CDC, Kaposi's Sarcoma - HIV Prevention Message Board

05-11-2003, 12:42 PM

Please Help me! I got tested after 18 weeks of exposure and it was negative. I had unprotected sex with a female. I called the CDC and they said that i would need to test again at the 6 month mark. I thought 3 months was ok?

Secondly, I recently noticed a reddish/purplish spot on my elbow. It does not hurt and I am afraid that it is Kaposi's Sarcoma. I read up on the topic and they said it can start as on round spot. That is what I have! They also say it shows up in gay men. I am not a gay man. Please help me! I am so frantic that I puked eveywhere!

05-12-2003, 12:41 AM

Listen you got your result and it should be clear enough!...ya,there are some people that can show + after 6 months but it's RARE!Don't panic and leave that behind...you got your test now get back with your life and get tested again at 6months just to be extrasure.

BY THE WAY HIV IS SOMETHING BAD BUT AT LEAST IS NOT RACIST...gay, straight, black, white... doesn't matter...in it's way it's an honest illness.

zip2play · 05-12-2003, 07:10 AM

Terrified,

If every colored spot was fatal, the human race wouldn't have made it to the second generation!

My last physical my doc started checking with my feet my "black/purple spots"...I have plenty. After inspecting about 75 and finding himself not even at mid-calf he got bored and stopped. (My back would have taken him a weekend.)

Of course, my HIV test was negative!

Temperamental · 05-12-2003, 08:54 AM

The CDC generally does not recommend testing at 6 months UNLESS you had a high risk encounter with a person of Known HIV+ status. Your test result is accurate please don't dwell on the 6 month mark which does not apply to 99% of people. Most people will produce detectable antibodies in under 60 days.

besafe20 · 05-13-2003, 11:45 AM

I tested negative at 17 weeks after unprotected sex. The CDC said if I did have HIV it should have showed up by then. Often they recommend retesting at 6 months for peace of mind. 96 percent of people (or more) will test positive at 12 weeks. Also remember that the few people that take 6 months or longer to test postive have a weakened immune system as it is. Like coinffection with hepatitis! If you have a good and healthy immune system your body will produce antibodies quickly... (average time 25 days).