Aa
CDC versus common sense
Dear Doctor
!!! This is not only about symptoms, please don't delete!!!
In December 2004 I had an unsafe insertive vaginal sex exposure in Spain. I am a male.
Since then I have tested after 13 weeks and again after 6 months (because a doctors told me so,). I have had many symtoms (some severly swollen nodes, sore throat and one time I even faded out etc. Because the symptoms seemed to be severe enough for the doctor he also ordered a HIV RNA test after 24 weeks. All negative
I have accepted the result eventhough I still have some annoying symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth (to the point where it attackes the teeths) floaters and the list goes on.
But then I have read one the CDC Website that one should consider additional testing if symptoms don't resolve after 6 months or should speak with an ID specialist.
I think my question is at what point should one in a situation like mine consider retesting or alternative testing (and what would that be)? I have been tested for HIV 1 and 2.
Thanks for your help!
Regards
Paul
!!! This is not only about symptoms, please don't delete!!!
In December 2004 I had an unsafe insertive vaginal sex exposure in Spain. I am a male.
Since then I have tested after 13 weeks and again after 6 months (because a doctors told me so,). I have had many symtoms (some severly swollen nodes, sore throat and one time I even faded out etc. Because the symptoms seemed to be severe enough for the doctor he also ordered a HIV RNA test after 24 weeks. All negative
I have accepted the result eventhough I still have some annoying symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth (to the point where it attackes the teeths) floaters and the list goes on.
But then I have read one the CDC Website that one should consider additional testing if symptoms don't resolve after 6 months or should speak with an ID specialist.
I think my question is at what point should one in a situation like mine consider retesting or alternative testing (and what would that be)? I have been tested for HIV 1 and 2.
Thanks for your help!
Regards
Paul
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
That guideline for delayed testing is intended more for heatlh care providers, not patients; and they are pertinent to more specific symptoms than yours.
In any case, your doctor followed the guideline exactly: Because you had persistent symptoms at 6 months (24 weeks), he tested you again. It was negative. Tell your doctor that now that HIV is ruled out with 100% accuracy, you want him or her to address the other possible causes of your symptoms. But don't worry about HIV.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
In any case, your doctor followed the guideline exactly: Because you had persistent symptoms at 6 months (24 weeks), he tested you again. It was negative. Tell your doctor that now that HIV is ruled out with 100% accuracy, you want him or her to address the other possible causes of your symptoms. But don't worry about HIV.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
If all those tests have been negative, you do not have HIV. 6 months is plenty of time.
Could you please give a good explanation as to why every site on the web (e.g., The Body.com, CDC etc.) give a three month minimum for testing even to this day. I would love to enjoy the peace I had after my 7 week elisa was negative. Thanks Doc.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
That exact question has been asked many times and I have spent hours (literally!) on the topic. I'm not going to repeat it again. Search the threads for "time to positive HIV test".
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Doc, I was under the impression that symptoms that linger on and on is evidence against an HIV infection as ARS symptoms apears and dissapears as soon as it came? Any info on this you can share?
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