Question: I have an extreme fear of getting tested for HIV. The only person that I've had unprotected sex is with my son's father and current bf. We split up when I was 18 so 24 years ago. My son is now 24 and has been getting cyclical vomiting since he had a bad hangover when he was 19. It used to be once or twice a year for a couple of days but last year he went on pristiq for depression which seemed to cause more issues, every 3 months or so he would vomit. He went off of pristiq and seems to be better and not have episodes at this point (he doesn't live with me so this is as far as I know). He was also a virgin with his girlfriend and so was she. He's been going through testing in which doctors have said it's either a sever food allergy or psychological. I'm not sure whether they've tested for everything or whether they will continue or (if it's my fear) that the doctors would figured that out. His father told me many years ago after we broke up that he has an "autoimmune disorder" we don't see his father. Now I got it in my head that maybe is father is lying and gave me hiv which I gave to my son when he was born and it's coming out in my son now. I don't have symptoms. I didn't think it was possible after 27 years that I've been with his father to have no symptoms and that I could be at risk or that a child born with hiv could live to this age (24) without treatment. Because of this, I didn't really worry about it but I put 2 and 2 together and now it's basically haunting me and I'm extremely afraid. Clearly I know that the only way to find out is to get tested but I'm just wondering what are the odds? I'll go soon, I know I have to face the fear and I've told my boyfriend that I wanted to go. We've recently become engaged and I'm terrified about the results and possibly putting his life at risk (he was a minister and married for a long time before me) and wondering whether (if positive) after all this time that treatment would still be effective (I've heard that people live longer healthier lives now with HIV and treatment) I'm trying to look on the bright side and gain courage to go as I know little about this :( Best regards XXXX

Thank you for your answer. However unusual, I would like to know, if I was to test positive, with today's treatments, is the prognosis good in terms of life expectancy?

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX you have helped me more than you know. My parents really scared me about this disease when I was little so I've had an extreme fear of it since I've been 11 years old. That old fear resurfaced within the last while which is haunting me and disrupting my life. You have given me some relief and courage to finally face this fear and go get tested and finally be free of it. I appreciate your time and quick responses. Wishing you all the best! XXXX