[wookiegoldfur]

I am a 19 year old female and have entered my first ever relationship 2 months ago with a 26 year old man. Just these past couple weeks we have began to be sexually involved. He has worn a condom all but the last time, and used the withdrawal method instead. This was on May 3rd. I like him a lot and he likes me. But the withdrawal method made me very nervous because of the risk of pregnancy, so I made an appointment at my local Planned Parenthood for May 6th and got a Paraguard IUD inserted. When I was there they asked if I'd like to be tested for HIV and I said "yes", fully confident it'd come back negative because I do not live with any apparent risk. I eat a vegan diet, I have a strong immune system and actually haven't been sick in almost 2 years, only one sexual partner, no drug history and have never needed a blood transfusion. I do have tattoos and piercings but I've gone to clean and reputable shops. Besides, I've read that its very rare to contract HIV in such a way other than sex. They pricked my finger for the rapid HIV testing (which would take (5-25 minutes according to the nurse). After I had my IUD inserted the woman sat me down and told me it came back positive and that they'd need a vial of blood for further testing. I AM SHOCKED. I stayed very calm because I was confused as to how that could be. I've had yearly blood drawls to check my levels and to make sure my thyroid is okay, because thyroid problems run in my family, and have never been told I'm HIV+. Is it likely it was a false positive? I cannot stand waiting 2 weeks for the results! I've been having panic attacks multiple times a day as I wait. If it's truly positive I will very likely commit suicide. Are rapid HIV tests reliable? Could the test be triggered as a false positive due to other factors? Help me! I'm freaking out!

[PumpkinPieHead]

Keep calm, love. HIV is not a death sentence, nor does it make you a pariah. Don't let it make you think you need to kill yourself, because you don't.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by wookiegoldfur

I am a 19 year old female and have entered my first ever relationship 2 months ago with a 26 year old man. Just these past couple weeks we have began to be sexually involved. He has worn a condom all but the last time, and used the withdrawal method instead. This was on May 3rd. I like him a lot and he likes me. But the withdrawal method made me very nervous because of the risk of pregnancy, so I made an appointment at my local Planned Parenthood for May 6th and got a Paraguard IUD inserted. When I was there they asked if I'd like to be tested for HIV and I said "yes", fully confident it'd come back negative because I do not live with any apparent risk. I eat a vegan diet, I have a strong immune system and actually haven't been sick in almost 2 years, only one sexual partner, no drug history and have never needed a blood transfusion. I do have tattoos and piercings but I've gone to clean and reputable shops. Besides, I've read that its very rare to contract HIV in such a way other than sex. They pricked my finger for the rapid HIV testing (which would take (5-25 minutes according to the nurse). After I had my IUD inserted the woman sat me down and told me it came back positive and that they'd need a vial of blood for further testing. I AM SHOCKED. I stayed very calm because I was confused as to how that could be. I've had yearly blood drawls to check my levels and to make sure my thyroid is okay, because thyroid problems run in my family, and have never been told I'm HIV+. Is it likely it was a false positive? I cannot stand waiting 2 weeks for the results! I've been having panic attacks multiple times a day as I wait. If it's truly positive I will very likely commit suicide. Are rapid HIV tests reliable? Could the test be triggered as a false positive due to other factors? Help me! I'm freaking out!

it not showing up in your routine blood work may be because your routine blood work just concerns red blood cells ( the blood cells that carry and distribute vitimins and minerals. oxygen levels, whether your organs are working correctly... through out the body)

HIV testing looks at the white blood cells (the blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections, bacteria)

with HIV it doesnt matter whether someone is a vegan, whether their immune system is strong, whether the person has only has one sexual partner, whether or not tattoo parlours are clean or whether you have had transfusions.

some people are born with the HIV already in their bodies from their parents or distant relatives.

people have been known to get HIV from getting shots from their doctors offices, or dental work or any situation where a person has been in contact with blood. I know someone who went to the dentist and 3 months later found out she was HIV due to the dental sterilization equipment wasnt working correctly. I know someone who was born with it and did not know it because their parent did not tell them due to possible stigma\bullying and such that they may end up going through.

my point dont worry about how you do this and that so how could this have happened. the test showed you are now HIV positive. its not the end of the world. all that happens now is you will get on a treatment plan of medications that you must take every day. Just like other viral diseases it doesnt mean you are going to die tomorrow. you will just now have special precautions you will have to take to ensure you dont pass it on to another. I know someone who has been living with HIV positive for the past 30 years.

