I recently found out that someone I had a…sexual encounter with over half a year ago tested positive for HIV.
I say sexual encounter–because there wasn’t any -real- intercourse…just some fondling…mutual masturbation…the ironic thing is–I kept it that way because I thought it would be safer.
But I’m still freaked out–y’know why? 'cause I’m a chronic nailbiter…and sometimes–I get these open sore spots around the base of the nail from chewing.
And now I’m terrified–because I don’t know how big of a risk that puts me at–where to get tested–how long it takes to get results, or what to do if I -do- come back positive.
Lately, there’s been a lot of private labs that have opened up that perform tests like the HIV test. Find one, NOW! If you’re afraid of others finding out, go to a nearby town. Either way, GO!
Why is it that Albertsons is open 24 hours a day, but it’s impossible to find a clinic, or even an information line, that’s open on the weekends?
This waiting -sucks-. I’m gonna be spending all day today wondering what to do…all day tomorrow (if i can get tested then) wondering how the results will turn out…and I’ll probably have a heart attack once they call back to tell me…
I feel healthy and all…it’s been half a year, although I know that some people can carry it for years with no symptoms…
I should say–I felt healthy until I found out. Now I keep wanting to throw up every few minutes.
You will find a lot of piece of mind once your tested. Whatever the outcome, not knowing is probably far worse.
Certainly get tested, but keep it in perspective too. He may have been HIV postitive a year and a half ago, but he also might not have been. You may have had open sores around your nails, but that was a year and a half ago – do you really remember if you had bleeding wounds on your fingers that night?
Do get tested so that you can be sure, but don’t start tearing your hair out in clumps until you know for sure that you have a real reason to worry. You may have been exposed to HIV, you may not. Very scary, but you’ll drive yourself bonkers wondering “what if?”
Wait until you have your test results, then decide whether to have a happy-relieved freak-out or an aak-I-have-to-deal freak-out.
You might try asking the pharmacist there (or if your Albertson’s doesn’t have a pharmacy, at some other major store) what the options for home tests are. You don’t have to reveal any embarrassing information; just tell the pharmacist that you’re concerned and you want to know if there’s some way to get tested as soon as possible.
Charmian has good points there, too - it doesn’t sound like you’re at much risk at all from the encounter you describe. I’d certainly get tested for peace of mind, but in the meantime, dwell on the odds, which are hugely in your favor.
My roommate Mike came home from work–he didn’t want me to be alone ‘cos I was on the verge of spazzin’ out.
He found an emergency room that was open in one of the local hospitals and took me there–I got all registered…an’ they drew blood…an’ they should have test results on Wednesday.
I feel a little better…still really scared…but I think I’ve mellowed somewhat for the time being.
Since it was emergency room work–my parents will find out–it’ll be on their insurance statement, probably along with a hefty bill. But I don’t give a crap–they can afford it. 'sides…even if I’m not life-threateningly ill right now, fearing for one’s life is no less an emergency, even if it’s from anxiety alone.
I used to have horrible bouts of eczema on my fingers, so much so that they’d crack and bleed. I always covered my fingers with Band-Aids and the like if I anticipated having sex. So I kind of understand what you’re going through. Hope everything turns out negative, if you know what I mean.