Aa
need expert HIV opinion ASAP results/symptoms/eclipse articles
Dr. HHH/Hook/experts,
HIV scare, had unprotected sex w/ another female 61 days ago & afraid infected wife or still can. Have had too many unexplainable symptoms.
TESTS:
I had negative HIV-1 Antibody, 1/O/2 Abs, Qual, & HIV-1 DNA PCR thru Labcorp/Analyte Physicians @30 days also w/ neg. hep, chlamydia/ gonorrhea, HSV
Wife had negative HIV Antibody @33 days, along w/ neg. hep, chlamydia/ gonorrhea, HSV
I had a zero, negative HIV-1/2 Antibody & HIV-1 RNA PCR , at infectious disease dr @51 days, along w/ neg. CMV PCR, monospot, syphilis & positive EBV >8 IGG AB & EBNA signifying previous or reactivated
My inf. disease Dr says this is practically conclusive for no HIV and almost zero chance for as medically possible. Everything in these forums & online says I'm free from HIV, but all my symptoms & the following worry me.
2 articles scare me REALLY bad. Can I have HIV only in lymph/stomach & not blood, thus undetectable PCR & no antibody? If there's any truth to these & long eclipse period, which contradict majority of opinion & charts online. What's your opinion regarding articles below & my situation?
section 3.2 pg 5 & chart
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/22210/InTech-The_hiv_seronegative_window_period_diagnostic_
challenges_and_solutions.pdf
eclipse data on pg 2 also
http://www.ucsf-ahp.org/HTML2/Online_Resources/WindowPeriodExamined.pdf
HIV scare, had unprotected sex w/ another female 61 days ago & afraid infected wife or still can. Have had too many unexplainable symptoms.
TESTS:
I had negative HIV-1 Antibody, 1/O/2 Abs, Qual, & HIV-1 DNA PCR thru Labcorp/Analyte Physicians @30 days also w/ neg. hep, chlamydia/ gonorrhea, HSV
Wife had negative HIV Antibody @33 days, along w/ neg. hep, chlamydia/ gonorrhea, HSV
I had a zero, negative HIV-1/2 Antibody & HIV-1 RNA PCR , at infectious disease dr @51 days, along w/ neg. CMV PCR, monospot, syphilis & positive EBV >8 IGG AB & EBNA signifying previous or reactivated
My inf. disease Dr says this is practically conclusive for no HIV and almost zero chance for as medically possible. Everything in these forums & online says I'm free from HIV, but all my symptoms & the following worry me.
2 articles scare me REALLY bad. Can I have HIV only in lymph/stomach & not blood, thus undetectable PCR & no antibody? If there's any truth to these & long eclipse period, which contradict majority of opinion & charts online. What's your opinion regarding articles below & my situation?
section 3.2 pg 5 & chart
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/22210/InTech-The_hiv_seronegative_window_period_diagnostic_
challenges_and_solutions.pdf
eclipse data on pg 2 also
http://www.ucsf-ahp.org/HTML2/Online_Resources/WindowPeriodExamined.pdf
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
"I guess I can safely move on from HIV fear...." Yup. Your test results prove you were not infected.
We don't speculate about explanations for symptoms other than HIV. If they persist and/or you remain concerned, discuss them with your personal physician.
Thanks for the thanks. Take care.
We don't speculate about explanations for symptoms other than HIV. If they persist and/or you remain concerned, discuss them with your personal physician.
Thanks for the thanks. Take care.
FOLLOWUP:
-had neg. HIV AB(3rd gen. Elisa) thru Labcorp at 12.4 weeks (87 days)
-HIV RNA at zero, detecting to 40 copies/ml or less, CD4 cell count: at lower side 753 (normal range 441-2156)/ 48% helper cells (normal range 28-63%) and neg. AB (3rd gen. Elisa) thru major inf. disease/AIDS hospital 14.3 weeks (100 days)
I guess I can safely move on from HIV fear and ADMIT, you were right HHH ! THANK YOU
I still have weird symptoms that have settled now, lasting longer than a month into a burning stomach (along w/ noises/weight loss) and underarm feeling, any guess what this could be?
-had neg. HIV AB(3rd gen. Elisa) thru Labcorp at 12.4 weeks (87 days)
-HIV RNA at zero, detecting to 40 copies/ml or less, CD4 cell count: at lower side 753 (normal range 441-2156)/ 48% helper cells (normal range 28-63%) and neg. AB (3rd gen. Elisa) thru major inf. disease/AIDS hospital 14.3 weeks (100 days)
I guess I can safely move on from HIV fear and ADMIT, you were right HHH ! THANK YOU
I still have weird symptoms that have settled now, lasting longer than a month into a burning stomach (along w/ noises/weight loss) and underarm feeling, any guess what this could be?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
"not sure in 9 years how nobody asking about didnt actually acquire HIV":
This doesn't surprise me at all. We get few questions about truly high risk exposures, such as unprotected anal sex or sex with known HIV positive partners. I'm pretty certain that anyone who actually had a positive HIV test would have posted the result, especially after Dr. Hook or I advised they were not at risk and a positive result would be surprsing.
