Just need some advice

[VersatileBreeder]

Thanks a lot for your advice poptronic, I know in many aspects this site takes on the more extreme side of sex/hiv etc. but its nice to know there are people that have been through the same as I am going through, will post when I get the news. oink

No problem buddy. I haven't forgotten how shitty it feels wondering "what if" all the time. I also haven't forgotten how shitty I felt physically when starting the PEP almost to the point where I nearly gave up on it. And I definitely didn't forget how much damn money it cost me....

Any advice I can give you from my experience I will. After all, it's Christmas... ;-)

[AusExploring]

Just to update, still doing the course, side effects to some extent have been quite irritating but I am managing them okay and I still feel like they could be a lot worse. Only thing is I guess the psychological issues behind it are starting to play on my mind because I guess its just really hitting home I'm probably not going to be able to deal with my test coming back positive. Just waiting around and being able to do nothing is frustrating, and knowing that outside of health effects it would put a large strain on relationships/potential relationships as well as possible career and life goals (Medicine).

[VersatileBreeder]

Hey man good to hear back from you. You say it's frustrating not being able to do anything, but you are doing something. You're taking PEP, which is just about the best you could do. And being that as it is, I still believe (and many people would agree) it is highly unlikely your next test is going to test positive. Like I've said, I have been in your shoes before and I know how much the waiting until the next test sucks. Just keep your chin up, concentrate on other things and all around just try to stay positive (no pun intended). This whole ordeal will be over soon.

[AusExploring]

Thanks man, I've got 5 days of meds left then will go in for tests the week after that so I guess its not too much longer now

[VersatileBreeder]

Thanks man, I've got 5 days of meds left then will go in for tests the week after that so I guess its not too much longer now

Sounds good. I'm not sure what the standard HIV testing procedures are in Australia, but are you able to go somewhere that offers rapid testing (blood draw or oral swab antibody test with results in 20 minutes)? I would highly recommend that for you so that you can get the testing over and done with as soon as possible. If you have to wait a week for results, it's going to be a nerve wracking week for you, and perhaps even more nerve shattering if they call you to tell you that you have to come in for your results, which some places will do even if the result is negative. The first (and last) time I ever got a test like that done, the nurse who drew my blood told me (incorrectly) that I can call for my results after a week, but if I didn't hear from them then "no news is good news." Well, you can imagine how I nearly jumped out of my skin when they called me a week later to tell me that my results were in and they can't discuss them over the phone and that I have to come in to get them... An hour later of waiting under the assumption that I was poz, they told me the neg result and I could have killed them for putting me through that... So I hope that you don't have to go through a similar situation.

[AusExploring]

Im not actually sure if the rapid testing is offered in Australia, I don't think it is as I have not heard of it here. It would be much more convenient but I'm assuming it will be blood and waiting like I have always done. I get the testing done free at a sexual health clinic where I live, and they are usually pretty good about handling situations such as mine. So I am hoping that they will be able to call me and tell me the results over the phone ASAP (About a week ago I woke up to a missed called from the infectious diseases clinic of my states largest hospital, obviously I assumed the worst, however they were just calling about how my medication was going which I wish they had said in the message). I do have a friend coming with me for moral support though and he booked me into the guy who he usually see's (he is poz) so that makes me feel somewhat better about it. My biggest problem is just to stay out of my head till I actually have the results and then just go from there.

[gayaction]

G'day AusExploring. Rapid Testing is available in NSW (around Sydney) and followed by a standard test. That way, before you leave the clinic you have peace of mind - and further confirmation about a week later. Same here - you must go in to get results - no phone updates (unless aclinic nurse stuffs up - which I have had happen). Try to stay relaxed and not too caught up in "could be's" until you have a definitive answer... Which now being a month, I expect you have. Any updates?