEP TREATMENT HIV TESTING GUIDELINES. (NOT routine blood work)
Post-PEP testing should be repeated at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. A negative HIV test result at 12 weeks post-exposure excludes HIV infection related to the exposure.
The NIH (National Institute of Health) has never seen a case where an individual tested negative 3 months post exposure or post PEP that later tested positive without any additional high risk exposures.
As far as taking your meds at the same time every day, it IS recommended that you TRY to keep the schedule within an hour either way. So, if you are normally taking them at 10p, if you take them at 9p or 11p that's fine. Just do your very best to not skip an entire day. Your first two days did NOT skew the results.
I hope I have touched on your concerns.
Please keep me updated at you move through the process.
Be strong and positive.
RubyWitch
RW,
It has been a trying time. The meds had some side effects, but my mental state has been the worst part of this. Trying to deal with the anxiety has been very life changing. It's now been 6 weeks post exposure and 2 weeks post PEP. I did take a quick oral test that was negative a few days ago. This was the first test taken since exposure. My mind is still racing but hopeful. Thanks for your help early on. It is much appreciated. I know the test I took is a bit premature, but hope it is indicative of the future. Do you have any history of tests during this time period?
All the best.
T
It has been a trying time. The meds had some side effects, but my mental state has been the worst part of this. Trying to deal with the anxiety has been very life changing. It's now been 6 weeks post exposure and 2 weeks post PEP. I did take a quick oral test that was negative a few days ago. This was the first test taken since exposure. My mind is still racing but hopeful. Thanks for your help early on. It is much appreciated. I know the test I took is a bit premature, but hope it is indicative of the future. Do you have any history of tests during this time period?
All the best.
T
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