I can remember the first time I got an HIV test; I was 35-years of age. The fear was huge.
Things were running through my mind at the time. Like, what if I come out positive? Am I going to die? Will my parents treat me different? Will my friends find out? How do I tell my partner? Will my partner leave me if I tell her? All these thoughts were just procrastinating the decision.
There was not a moment when I thought I was going to come out negative. Today I realize that it was the fear that made me believe that I was going to come out positive.
In 2003 AIDS Project Worcester offered two types of HIV tests, the Ora-Sure HIV test which is an oral swab and the traditional blood draw. I wanted to get tested but I didn’t want to wait a week for the blood draw results to come back. I don’t think I could have lasted a week for the results. In 2004 AIDS Project Worcester began to offer the Ora-Quick rapid HIV test, which gives you a preliminary HIV results in 20-minutes.
I had spoken to a co-worker about my interest in having an HIV test, especially since I could get a preliminarily result in 20-minutes. But at the same time I was still a little hesitant. My co-worker sat me down and explained to me that it would be better and more comforting to know my status now rather then later.
She reassured me that I was not going to die, that medicine has made great strides in the fight against HIV. She also told me that it was my right if I chose not to disclose my status with friends if I was to come out positive. She also explained to me that if I came out negative there are ways that I can maintain my negative status through prevention methods.
The day was finally here when I made up my mind and decided that I would go ahead and have an HIV test done. I was very nervous but the person who tested me was comforting and it made feel so much better.
When I went back after the 20-minutes, I received a negative result.
I can’t put into words my feelings at that moment. All these feelings came over me — I just know that I felt so relieved, like this joy came over me.
Today I have an HIV test done at least two-times a year and I am very comfortable and have become educated in prevention methods.
Marilyn Rodriguez
Tags: AIDS, AIDS test, first HIV test, get tested, hiv, HIV test
That was a very good read,I just now subscribed to your rss feed.
HIV is a disease that is still incurable today. We should always practice safe sex and also educate our people how to avoid the spread of this disease.
It is quite scary that there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS and the only way we can fight it is by prevention. How long would it take our scientists to develop a cure or vaccine for this disease?
~
HIV/AIDS is still a problem today despite huge medical advances, i am wondering if there would ever be a cure for this disease .
HIV/AIDS is still rampant today and there is no cure for it. we need to practive safe sex all the time because an ounce of prevention is still better than a pound of cure.
HIV / AIDS is one hell of a scary disease. we still do not have a cure nor a vaccine for it, so always practice safe sex.
Отлично написано.
Translation: Perfectly written.
HIV AIDS is really a very scary disease. until now, there is no know cure or vaccine for it. the only we can prevent it is through safe sex.
Любопытно! Спасибо за статью. Translation: Curious! Thank you for the article.
Спасибо ради хорошую статью. По-больше б таких статей. Translation: Thank you for a good article. Could use more such articles.
i wonder when are we going to have the cure for HIV/AIDS ? we are living on an age with very high technology but still we have not found a cure for this disease.
Благодарю!!!У Вас часто появляются очень интересные посты! Очень поднимаете мое настроение.
Translation: Thank you! You often publish very interesting posts! They lift my spirits
Добавил в свои закладки. Теперь буду вас намного почаще читать!
Translation: Added to your bookmarks. Now will you read much more often!
Интересно и позновательно, а будет еще что-то по этой теме?
Translation: Interesting, but something more on this topic?
По правде говоря, сначала не очень то до конца понял, но перечитав второй раз дошло - спасибо!
Translation: In truth, at first did not understand so much, but after second time it came - thanks!
большое спасибо!Взяла себе тоже-пригодится.
Translation: Thank you very much! Useful.
Go to google.com/translate
That is how we translate from Russian into English
Yes, you can absolutely reference this blog in your report.
Can i use this blog as reference in my college report
Regards
Jack
I needed this info thanks mate
Regards
jakson
HI THERE
plz ant one know arbic translate that for me
http://www.s7ak.com/banatfun-f22.html - قصص لواط
http://www.s7ak.com/banatfun-f22.html
you r great ppl
Очень интересно, но все в будущем хотелось бы еще побольше узнать об этом. Очень понравилась ваша статья!
Translation: Very interesting, but in the future would like to learn more about it. Very pleased with your article
Ценные рекомендации, беру на заметку
(translation: Valuable advice, take note)
Добавил в свои закладки. Теперь буду вас намного почаще читать!
(Translation: Added to your bookmarks. Now will you read much more often!)
Очень интересно. Но чего-то не хватает. Может быть, стоит добавить каких-нибудь картинок или фото?
(Translation: Very interesting. But something was missing. Maybe add some pictures or photos?)
It’s all about people communicating! Marilyn and Julialene thank you so much for sharing your stories! In addition to the support given to people who come in to be tested, AIDS Project Worcester offers a number of services and supports to people who test positive and to those afffected by a loved one’s positive status. There is even a Pharmacy next to AIDS project Worcester’s lobby that specializes in HIV related medicines and will provide private consultation.
[...] The First Time I got an HIV Test « AIDS Project Worcester Blog [...]
Thanks Marty for sharing your story. My name is Julialene I had a HIV test and I was so sure Iwas not HIV positive I never went back for my results, because I never thought that I put myself at risk not relizing that not using protection I was putting myself at risk. WELL I was tested on October 31st, 1999 I felt like I would never ever be Positive well I finanally recieved my results on December 24, 1999 and to my surprise I am HIV positive. I live a happy normal life only one thing different now I always carry protection now. Get educated, get tested,
thanks for sharing you just don’t know how many people you made more aware how important it is to get tested, now share this information with friends, family and people that you have a simple conversation with about getting tested
Thanks for sharing some of the feelings and fears you went through. Maybe it will give people just the confidence they need to go get tested.