The HTLV3 Antibody Test
Will Doherty
1) I was worrying about my health all the time, to the point
where I wouldn't exercise well for fear that I might exacerbate
an AIDS or ARC condition (or so I rationalized).
2) I was practising category 1 (very likely safe) and category
2 (probably safe) sex with two partners and just didn't feel I
could justify category 2 with them unless I was fairly certain
I hadn't been exposed to the virus.
In other words, I was worrying enough so that it couldn't hurt
my mental condition all that much to find out a positive result
(although I could have been underestimating the impact it would
have on me) and I wanted to restrict myself to only category 1
sex if I had been exposed to the virus.
I wouldn't have taken the test unless I was sure to be
guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality through the
alternative test sites here in California. If you decide
to have a personal physician conduct the test, ask the physician
not to record the result in your medical record, or anywhere
else.
Obviously, the decision of whether or not to take (one of) the
test(s) is highly charged and completely determined by individual
situation and feelings. Certainly, one should be well aware of
what one is doing before taking a test which may let you know
of horrible consequences to come. But not knowing and having
the disease might be even worse for some.
Will Doherty
sun!oscar!wild