Welcome to another episode of the patient stories from Better2 Know.
At Better2 Know, we believe that sharing personal experiences can help break down the stigma that many people feel to be tested on STDs. We have collected stories from people who have been tested to inspire and encourage others to take this important step for their sexual health.
Certain names and details in these stories have been changed for privacy.
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“I never thought I would talk about this well. At least I accepted. I don’t know.”
When we spoke with Snezana for the first time during a video call, she seemed somewhat uncomfortable, hesitant, ready to close her laptop and curl her phone on the couch. Instead, she pauses and continues, deep breath and leaves a big huff out.
‘I think you’re going to ask me a lot to ask. Let’s continue it. “
Your sexual health is important. Take care of it today by booking a test in a clinic in your area.
Snezana is 26 years old and works for an energy company in Inverness. During the video call, her curly hair was withdrawn into a tight ponytail, with a fleece that seems to be more than twenty years old. She narrowly aggressively from a large cup of tea in the shape and color of a wooden barrel, and when she puts it down, she puts it carefully in order not to make too much noise.
The Snezana family moved from Lithuania to the UK in 2005 and settled in Scotland. When she was 18, she went to the University in Rouen, France, on an exchange program to study Engineering. She fully expected that she would spend the rest of her education there.
“I remember that I thought that summer, this will be a great time. I will finish my diploma, maybe I will stay in France, move to Paris. I had no plan, but it all looked very clear in my head.”
But her last year was in 2020.
“That all went out the window,” she said.
When Covid struck, Snezana had to return home and continue her studies online, which was very disappointing for her. She graduated from her program and had to be sent to her diploma in the post.
“My mother really wanted to see me on stage. I think she wanted me to get it more than me.”
During the second Lockdown, Snezana had difficulty finding work. The tensions in her house were high because of the insulation and she tried to find an excuse to escape.
Fortunately, during the Lockdown, she made contact again with a high school friend in Inverness via Facebook, a young man she called Magnus. After dozens of WhatsApp reports and a few zoom calls, they decided to break the Covid Bubble rules and meet each other in a local park. From that moment on, Snezana and Magnus ran twice a week twice a week until Magnus was reported to the police by his brother.
Magnus and Snezana still kept in touch, but the fault of violating the rules that are in her.
“But I think it was just the situation. Covid. Everyone was worried to get sick. I saw an advertisement online to test, and it made me wonder. I had no reason to think I had something. But I thought why not?”
“I just thought it was too much to think about, too much to deal with. Then we were caught. So, yes. Not ideal.”
When we asked if something had happened during their encounters, Snezana was Cagey and did not go into details.
“But I think it was just the situation. Covid. Everyone was worried to get sick. I saw an advertisement online to test, and it made me wonder. I had no reason to think I had something. But I thought why not?”
Snezana said that if she was tested, she wanted to do everything. She bought from a private provider who would test different circumstances for almost a dozen.
“Better safe than sorry. I wanted to know for sure.”
Snezana ordered a home test set by post, but when it arrived, she had some problems.
“I have Renaud syndrome. It is where blood is not easily in hand, especially when you are cold, and I remember that it was very cold when I got the test. I opened the package and got everything out. I did the urine sample, but then I had to collect the blood. Dryer, but it just didn’t work.
Fortunately, the Lockdowns in the UK were picked up in the late summer of 2021, and when they did, Snezana felt more comfortable when booking an STD test in a local clinic.
“It was just easier. I went inside and they did everything for me. The nurse took my blood sample and I also got a cotton swab. Peeed in a cup, everything. It was great. I got the results the next week.”
The test came back positively for a Ueplasma infection. Fortunately, she didn’t have to take medication – just a few lifestyle changes.
“My doctor said that I had to eat more yogurt and shower more often. That was a bit embarrassing. But it worked. It went away after a few weeks.”
Although she had no serious infection, Snezana was happy that she was being tested.
“I was just happy that it wasn’t something I got when I saw Magnus. Or maybe it was. But anyway, it’s gone now.”
When asked what she would tell other people who think they are being tested, Snezana was adamant:
“There are just so many options and ways to do it now that there is not really an excuse. For me, if you can be tested and you are not, you are just a crazy person. Crazy Crazy.”
Don’t leave it to chance. Book a test at a sexual health clinic in your area.
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