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Possible Positive HIV Test
#165271 - 11/25/05 01:43 PM
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This past week I went in for my annual blood HIV testing because my spouse has HIV. My initial HIV test this week returned with an abnormal result which inspired that lab to test with the additional Western Blot exam. This too returned inconclusive. They said that there was light banding on two of the protein indicators, but not all were present nor was this test showing a conclusive response. I was told to return next week for further repeat testing and for the additional viral load blood test. My question is: For those of us who are in a relationship with someone who is HIV positive are we more likely to acquire a false positive HIV test because of low viral exposure or naturally killed viral exposure? Could our own immune systems be picking up immune responses from out significant other through casual contact? Have there been any studies with serodiscordent couples showing any immune response or echoing immune response to their spouse's infection? I know I may be desperately grasping at straws in hopes that I have not acquired this infection, but I thought I would ask the experts and my fellow peers out here if this was a significant probability. One would think that if there were naturally killed virus proteins in our spouse's mucous then the negative partner may become in contact with this material though kissing and hence overtime may begin to show immune responses against these killed proteins in our own immune systems. This may eventually will show up as a false positive HIV result. Maybe the viral load testing should be done initially with any serodiscordant negative spouse to rule out any false positive tests initially and to prevent unnecessary anxiety regarding these false positive results. Anyhow, it has made for an anxious Thanksgiving weekend. I will see next week if anything else shows up in my blood-work. Any words of wisdome out there? Thanks gang.
~bhammer40
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did you have unsafe sex ?
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debtex
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Reged: 03/21/05
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I'm sure you are stressed and nervous, and I'm sorry this had to happen on a long weekend. I agree with you that it may have brought you some comfort had they done a viral load test as well. Have you ever had blood work (hiv) done w/ this partner? (or ever before) I wouldnt overly concern yourself, as i've seen MANY times an indeterminate western blot, which will turn up negative on a follow up test.
You would not have contracted hiv from casual contact, even kissing (there has been ONLY ONE case in 20 yrs with a couple in that situation....and it was only due to BOTH parties having SEVERE gingivitis with terrible bleeding gums during open mouth kissing). If you two have always been safe and you are monogomous....you're next test should be fine.
Please keep us posted on how things go....and even how you are doing from time to time over the weekend. Ask if you could do a viral load test as well.....(although bear in mind, the antibody test will be back sooner, but may bring you some comfort if it comes back "indeterminate" again).
Indeterminate is not uncommon, but yet, I know it can be scary. We'll all be thinking of you.....although we can not be there to help reassure in either way.....we are thinking of you, and want to know how you are...mentally first, then you can fill us in on the physically, ok!
Have you talked to your partner about this? What does he say?
much love and prayers,
debbie
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Hi,
Western Blot is presumed to be conclusive when two out of three bands (p24, gp41, gp120/gp160) are reactive.
In your case, you say that there's light banding on two but not conclusive. That's indeterminate.
So, it's good that your doctor ordered a viral load test for you and a repeat antibody test. You will know conclusively when the tests are completed.
False positive results do occur. I hope that this is one of those times.
Good luck.
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We had multiple unsafe sex relations before he returned with a positive HIV test back in May. Since then I was initially tested for HIV with a negative result and then had two viral load tests 4 and 6 weeks out after my last exposure episode. Everything then came back negative. We have been very safe since then. I've been healthy, no sickness, or night sweats. My partner is almost hysterical thinking that he gave me this and that now we both will have to deal with this reality. I'll see this next week. I've heard through the grapevine that some people will pick up immunity responses from their partners. Normal shedding of dead virus protein material that the negative partner can pick up in the saliva of his or her lover and then their immune systems may trigger a immune response to the dead or killed virus material leading to a possible false positive HIV test. So if the viral load tests returns clear then that is probably what has happens. Now I do not know if this information I've heard is for real or hogwash, but at least it is something I am grasping onto to get me through this weekend. My partner is working in retail and unfortunately cannot be home to help me cope better with this news. I keep kicking myself that I was goofy enough to get this blood test before the holiday season, but I thought I was out-of-the-water on my initial exposure episode... so I went ahead and had this follow-up blood test that my physician wanted. Just have to keep myself busy to keep from dwelling on this so much. I was on the edge of fainting last week in my physician's office; hopefully I will not black out when I learn the frightening truth this next week. I'm a survivor though and I will deal with this and get help and do my appropriate blood testing every 3 months or so. I just find it odd that after all those years I spent avoiding this, being the prude and dating very few guys and always insisting that my partner get his blood work out of the way before anything happens that I let my guard down for love and wammo!!! it finally catches up with me. The man I love didn't come clean and tell me that he was with soooo many men this past year or two. He told me that his ex-boyfriends tested negatively and that his last test was negative... so I thought "what could be the chances?" one thing led to another and we ended up having unsafe sex. In my mind I knew that this was risky, but I told myself that he had been negative and he swore that he always used protection when he was dating other guys this past year. We should have waited until we were both tested. Proverbial water under the bridge now. So I will wait and see what is toiling in my blood this next week. Thanks again for e-listening.
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Deb:
Yes, initially back in May I tested after he found out that he was HIV positive, and I did two follow up viral load tests 4 & 6 weeks out from my last exposure date. Everything came back negative. We have been very safe since.
Bhammer40
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Heck I'll keep everyting crossed for a good out-come. I'll let you guys know by the end of next week. Time to go rake leaves and tend to the yard some. Enjoy the rest of your weekends.
Bhammer40
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Reading your story i would guess your negative....viral load test's are very sensitive and 6 months is pretty late to have a indetermend test...by that point 99.99% of people infected will show positive....my guess it was a test error
Seems very unlikely your pos....Good luck....let us know how things work out
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Well the viral load tests were done 4 week and 6 weeks out after my last exposure date. I go in the morning to retest everything. HIV, Western Blot and another Viral Load lab. We shall see by Friday I think.
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debtex
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I'm sure everything will be fine. You said you had your last viral load test 6 weeks past exposure. (did you also do the 3 month antibody test soon after that,,,,,and had a negative result?). We're with you all the way! Come here daily if you have to. it could be picking up "other" bands besides the ones that would determine hiv.
lots of love and prayers,
deb
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Hey Deb:
Well... my doc ran more another round of tests with the same blood. I had not returned yet for additional labs. She said my test came up positive and she was sending me to an HIV specialist. Guess, I've got it. Nothing to do now but cry... and get over it.
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debtex
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Legend
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Reged: 03/21/05
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How are you doing? I'm sorry to hear you are going thru so much, and that this happened. I wish there was something I could do or say that may help right now......but you're right-you will have your moments of up and down. (for a little while, probably more down then up for a short while). we are always here for you....although I wish i could be physically there to help you. I know its not easy (remember, I have been there)....and it may seem right now that life will never get back to normal, but it will. When do you see the specialist? please keep reaching out, I promise it will help. let me know if you ever need to talk. Send me a PM if you feel comfortable with that.
much love to you,
Debbie
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Thanks Debtex...
Doing ok. My first appointment will be in the new year.
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