Expert: Terry B - 1/9/2008

Question
Hi Terry, I wonder if you could help, I really liked your past responses to other questions, you have an excellent way about you.
I had sex with a prostitute about eleven years ago and although the condom broke really thought nothing too much of it, I realised pretty quickly and obviously withdrew and stopped. Since that time I have been married and also had three lovely children. I always thought I would be fine as my wife has had numerous blood tests before all her pregnancies. Although I have no symptoms I have recently read a few reports in the journals and panicked a little and wondered if I would have realised by now or if there is a possibility of symptoms materialising in the future.
Any help is much appreciated.
Louis

Answer
Dear Louis:

Peace.  Before I became an HIV/AIDS educator I served as a hospital corpsman (medic) in the US Navy, and during that time had multiple dangerous occupational exposures to blood.  As I began training in HIV/AIDS, I learned of the danger of these exposures, and suffered tremendously as I worried about whether I had infected my spouse or children.  Despite all this knowledge, I carried that burden around for quite a while before discussing with a co-worker who encouraged me to be tested.  

I cannot begin to express the sense of relief in learning my HIV status - it made me wonder why I had waited so long.

There is no way, short of a blood test, to be assured of your status.  Speaking from my own experience, it is far worth the effort to go to a testing center and find out your status for sure.

IF the results are positive, there are great resources today to monitor and treat HIV.  You will also be able to protect your partner from possible infection.  IF the results are negative, you can use this information to continue to avoid or reduce risk.  In either case, knowledge will dispel the fear and uncertainty you carry today.

The best to you and yours - get tested and free up that "worry" energy for more productive things.

Terry