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Am I at Risk?
#17644 - 04/30/01 04:39 PM
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I'm 23 weeks pregnant and a diabetic and in January I shared my glucometer with a co-worker who has hypoglycemia. I know that I changed the lancet after he used it before testing my own levels but I keep doubting myself. This person and Gay and I don't know if he has HIV. He tells me that he is healthy except for allergies. I was tested for HIV in mid-February but I don't know if there was enough time for the virus to show up in my system. The test was negative. Should I retest in July. I'm scared about the baby. Had no symptoms other than a severe case of Seborretic Dermatitis in February but the Doctor suspected that was caused by my hormones in the pregnancy. Am I at risk?
Thanks!
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well ..... if you did change the lanclet, you should have nothing to worry about. It sounds like you're going to be fine; but since you're very worried (which isn't good for your pregnancy), I would suggest a DNA/PCR test to your doctor .... many testing centers claim that test is conclusive after 28 days. Good Luck!
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Thanks for your reply but what if I didn't change it? There was so much going on that day and I can't remember. Did I test too early?
Thanks!
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In that case, there are a few things to focus on. This may sound extreme, but you can offer to pay for a Home Test, or a regular lab test for your friend. It may be a bit awkward; but it can't hurt to try. If he's negative, then you have nothing to worry about. And, you can also get a PCR test done, which will look for the actual virus, and is not uncommonly done on pregnant women who need to know their status, but can't "wait out" the window period. Talk to your doctor about this, and if he doesn't know much about HIV, see an HIV specialist or an infectious disease doctor. Use that energy that's making you worry and do as much as you can to find out your status ..... (I'm sure you'll be fine) hang in there!
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Your mind can play havoc on your body and at this time in your life there is no need for added stress so I think for your peace of mind you should talk to your Doctor or YOU "not your friend" should go get tested again, and no not a DNA/PCR. your "possible" exposure was over 12 weeks ago and that would put you past the window period.
congratulations on your pregnancy and by all means don't drive yourself crazy with this.
Take care,
:-)
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Thank you so much for the kind responses. I'm going to be a first time mother and this pregnancy has been very stressful to me as well as to my husband (because I drive him crazy with this HIV business). I have an appointment with my OB on Wednesday as a four week follow-up and I will ask her to draw blood again just to set my mind at ease.
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Actually, I concur. I posted the mesage about the PCR, but I disregarded the fact that this occurred in Jan. .... you can totally get a relaible Eliza right now .... good luck!
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Sorry to bother you again but if I get a negative result when I take the test this week (which will be about 16 weeks after possible exposure), will that definitely tell me that I do not have the virus or will I have to take another test in another three to six months? I want to put this issue to bed once and for all!
Thanks!
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If you're negative (which I'm sure you will be) at 16 weeks, you're neg., and can put it to rest. good Luck!
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