Aa
Please, some peace of mind
Hello
I am a 22 years-old MSM. Until now, I've had 10 sexual encounters. Only one of them led to anal intercourse, with me being the unprotected receptive man with a guy of unknown status. After that time, I had two more encounters (receptive oral sex without eyaculation). The last one of these encounters took place almost two months after my first anal experience.
Then I lost my mind and the yesting frenzy took place for the first time. 16 days after my last exposure, I got a RNA HIV-1 test form LarbCorp: NEGATIVE. That same day, I took an Oraquick which turned out to be negative. A very faint line appeared on the T zone after about one week of taking the test (I kept it as a "souvenir"). 5 weeks after my last exposure (that is, more than 3 months after my high-risk exposure) I took a blood test (it was an immunochromatography for antibodies like OraQuick but with blood). The first test I took that time developed a red linear faint spot perpendicular to the C line, on the T zone. I took another test then since the first one seemed to be defectuous, and the result was negative.
I know that I have got 3 -ve results so far. The RNA test is usually nor recommended for diagnostics although LapCorp claims that its test is FDA-approved. The Oraquick test was taken during the window period, although it had already been about two months after my high-risk exposure. The blood test I took with proper timing was negative, but I still have the image of the defectuous test on my mind.
I am planning to get psychological support, but I feel that I need to be sure of my status before doing so. What do you think taking into account your experiences? what about the timing and the incidents I had? Should I get re-tested? Which test should I get? Anything that you tell me would be very appreciated...I am seriously losing my mind about this situation. I feel like I haven't found peace of mind after so many attempts...
I am a 22 years-old MSM. Until now, I've had 10 sexual encounters. Only one of them led to anal intercourse, with me being the unprotected receptive man with a guy of unknown status. After that time, I had two more encounters (receptive oral sex without eyaculation). The last one of these encounters took place almost two months after my first anal experience.
Then I lost my mind and the yesting frenzy took place for the first time. 16 days after my last exposure, I got a RNA HIV-1 test form LarbCorp: NEGATIVE. That same day, I took an Oraquick which turned out to be negative. A very faint line appeared on the T zone after about one week of taking the test (I kept it as a "souvenir"). 5 weeks after my last exposure (that is, more than 3 months after my high-risk exposure) I took a blood test (it was an immunochromatography for antibodies like OraQuick but with blood). The first test I took that time developed a red linear faint spot perpendicular to the C line, on the T zone. I took another test then since the first one seemed to be defectuous, and the result was negative.
I know that I have got 3 -ve results so far. The RNA test is usually nor recommended for diagnostics although LapCorp claims that its test is FDA-approved. The Oraquick test was taken during the window period, although it had already been about two months after my high-risk exposure. The blood test I took with proper timing was negative, but I still have the image of the defectuous test on my mind.
I am planning to get psychological support, but I feel that I need to be sure of my status before doing so. What do you think taking into account your experiences? what about the timing and the incidents I had? Should I get re-tested? Which test should I get? Anything that you tell me would be very appreciated...I am seriously losing my mind about this situation. I feel like I haven't found peace of mind after so many attempts...
I got a 4th gen ELISA today, 6 months after exposure: negative.
Time to move on!
Thank you for your kind support.
Daniel
Time to move on!
Thank you for your kind support.
Daniel
RNA tests, if done within the window period of 9-14 days, will show a positive result based on the presence of the virus. This test was approved by the FDA in 2006, and while it is considered "diagnostic," it is NOT a "stand alone" test, meaning you will still need confirmatory testing later.
Your test was negative and since then, within the proper window period, you have had two more negative results.
You do NOT have HIV.
What you DO have at this point is some pretty heavy duty anxiety and it's a very wise move on your part to be seeking therapy to help you through this.
You do not need to test anymore, but it's perfectly understandable if, for your peace of mind, one final test will convince you, then by all means DO IT.
