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Alcohol abuse and test results
Dr.'s I mistakingly posted this on the wrong forum. I am looking to put this situation to rest. I have abused alcohol for years and drink 1-3 times per week on occasion heavily. I had a low risk exposure over 9 months ago. I was tested after3,4,6,7,9 months. I did some ora-quick and two blood ELISA tests. I haven't seen this question specifically addressed so my questions are:
1. Due to my alcohol abuse could my immune system be negatively effected and not producing enough anti-bodies resulting in a false negative out to 9 months.
2. My lymphocyte count was around 1700 on my CBC a little on the low end of the scale. Would this be any indication that my body isn't functioning correctly?
3. I know IV drug users have sometimes taken longer to sero convert, could this also be the case for long time alcohol abusers?
4. Can I be confident in my test reults out to 9 months. I really want to put this issue to rest. Thanks for all your help this forum has been very helpful.
1. Due to my alcohol abuse could my immune system be negatively effected and not producing enough anti-bodies resulting in a false negative out to 9 months.
2. My lymphocyte count was around 1700 on my CBC a little on the low end of the scale. Would this be any indication that my body isn't functioning correctly?
3. I know IV drug users have sometimes taken longer to sero convert, could this also be the case for long time alcohol abusers?
4. Can I be confident in my test reults out to 9 months. I really want to put this issue to rest. Thanks for all your help this forum has been very helpful.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you had end stage disease you would be far more debilitated than you are. This in not likely to be a concern for you. If you have continuing concerns, you should discuss this with your doctor. EWH
How would I know if I had end-stage liver failure. I have had two liver enzyme tests in the past two years-both normal. I an fairly active, I run 2-3 mile 3 times a week. Could I possibly have end-stage liver disease and not know it?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. While alcohol use can suppress the immune system it only does so enough to be clinically relevant with severe, prolong use which is approaching end stage. Unless you have severe, end stage liver disease from your alcohol use, you can believe the test results you have- they are reliable.
2. There is tremendous day to day variation in lymphocyte counts. Yours in a bit low but not worrisome. More importantly with the negative test results you have, you have nothing to be concerned about in terms of HIV effect on lymphocyte count becasue you do not have HIV.
3. Test results are reliable after 12 weeks (3 months). This is not a concern for you, in any way given your multiple tests over a period of 9 months.
4. Yes, be confident and forget about your exposure nine months ago. you did not get HIV- for sure. Hope this helps. This is not your concern. I wish you the best in addressing the alcohol issue. EWH
2. There is tremendous day to day variation in lymphocyte counts. Yours in a bit low but not worrisome. More importantly with the negative test results you have, you have nothing to be concerned about in terms of HIV effect on lymphocyte count becasue you do not have HIV.
3. Test results are reliable after 12 weeks (3 months). This is not a concern for you, in any way given your multiple tests over a period of 9 months.
4. Yes, be confident and forget about your exposure nine months ago. you did not get HIV- for sure. Hope this helps. This is not your concern. I wish you the best in addressing the alcohol issue. EWH
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