I should clarify that a couple of people have claimed they had positive tests, but they later confessed to lying. And one person several months ago gave a potentially believable story, was asked to return with a follow-up comment if the positive result was confirmed, and we didn't hear back.
The point is that it is very rare for someone with an exposure history like yours to acquire HIV. The large majority of people with heterosexually acquired HIV have had repeated contact over a long time with infected partners. Of course it is possible to catch HIV from a one-time risky exposure, but it's very usual. Had you started this thread before you had any tests for HIV, I would have advised you that testing really wasn't necessary from a risk standpoint -- only for the reassurance value of the anticipated negative result.
This doesn't surprise me at all. We get few questions about truly high risk exposures, such as unprotected anal sex or sex with known HIV positive partners. I'm pretty certain that anyone who actually had a positive HIV test would have posted the result, especially after Dr. Hook or I advised they were not at risk and a positive result would be surprsing.
I should clarify that a couple of people have claimed they had positive tests, but they later confessed to lying. And one person several months ago gave a potentially believable story, was asked to return with a follow-up comment if the positive result was confirmed, and we didn't hear back.
The point is that it is very rare for someone with an exposure history like yours to acquire HIV. The large majority of people with heterosexually acquired HIV have had repeated contact over a long time with infected partners. Of course it is possible to catch HIV from a one-time risky exposure, but it's very usual. Had you started this thread before you had any tests for HIV, I would have advised you that testing really wasn't necessary from a risk standpoint -- only for the reassurance value of the anticipated negative result.
hopefully w/ an .... I told you so
thank you doctor, I'm gonna lay off the internet, relax my mind, but restest at past 3 months for piece of mind... not sure in 9 years how nobody asking about didnt actually acquire HIV, unless they didnt followup...when i do, please comment sometime next month, middle of May.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1) Is it "possible"? Not that you have HIV. Almost certainly you have no infection of any kind from the sexual exposure described. Most of your sympoms are consistent with a psychological origin, i.e. the physical manifestations of anxiety, stress, depression, etc, perhaps in response to a sexual decision you regret. But otherwise I am confident they are unconnected with that event.
2) You're barking up the wrong tree in regard to delayed positive HIV test results ("eclipse time"). This is rare if it occurs at all with the currently standard HIV antibody tests -- although it may have been an occasional issue with the earliest tests, developed in the 1980s and no longer used. And in any case, it applies only to the antibody tests. You have also had a negative PCR test for the virus. It is impossible to have HIV for more than 4 weeks and have negative results for both the virus and the body's immune response to it.
Perhaps you'll also be interested to know that in the 9 years since this forum was inaugurated, with thousands of questions and replies, there hasn't been a single case of someone who actually turned out to have acquired HIV from an exposure they asked about. You aren't likely to be the first.
At this point, my advice is to discuss these issues once again with your personal physician and/or the ID specialist, including my comments. If s/he agrees that an infection is an unlikely explanation of your symptoms, ask about the psychological explanation and possible counseling to address it. I suggest it from compassion, not criticism. And in the meantime, defintely lay off the internet!
In any case, that will wind up this thread. I won't have any further comments or advice. Good luck.
2) You're barking up the wrong tree in regard to delayed positive HIV test results ("eclipse time"). This is rare if it occurs at all with the currently standard HIV antibody tests -- although it may have been an occasional issue with the earliest tests, developed in the 1980s and no longer used. And in any case, it applies only to the antibody tests. You have also had a negative PCR test for the virus. It is impossible to have HIV for more than 4 weeks and have negative results for both the virus and the body's immune response to it.
Perhaps you'll also be interested to know that in the 9 years since this forum was inaugurated, with thousands of questions and replies, there hasn't been a single case of someone who actually turned out to have acquired HIV from an exposure they asked about. You aren't likely to be the first.
At this point, my advice is to discuss these issues once again with your personal physician and/or the ID specialist, including my comments. If s/he agrees that an infection is an unlikely explanation of your symptoms, ask about the psychological explanation and possible counseling to address it. I suggest it from compassion, not criticism. And in the meantime, defintely lay off the internet!
In any case, that will wind up this thread. I won't have any further comments or advice. Good luck.
Thank you for your comments and advice. I'm trying to move on w/ things, but it's very difficult based on my shame, guilt, symptoms, etc
Can you still answer these 2 main questions and I will be happy and done:
1)Is it possible, w/ everything I said, can I have HIV only in lymph/stomach & not blood, thus undetectable PCR & no antibody at 7 weeks w/ symptoms week 2-7 or have you ever seen this? any test suggestion for STD/virus/bacteria could cause all my symptoms?
2)If there's any truth to these & long eclipse period, which contradict majority of opinion & charts online. What's your opinion regarding articles below, can you please briefly read/look at and comment on undetectable eclipse periods being 0-3 months or is this false?
section 3.2 pg 5 & chart
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/22210/InTech-The_hiv_seronegative_window_period_diagnostic_
challenges_and_solutions.pdf
eclipse data on pg 2 also
http://www.ucsf-ahp.org/HTML2/Online_Resources/WindowPeriodExamined.pdf .
