HIV Support Group
HIV (also known as human immunodeficiency virus, and formerly known as HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy-associated virus) is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system which can lead the syndrome known as AIDS. Many of the problems faced by people infected with HIV result from failure of the immune system to protect from opportunistic...
I just found out-yesterday to be exact-that an ex-boyfriend has been diagnosed with HIV. Its been almost 3 years since we dated. I didn't find out from him directly, but from a personal ad he posted on Craigslist, I immediately sent him an email to find out when this came about. In his response, after calling me a bitch for not getting back together with him when he tried last year and stating that I was now only being nice to him for selfish reasons he told me he contracted it after we were together and that I was in the clear, but to get tested if I was worried. I did make an appointment for today to get tested, but I am still freaking out from the slight possibility that he is lying. My appointment is not for several hours yet and I am thinking I won't get the results for a few days or more. I guess I am here trying to figure out what my chances are, I haven't experienced any of the symptoms that I can think of. This is how he put it in his ad-
"the final tattoo on my back was a very bad decision on my part, because it was done by my "former friend's" roommate with a dirty needle and now I live with HIV. Before you get scared off, HIV is very controllable and is very hard to spread, especially if your on medication like myself. My viral load is so low that my HIV is undetectable and like I said I am on medication to control it and keep it that way, until a cure is found "
I know it doesn't seem like I am asking a question here, but I guess I am trying to some advice/encouragement to help me not lose my mind prior to getting my test done and results!
"the final tattoo on my back was a very bad decision on my part, because it was done by my "former friend's" roommate with a dirty needle and now I live with HIV. Before you get scared off, HIV is very controllable and is very hard to spread, especially if your on medication like myself. My viral load is so low that my HIV is undetectable and like I said I am on medication to control it and keep it that way, until a cure is found "
I know it doesn't seem like I am asking a question here, but I guess I am trying to some advice/encouragement to help me not lose my mind prior to getting my test done and results!
Just go through with the testing period, even though you think it wasn't possible over 3 years ago. I don't know your history, but if He & Yourself were engaging in unprotected sex, it's something you should periodically check for ( even anonymously if need be ) but it's suggested for both involved for obvious reasons.. Good luck Beters
"HIV is very controllable and is very hard to spread, especially if your on medication like myself".
His statement is misleading, and not true. I am concerned that he left an appointment with his physician under this dangerous impression.
Please refer to: http://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/faqs/transmission-of-undetectable-virus.asp
There's no way to know whether suppressing the HIV viral load through ARV therapy will be protective for you or for any specific individual. Keep in mind that a viral load test measures the amount of HIV virus in your blood. But sexual partners are usually infected by virus in sexual fluids, such as semen or vaginal or anal secretions. Unfortunately, the viral load in these fluids can be high even when the viral load in blood is low. And factors like STDs (sexually transmitted infections) can increase the risk of HIV transmission.
It concerns me that anyone is getting a home tattoo, with a dirty needle, no less. Contraction and transmission of this virus is a direct result of behavior. We all must modify our behaviors accordingly to keep ourselves free of STDs. And that includes demanding a standard of those who we sleep with.
Best of luck.