False negative
I am a 58 year old gay man and have had sex with men since I was 17, usually unprotected reciever.
Last year I took my first hiv test, which was negative.
I took another a month later which was also negative. I have not had sex since these tests and have recently taken another test which has come back positive.
I have explained to health advisor of my no sex so it must have been way back before I had the tests done. Is it possible the tests could havd not picked up antibodies or have been false negatives, of both.
Very confused, and shocked.
Hi
. Your shock and confusion are certainly understandable. Please know that this community is here for you. You mention speaking with a health advisor, was your positive test confirmed with a follow up? That is standard protocol as discussed in this article from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html.
Concerning your question about false negatives, they can happen and the rate depends on the type of test (the health advisor really should have discussed this). For example, this article from our editorial team on HIV home testing options notes that for the OraQuick rapid test "for every 12 positive results in people with HIV, it will give at least 1 false negative result:" https://h-i-v.net/clinical/home-testing-options. Also, each type of test has a window period where it will not pick up the virus for someone recently infected. This article has more information on the window period for each type of test: https://h-i-v.net/test-types.
If your positive test is confirmed, please know that treatments have advanced quite a bit and a full and happy life is possible. This spotlight page from our editorial team offers some of our top articles for the newly diagnosed: https://h-i-v.net/newly-diagnosed. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask questions. There are plenty of people here who have been where you are and can help with information and support. Best, Richard (Team Member)Thanks for your reply Richard.
Thank you for reply. My first test done in hospital May 12th, the next test was done at health clinic June 7th 2023 and told both times they were negative (false negatives not explained) Now I've had a test and positive but not been at risk since test was done.I can only assume it was from Jan 2023 and was not showing up in tests. But the health clinic say it was recent? Which does not make sense.
Also, when I had the test done with health clinic back in May I recoeved text from my GP to say the test had come back positive and needed to contact health clinic asap. This was on a Friday evening so had no one to speak to until Monday when I went straight there to speak to someone, they told me it must be a mistake as the result was negative.I had spent the weekend worrying and researching (which doesn't help) it was a horrid time and made me uncomfortable speaking to health advisors at the clinic. There was no explanation, no apology.
What a terrible experience you have had, with little explanation or apology. Of course you spent time worrying, there is so much misinformation and stigma about HIV online. I hope we can help with reliable information and real people living with HIV and discussing their experiences. You shouldn't have to go through all this, and it's very stressful to say the least.
What is going on now? Are you confirmed positive and in treatment? I hope we can help you if you're still in limbo trying to figure out your status. It can be so difficult not knowing.
If it's helpful to hear from others, here is a recent story from Heather Renee about how frustrated with the care she received she is when it came to her diagnosis: https://h-i-v.net/living/latent-diagnosis-undiagnosed As Richard said, please let us know how we can support. - Liz (Team Member)
What a fascinating article, almost unbelievable tbh poor woman, but yes it's good to read someone else's experience.
I was told on the phone by the health clinic worker that I had tested for hiv and needed to come into the clinic and speak to a doctor ...
I was shocked and asking questions. she said I had a high reading and it was definitely positive, also that it was recent infection?..any questions I had I could ask next week with the doctor, she had an appointment the following Wednesday at three pm.
I did not want to wait a whole week with this unsettling information spinning around my head so rushed to the clinic the next day I saw a nurse who called a doctor to see me (who also treats my partner) they both tried to be sympathetic They were just doing thier job but I was feeling anxious and getting angry. In the end I refused any more tests with them as need time to think and process this news. The doctor simply said 'suit yourself' and left the room.
I've decided I am going to leave it for now, which sounds strange I know. But, my partner is hiv and has been for fifteen years now. It has been difficult for him, diagnosed when he was twenty after his first ever encounter, and basically growing up with the virus. We have been together eight years, so have spend a lot of time talking with doctors and consultants, and therapists. He does not deserve to be burdened with this after all he has been through.
During covid we both decided not to partake in the vaccinations here in the UK. Although many say we must of had covid at some but not known?
As it is, I am very healthy and (touch wood) always have been with no illnesses or conditions so, as soon as I feel unwell in any way or notice anything untoward I will reconsider this option. And return to the clinic.
Do you have any links to cases where people have chosen not to take medication. Research into this.
Once again many thank Liz, good to be able to speak to someone.I'm glad you found that article helpful, we have many more. You asked about links to cases where people have chosen not to take medication as you have. We do not have examples of people who are effectively not taking medication and living with HIV, but you are certainly not alone in exploring that path. I think , one of our advocates and a moderator here, has the story that would be most helpful for you, as he also had a time when he chose to go without medication. He shares:
"Although I had delayed taking medication, I was in a doctor’s care. My thinking was that I wanted to go without medications for several reasons. I wanted to allow my body to go as far as it could without treatment. I wanted to wait for the development and approval of more treatment options.I had been in great health throughout the course of my life. I didn’t smoke and drink. I was an athlete and I was in great physical shape. I had a young son and a very active professional career. I also enjoyed African dance and drumming. I was busy. I didn’t understand how I could fit HIV treatment into my already extremely active day.
The biggest reason I delayed HIV treatment was because I was absolutely scared out of my mind. I was isolated and didn’t have anyone who was living with HIV in my social network so I couldn’t ask anyone directly about treatment."
I suggest you read the whole article ( https://h-i-v.net/?p=665 ) and let us know what you think. He explains that a very common relationship with HIV treatment better than I ever could. - Liz (Team Member)
Alafia (Peace) Thank you for sharing this article with . I hope it is helpful. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Thank you so much, I will read.
Alafia (Peace) I am so glad that shared one of my articles with you. I hope you have an understanding that these are your decisions to make with or without the support of your care team. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
