I have a question. I've given blood three times at least 6 months after my last possible exposure to unprotected sex. I wasn't too concerned that I had it, because I'm low risk, only been with 6 people, etc, but now looking back I'm making myself worried. This was 6 years ago and lately I had a rash, low grade fevers and several colds this year so I'm getting paranoid. Blood donation places always say that they would for sure contact you or that you would be put on a blood donor deferral list if tested positive, but then they also say never to rely on donating blood as an HIV test. Just wondering , I'm freaking myself out.

Well, there are some problems with the logic. Not knowing about the kind of sex in which you participated it is faulty logic to presume that because you've only had six partners that reduces the chances of you contracting HIV. If you had one hundred partners and only one of them was HIV+, then you increase you chances proportionally. Certainly, blood banks should contact you if you are not eligible to donate blood in the future, however this, again, abdicates your responsibility for you health. If you want to know your status then you need to take responsibility for finding out.

then they also say never to rely on donating blood as an HIV test. Just wondering , I'm freaking myself out.
bam. never use blood donation in the place of an HIV test. although it is encouraging not to hear back, it's not an "all clear". you have absolutley nothing to lose by testing now
~s~

Let me make one thing clear. I didn't donate blood as a way of testing my status, I would never do that. I donated because I always donate two or three times a year and at the time of my donations I hadn't really even considered that I might positive. Now, looking back, I wonder if even though I always thought I was ok because I was in monogamous relationships and such, you just never know, maybe they were unfaithful or maybe they hadn't been truthful with their sexual history. So I was merely wondering if because I have given blood several times, am I likely to be ok? But I totally agree that the responsibility to test oneself should be placed upon the individual, not on the blood bank for contacting you. I'm just scared to bite the bullet and do it.

Let me share a story...I found out I was positive in 1994. Prior to finding out (or during the time that I found out) I had been working at a hospital as a social worker and the annual blood drive came up and I volunteered. Now, add to this stew that I got married in 1987 and had been single for nearly 11 years between my first divorce and second marriage. Toss in little fact that I was always monogamous with my second wife and therefore must have contract the disease prior to that second marriage. (My wife remains negative and has for the past 11 yrs. In fact, at this point, the doctor has said that if she has seroconverted in 18 yrs, she isn't going to.). Therefore, sometime between my second marriage and seven yrs later when I was tested I sero-converted. Now, we understand that typically sero-coversion occurs within the first three months after infection. Therefore, if I donated blood two years after my marriage, and three yrs after my last relationship before I got married, and that no one from the blood bank ever called me to suggest that I should be tested, what do you make of that.

Look, everyone is scared. Everyone is freaked out. But people do live with this disease. Lives have to modified. Behavior probably need to be radically altered. YOu find yourself wondering if you could ever live on a macrobiotic diet, or just fish, or nothing but spinach. But you move out of the panic and into the realm of sanity.

Always know that we on this board are tolerant, caring, understanding, and knowledgable people. We will help you through this no matter what. Just stay on board. chris

Yeah, while your blood donations are promising it's not a definitive negative test result.

I'd suggest you get that official HIV test.

God bless,
Cali

Chris,
Thats very disturbing. They never called you? Could that mean someone was infected from getting your blood? Did you ever call the red cross to find out anything. They should have you on file. Hopefully they threw out your blood because it must have tested positive after so much time. I wonder why you were never contacted. Very puzzling indeed.

I actually just called my blood bank for my own records, and they did have all the dates from the last few times I donated which was 5 years ago. They also told me that my blood had checked out ok and tried to sign me up to donate again. Again, not promoting that you should donate blood as a test, but just wanted to let you know that if you are proactive in calling them, they can provide you with that information rather than waiting for a letter or phone call which, according to Chris, may or may not happen. I also might add that while they said their records indicated I was clear, that I should still go and get an official test.

dear BeSafe: NEver heard from them...I donated one time and I just can't promise that in 1989, when I gave, they tested the blood. IT is just one of the many guilts with which I live...you should the house I built for my therapist - beautiful gardens, Olympic pool, kids in private school...chris

Chris,
I was born in 1983 so I am not sure about when they began testing blood for the virus but I believe they were becoming aware of the virus when I was born. In any event it is not your fault which I think you know that. Of course it is hard not knowing if someone got your blood. I have read many of your posts and must say I am impressed with the dedication you have given to this board. I rarely post here but often read some of the posts and you are always replying. I think it is a miracle your wife was never infected. Just wanted to you to know I think you are a postiive contributor to this board and those on it searching for answers :)

Chris,
I was born in 1983 so I am not sure about when they began testing blood for the virus but I believe they were becoming aware of the virus when I was born. In any event it is not your fault which I think you know that. Of course it is hard not knowing if someone got your blood. I have read many of your posts and must say I am impressed with the dedication you have given to this board. I rarely post here but often read some of the posts and you are always replying. I think it is a miracle your wife was never infected. Just wanted to let you know I think you are a postiive contributor to this board and those on it searching for answers :)

DEar be safe - you were born in 1983!!! God, I am soooo old!! It is a miracle that she was not infected, truly so. As I have said, it is, really, the only prayer I have ever prayed about this disease. You know, for a while I thought she was positive but just protecting me, and then, with her last (and final) test, she showed me the results. Prayer is good! Thanks, also, for your kind words. chris

Just wanted to agree with BeSafe that Cflas, you are such a positive contributor to this board and all the messages I have read of yours are so thought out, genuine and caring. I've never ever participated in any boards on any subject matter until 4 days ago. It's wierd how everyone on these boards can feel so connected to and so comforted by other people without seeing their face or hearing a voice. Blessings to you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

gosh, tweren't nothing. Really, everyone on this boards in incredible. And, when I was in panic about upcoming surgery back in May, these people were so incredibly supportive...it's all just a matter or returning the gift given. Chris