Low White Cells have to be HIV?

I was tested negative for HIV. But after that I had unprotected sex twice, with a guy I believe is healthy. I did not get tested after that. I went to high level of stress after breaking up and I quit taking my anti-depressant (paxil) by myself. 3 months later me and 2 other people where I work had stomach infection. I went to the hospital feeling weak and with an upset stomach.
My prescription: Amoxilin, paxil, protonix.I only took the antibiotics. The doctor wrote on the prescription to follow up with a family doctor "even if well"-  but I never went that follow-up doctor. He showed me my blood test results and said something about my white cells count being very low. He said it was an infection and asked me if I had any questions. I said no because I assumed he was telling me what there is to know. I got better. That was almost 2 years ago.Later I freaked out to learn low white cells can be HIV. I am married now and my husband and I have unprotected sex. He tested negative before he met me. Because of the unprotected sex 6 months before I met him  I started feeling very guilty because he got herpes simplex from me, which I have since  was 18 (I am now 36). I am willing to be tested. He insists in "getting a physical" every year and I will have to do it. I am stressed and depressed, feeling scared and guilty. But my question is only this: IS A LOW WHITE CELLS BLOOD COUNT NECESSARILY HIV? Can it have been just a symptom of that stomach infection that affected me and some co-workers? I know you cannot promise me anything and you will tell me to go get tested.I just want to know if there is hope that low white cells are not associated with only HIV and HIV only. That it could be stress or depression. Or should I go more prepared to an HIV positive result? I have cellulitis, am 36, non-smoker, female, 5.4 tall and 150 lb, healthy diet, there's some diabetics in the family.
What is my level of hope?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  From what you tell me, your risk of HIV is very, very low.  We often hear from clients who are concerned that they might have HIV but rather than get tested worry about it, focusing on non-specific events and test results that have little to do with HIV.  The WBC is a very non-specific test which can go down (or up) due to any number of causes, including medications. day to day variation, etc.  For you to be worrying about your WBC in relationship to the possibility of HIV is not called for.  

Getting an annual physical is always a good idea.  Furthermore, if you have not had an HIV test since this, you should, not because I think you have HIV but to give yourself peace of mind.  In addition, I would also point out that if you have had a child or donated blood since your last test, you are supposed to have been tested for HIV at that time, whether you were told so or not.  Thus you may have been tested and do not know it.


thus to summarize, the low WBC is non-specific and unlikely to be related to HIV.

I hope my comments and suggestions are helpful to you.  EWH

[alvinco]

I have another concern related to this. [But let me tell you I am a little relieved with the answer]
I was declined individual health insurance. They collected me urine and blood and I signed and authorization for them to test me to HIV. They never told me why I was declined but I never had health insurance before. I did not request my test results. I don't want to because of fear and anxiety and I do not my husband to run into th results through the mail before me.
I never had a child nor donated blood.
In which forum should I post this question?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm not sure what the question is.  You need testing.  If you want confidential testing, it is readily available through your local health department. There is no reason to not get tested.  Getting testing will have NO impact on whether you have HIV.  Most likely however, it will eliminate this erosive fear that you are suffering with at present.  EWH

[alvinco]

Thank you very much, Dr Hook.
God bless you.
This is a wonderful website and I'll use it from now on.