Can you still answer these 2 main questions and I will be happy and done:
1)Is it possible, w/ everything I said, can I have HIV only in lymph/stomach & not blood, thus undetectable PCR & no antibody at 7 weeks w/ symptoms week 2-7 or have you ever seen this? any test suggestion for STD/virus/bacteria could cause all my symptoms?
2)If there's any truth to these & long eclipse period, which contradict majority of opinion & charts online. What's your opinion regarding articles below, can you please briefly read/look at and comment on undetectable eclipse periods being 0-3 months or is this false?
section 3.2 pg 5 & chart
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/22210/InTech-The_hiv_seronegative_window_period_diagnostic_
challenges_and_solutions.pdf
eclipse data on pg 2 also
http://www.ucsf-ahp.org/HTML2/Online_Resources/WindowPeriodExamined.pdf .
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Noted. These symptoms are not typical for HIV, and in any case your test results prove HIV isn't the cause.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you are so concerned about having HIV; based on the information you have provided, you can be 100% confident you do not.
The important information here is in the opening lines. The standard HIV tests are among the most accurate of all diagnostic tests that exist, for any medical conditions. Done sufficiently long after the last possible exposure -- meaning 4-8 weeks, depending on the specific test or comination of tests -- negative results prove that HIV infection is not present. Such results always overrule exposure history and symptoms. Even if you had had a particularly high risk exposure (it was not) or typical HIV symptoms (which you do not), your test results are definitive.
So my conclusion is even stronger than that of your ID doctor: I would drop the "practically". It is 100% certain you did not acquire an HIV infection during your sexual adventure 2 months ago. No further testing is needed, either for you or your wife.
Finally, I would urge you stop searching these issues online. Like many anxious persons, you apparently are being attracted to obscure information that reinforces your fears, and ignoring or not "seeing" the much more voluminous data that should be reassuring.
If you remain concerned about your continuing symptoms, I suggest you continue to work with your doctor(s) -- whether the ID specialist or your personal physician -- to address the possible causes and treatment. There is simply no way that you have HIV.
Best regards-- HHH, MD
The important information here is in the opening lines. The standard HIV tests are among the most accurate of all diagnostic tests that exist, for any medical conditions. Done sufficiently long after the last possible exposure -- meaning 4-8 weeks, depending on the specific test or comination of tests -- negative results prove that HIV infection is not present. Such results always overrule exposure history and symptoms. Even if you had had a particularly high risk exposure (it was not) or typical HIV symptoms (which you do not), your test results are definitive.
So my conclusion is even stronger than that of your ID doctor: I would drop the "practically". It is 100% certain you did not acquire an HIV infection during your sexual adventure 2 months ago. No further testing is needed, either for you or your wife.
Finally, I would urge you stop searching these issues online. Like many anxious persons, you apparently are being attracted to obscure information that reinforces your fears, and ignoring or not "seeing" the much more voluminous data that should be reassuring.
If you remain concerned about your continuing symptoms, I suggest you continue to work with your doctor(s) -- whether the ID specialist or your personal physician -- to address the possible causes and treatment. There is simply no way that you have HIV.
Best regards-- HHH, MD
SYMPTOMS:
Over first few weeks, entire penis glans turned red & painful urination. Took zpack, diflucan, levoquin, & flagyl, eventually went away.
Then all the symptoms started around day 21 to present 61, too much just to be stress/anxiety:
started burny rash: back/neck/underams day 33-61
loud gastrointestinal noises 33-61
weight loss-mostly in legs/achilles pain from walking/lost 20 lbs
insomnia/loss app/no desire eat 36-52
nausea 30-off /on
diarrhea 33-44
night sweats 3x
itchy nose/red veins 36-61
front neck & back neck 2 small sores-skin peeled, scabbed 44-51
dry mouth/voice change 33-44
wife has had some minor minor symptoms past month: burny armpits, stomach noises, dry mouth, fatigue off/on, nowhere nearly bad as me.
The last week, day 54-61 only symptoms remaining: same stomach noises, itchy nose/spidery veins, slight burny feeling armpits off/on. Besides that, I feel better mentally now & almost back to normal.
Over first few weeks, entire penis glans turned red & painful urination. Took zpack, diflucan, levoquin, & flagyl, eventually went away.
Then all the symptoms started around day 21 to present 61, too much just to be stress/anxiety:
started burny rash: back/neck/underams day 33-61
loud gastrointestinal noises 33-61
weight loss-mostly in legs/achilles pain from walking/lost 20 lbs
insomnia/loss app/no desire eat 36-52
nausea 30-off /on
diarrhea 33-44
night sweats 3x
itchy nose/red veins 36-61
front neck & back neck 2 small sores-skin peeled, scabbed 44-51
dry mouth/voice change 33-44
wife has had some minor minor symptoms past month: burny armpits, stomach noises, dry mouth, fatigue off/on, nowhere nearly bad as me.
The last week, day 54-61 only symptoms remaining: same stomach noises, itchy nose/spidery veins, slight burny feeling armpits off/on. Besides that, I feel better mentally now & almost back to normal.
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