Any test that is based on a blood draw will be 100% conclusive at this point, but taking into consideration your anxiety, I recommend you have a qualified lab (such as LabCorp) do this test. (One less thing for you to be anxious about)
I hope you will let us know when your FINAL results are back.
We do NOT give lectures here, but I have no doubt that after this experience you will ALWAYS (PLEASE) use a condom.
I wish you the best
RubyWitch
.
If you've had high-risk exposure to HIV within the last few days, you should ask your test counselor about PEP - Post Exposure Prophylaxis (learn more about PEP).
What's the specific window period for different types of HIV tests?
Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) — give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. It takes your body up to 3 months to produce these antibodies at levels that can be detected by this test.
4-6 weeks (up to 3 months) after infection, most people will have enough antibodies to test positive
12 weeks (3 months) after infection, about 98% of people will have enough antibodies to test positive.
Home testing kits — As of Fall 2012, there are two "home tests" which have been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S.:
OraQuick by OraSure is an antibody test that you complete at home, usually conducted using oral fluid. According to the manufacturer, the window period is 3 months.
Home Access HIV-1 by Home Access Health Corp is not actually a test, but a sample-collection kit. You use it to collect a blood sample which you then mail to a lab for processing.
PCR tests (Polymerase chain reaction tests) — also test for the actual virus. This type of test is often used for testing the viral load of HIV-positive people, as well as testing babies born to HIV-positive mothers. You can read more about PCR tests on the AIDS.gov website.
2-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result
Your test was negative and since then, within the proper window period, you have had two more negative results.
You do NOT have HIV.
What you DO have at this point is some pretty heavy duty anxiety and it's a very wise move on your part to be seeking therapy to help you through this.
You do not need to test anymore, but it's perfectly understandable if, for your peace of mind, one final test will convince you, then by all means DO IT.
Any test that is based on a blood draw will be 100% conclusive at this point, but taking into consideration your anxiety, I recommend you have a qualified lab (such as LabCorp) do this test. (One less thing for you to be anxious about)
I hope you will let us know when your FINAL results are back.
We do NOT give lectures here, but I have no doubt that after this experience you will ALWAYS (PLEASE) use a condom.
I wish you the best
RubyWitch
.
If you've had high-risk exposure to HIV within the last few days, you should ask your test counselor about PEP - Post Exposure Prophylaxis (learn more about PEP).
What's the specific window period for different types of HIV tests?
Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) — give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. It takes your body up to 3 months to produce these antibodies at levels that can be detected by this test.
4-6 weeks (up to 3 months) after infection, most people will have enough antibodies to test positive
12 weeks (3 months) after infection, about 98% of people will have enough antibodies to test positive.
Home testing kits — As of Fall 2012, there are two "home tests" which have been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S.:
OraQuick by OraSure is an antibody test that you complete at home, usually conducted using oral fluid. According to the manufacturer, the window period is 3 months.
Home Access HIV-1 by Home Access Health Corp is not actually a test, but a sample-collection kit. You use it to collect a blood sample which you then mail to a lab for processing.
PCR tests (Polymerase chain reaction tests) — also test for the actual virus. This type of test is often used for testing the viral load of HIV-positive people, as well as testing babies born to HIV-positive mothers. You can read more about PCR tests on the AIDS.gov website.
2-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result
1 Comments
Thank you very much for your support, RubyWitch. I've had a hard time with this stuff because my first relief (OraQuick) hopefully overdeveloped, and then my first blood test was defective (although the second one was -ve). I think I will get tested on May (that'd be almost six months after my last exposure), and then I will seek for psychological guidance.
I will keep the post updated.
Thank you again!
Daniel
I will keep the post updated.
Thank you again!
Daniel
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
Do make sure you have a blood drawn test and preferably at a reputable lab. No more home test kits.
Good luck if you decide to do some therapy. It can only help.
Have a great and safe summer!
Regards
RubyWitch