So now begins the waiting period.....I go in for my HIV test next week and set it up with one of the centers that operates on West Colonial Drive. Having this test done 2 times in the past takes a little of the anticipation out, and I have been quite aware of my sexual partners in the past year or so...I don't think there will be any surprises. Still, I wonder what might happen. I tend to worry WAY too much about situations, and this one is no different. As I have mentioned before, I work with patient that have HIV and in my nature, as irrational as it might be, I feel that there might have been a chance that I have contracted the virus. I think it is especially nerve racking when you are in a committed relationship and you not only worry about yourself, but the other person. The statistic 9 our of 10 people do not know they have HIV is a very scary reality that we all must face. The QOTW was a pretty crappy scenario. I hate to think, but know, there are some people who know that they have the disease and purposely try to spread it because of quite a few reasons no limited to anger and fear. As bad as it sounds that the information has to be protected even if the person can and is spreading it is something that protects many other people out there and I would hope it is a small percentage that would be using HIPAA as a way to operate under anonymity.
DID YOU KNOW?
I found a great resource about different types of medication that varies a little bit from the first initial source that I posted. This shows what the medications look like and goes into three categories which gives information on what it does, recent news, and research on each of them.
This can be found below:
Im in the same position as you. I have been tested for HIV 2 times previously and after this class it will obviously make 3. So I'm not worried either but I know the second I walk into the clinic panic will wash over me. I am well aware of my past and don't think there will be any suprised but once your sitting there waiting for the results of your test, worry sets in. I think it's awesome that we have to get tested as an assignment in this class because I bet it's forcing a lot of people to get tested who would otherwise never go. Plus it makes people face their fear and be a responsible adult. Without this class I bet many of the students would not go get tested.
ReplyDeleteI have always found it interesting that no matter what we know about something there is always that shred of doubt that lingers in our minds. I know I have never done anything to put myself at risk for HIV and yet the last time I had the test done, I did wonder. I think it is just human nature.
ReplyDeleteYou can see how big some of those pills are. My daughter took 7 pills every morning for years and she took the all at once with just a little bit of water or milk. Now she only takes 4 in the morning and three at night. She of course hates taking them because it makes her different from her peers. Its a tough time right now.