Plans

[danaeris]

Today I am going to the SF CIty Clinic at 1 p.m. to get my STD tests redone, and to get my DP shot.

Aside from that, I expect to spend the day at home, working on my writing contract. Other people who are doing Work are welcome to come keep me company -- I find working with someone else is studying/working can often help keep me honest and get me to do the damn work.

I could be convinced to take some time off for dinner or lunch. That is all.

Comments

[emmett-the-sane.livejournal.com]

Do you mind if I ask you what tests you normally get? I alternate between an HIV/Hep test combo and just an HIV one, as some clinics refuse to do Hep unless you're in what they consider a "high risk" category. But I've often wondered if a larger array of tests would be better, and where they'd be found.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

I get EVERYTHING tested. The list at the sf city clinic includes:
chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes, non-gonoccocal urethritis (NGU), syphilis, and vaginal infections (trichomoniasis, yeast, and bacterial vaginosis)

you have to go elsewhere for HIV testing unless you're a woman who is a member of planned parenthood, last I checked.

I try to get this full batch of tests every 6 months when I'm being as active as I prefer to.

And quite frankly, I won't sleep with someone outside of a sex party or other on the spot situation unless they also have gotten the full batch of tests.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

oh, and you can visit the sf city clinic here.

[emmett-the-sane.livejournal.com]

Ick, looks like I'll have to take off work to actually go there, since they're open only banker's hours on weekdays. *sigh*

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

Well SF City Clinic is designed in large part for po people who often don't have jobs.

Most health care providers do the full batch if you ask, actually. Do you have normal health insurance? Make an appointment with your GP to discuss it.

There are also a lot of other options in the city, actually. This is just the one that I've found myself using regularly. And its a half block from my place.

[emmett-the-sane.livejournal.com]

I'm kind of big on the idea of anonymity of testing at a clinic. But I've thought about going and harassing Kaiser about it. Requesting some of those tests, I have been told, will be met by a lot of resistance. In particular, the blood HSV and HPV ones.

cyan_blue suggested that I go one morning BEFORE work, once I have a car. That solves the problem. :)

[unseelie23.livejournal.com]

I generally get my tests done at the Planned Parenthood in Mountain View (as that's local), and they're more than willing to do the full battery of tests, and charge based on your ability to pay. They do not accept insurance.

[emmett-the-sane.livejournal.com]

Cool! I now know a place to go for a more comprehensive set of tests, and to refer others to. Thank you. :)

[unseelie23.livejournal.com]

Out of curiosity, how current do you consider current? One of my worries has always been around the amount of time since a potential partner's test.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

It varies. At least in the last year. That seems to be the standard people demand of each other -- yearly testing. Sometimes I get picky and will only do things if they got tested in the last 6 months, and I've run into a few others who similarly get tested every 6 months.

You have to remember that if someone got the antibody HIV test, that means that 6 months before they took the test, they were HIV negative. If they've been a total slut in the meantime, they could test negative but still be positive.

The RNA test I was just given at SF City Clinic ensures my cleanness, however, because I haven't had sex in the last ten days, and it only has a ten day lag time. So when they call me with the results, I'll know I'm absolutely clean (unless I have sex before then).

[unseelie23.livejournal.com]

I've generally done the six month thing myself, except when I'm not active at all... then I wait until I'm asked. That lag in accuracy for the tests has always worried me a little (in theory). I'm pretty careful about who I play with though.

[biailisha.livejournal.com]

As usual, pay extra attention to what the staff is doing. Sometimes they are not very safe at all (cleaniness).

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

Ah geez, I missed this or I'd have invited you over. We indulged in Pork Chops, green beans, rice, and lots of fresh fruit.

Next time.