Personal story: Lucas

"I met a stranger one night while drinking and that same night, we had unprotected sex. Afterwards, she freaked out and said that she forgot to tell me to use a condom. I thought nothing of it until a week later when I began to feel fatigued and had a mild fever.

I went digging for answers through the internet which was the worst thing I could possibly do because sure enough, I convinced myself I had HIV. I was freaking out, thinking how could this happen to me?

I put myself through months of hell and anxiety because I was scared to get tested. That was the lowest point of my life. When I started to notice I had a swollen lymph node, I knew I couldn’t run anymore, and I would never be at peace until I knew for sure. I worked up the courage and I went. Shaking nervously, I got my blood work done.

About a week later I got the call. I was negative! To anyone reading this, please don’t make the mistake I did by worrying and looking things up online. You’re going to be okay. You’re putting yourself through needless anxiety. The test is free, friendly, and confidential. Please if you’re worried, get tested."