[twilliamsjr79]

Originally Posted by wookiegoldfur

I am a 19 year old female and have entered my first ever relationship 2 months ago with a 26 year old man. Just these past couple weeks we have began to be sexually involved. He has worn a condom all but the last time, and used the withdrawal method instead. This was on May 3rd. I like him a lot and he likes me. But the withdrawal method made me very nervous because of the risk of pregnancy, so I made an appointment at my local Planned Parenthood for May 6th and got a Paraguard IUD inserted. When I was there they asked if I'd like to be tested for HIV and I said "yes", fully confident it'd come back negative because I do not live with any apparent risk. I eat a vegan diet, I have a strong immune system and actually haven't been sick in almost 2 years, only one sexual partner, no drug history and have never needed a blood transfusion. I do have tattoos and piercings but I've gone to clean and reputable shops. Besides, I've read that its very rare to contract HIV in such a way other than sex. They pricked my finger for the rapid HIV testing (which would take (5-25 minutes according to the nurse). After I had my IUD inserted the woman sat me down and told me it came back positive and that they'd need a vial of blood for further testing. I AM SHOCKED. I stayed very calm because I was confused as to how that could be. I've had yearly blood drawls to check my levels and to make sure my thyroid is okay, because thyroid problems run in my family, and have never been told I'm HIV+. Is it likely it was a false positive? I cannot stand waiting 2 weeks for the results! I've been having panic attacks multiple times a day as I wait. If it's truly positive I will very likely commit suicide. Are rapid HIV tests reliable? Could the test be triggered as a false positive due to other factors? Help me! I'm freaking out!

Well the accuracy rates depends on the specific test that was used.

HIV & AIDS Information :: Rapid tests - Accuracy

If you have that exact information you could probably research it via the manufacturers website. However no matter what the accuracy of the first test is. After a second or third fully thorough test is done you will have your definite answer.

However in the mean time you may want to discuss this with your current partner.

[wookiegoldfur]

Originally Posted by twilliamsjr79

Well the accuracy rates depends on the specific test that was used.

HIV & AIDS Information :: Rapid tests - Accuracy

If you have that exact information you could probably research it via the manufacturers website. However no matter what the accuracy of the first test is. After a second or third fully thorough test is done you will have your definite answer.

However in the mean time you may want to discuss this with your current partner.

She just said it was a rapid HIV test. Finger prick was all it took. It can't be real, right? I've read of HIV scares because the tests aren't accurate. Could other autoimmune disease trigger a false positive? When I was 12 I was diagnosed with very mild alopecia. It doesn't affect my life at all. Other than that I'm very healthy. But maybe I have those antibodies already previously existing due to that? I can't tell him. I'd rather avoid him until I get the results back. If it is confirmed to be positive I'll tell him, break up with him for his safety and not to be a burden, and then kill myself. My best friend is the only person I've told about any of this (getting the IUD and the test). My boyfriend doesn't know I even went to planned parenthood and neither does my family. I lied and said I had a work meeting when they asked why I was up early. We aren't a close family to say the least.

[Yoda]

It is possible you have a false positive.

Here is a link of some possible causes of false positives: HIV & AIDS - Factors Known to Cause False Positive HIV Antibody Test Results

Let us know when you get further test results.

[wookiegoldfur]

I'm weeks late, but I just wanted to get back to everyone to say my results came back 100% NEGATIVE for HIV. Rapid testing is very unreliable. I hope that brings comfort to people beyond myself. If you don't think you were put at risk but your results were positive, it's very likely it was a false positive. Thanks everyone!

[jaynedough]

That's great news! Thanks for the update; I've been so worried about you.

[-jimi-]

I hope you understand that you can get HIV despite a good immune system. The ones who cannot get HIV cannot, because a gene mutation and they might get colds and flus and whatnot just like other people so you cannot see from illness history who is immune to HIV. MOST people do not have the double gene mutation needed to be immune.

Don't have sex without a condom with a guy unless you fully trust he is only with you AND he has also tested negative. I know I'm preaching, but even if HIV is now treatable you will be better off through life without it. It is still out there. Many people still get infected every year.

[PumpkinPieHead]

Thanks for the update love!