infant hiv?

[karen26]

I desperately need answers to these questions. I have an 18 mos old daughter and I am petrified she contracted HIV from me during pregnancy. I have not been formerly diagnosed with the disease because I am too scared to get tested. I did get some blood work done which I will explain in a minute. So far, my child has seemed normal. Can you please tell me if my daughter was HIV+ at birth, would the doctors/nurses have been able to tell something was wrong with the tests they administer to all babies after they are born? Also, would her pediatrician notice any abnormalities thus far? She is up to date on all her shots and maintains healthy weight, eating, etc. Lastly, instead of getting an HIV test, I decided to get a CBC to see if any red flags appeared. The results stated I did have an abnormal wbc, slightly elevated to 11.6 (I think) and low iron. Tests were also done to check organ functions and all was normal. If I was infected, it would have been from an encounter nearly 3-4 years ago. I have not slept around in the past, but have had unprotected sex. Because of the abnormal cbc, my doctor wants to do further testing. I am scared to death thinking now that I am HIV+, and my daughter could be too. PLEASE HELP

[Joshi]

My child was born in the UK and HIV testing is only done at the request of the Mother. THroughout my pregnancy I too was scared of HIV, not because I was ever promiscuous or had riske encounters, infact I have only ever had 4 partners and I am 36 years old. The fear came because I had unprotected sex with my previous long term partners and in essense, you are also sleeping with all their partners etc. I became obsessive and questioned if every illness I suffered was becuase I had HIV!! I still refused to get tested becuase not knowing gave me an irrational hope that I may not have it. 5 years later, I have a very healthy little boy but continued to quetion his illnesses too. The crunch time came when I HAD to get life insurance for the house we were buying, I very nearly pulled out becuase I was physically sick with fear and paranoia of taking a HIV Test. In the doctors office I was visibly trembling and managed to get myself in to such a frightful state and all "What If's" were swimming around my mind. I do sympathize with the young lady because I can relate to the anxiety she is living with. I guess the moral of the story is 'sooner or later you will find yourself in a position where it is necessary to take the test!! Im happy to say that my test was negative and the releif was absalutely enormous. A huge cloud was removed from my life and I was not afraid to question my families future. Just put an end to your misery and get tested. I wish you and your daughter luck.

[BeachNurse]

All pregnant women should be tested for HIV. The chances now of having a healthy baby despite having HIV are better than ever. It was in the news recently.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/nyregion/30aids.html?ei=5065&en=5e8876f16501e60b&ex=1107666000&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print&position=

[Sharon]

Since the original poster has not been on this bulletin board since a week after posting this message, which was 1/29/2004, I am closing the thread.