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possible ARS symptoms 5.5 weeks after possible exposure
From July 17th to the 22nd, I had unprotected vaginal sex prob. 6 times with a girl whom I've been sleeping with on and off for a few years. I was on a trip back home. About 5 weeks (37 days) later I began developing ARS symptoms. Briefly, I had been very worried about a burning sensation during urination, and pain in my penis so I was already stressed out. On Thursday August 29th (38 days post possible exposure) I finally got the courage to go in for an STD screening. This was the day my symptoms began. It started with aches and pains throughout the legs. I had a small patch of red pimple like (macules?) starting on my back and upper right arm a week or so prior, but this has spread to my legs, all over the back (probably 25 of them) and on both arms. They do not pop, and seem to be growing out of hair follicles. I picked at one on my left arm, and it has scabbed over and won't heal. They don't seem to be going away. The back of my tongue is white (I am a daily cigarette and daily marijuana smoker/have been drinking too much as I work in the restaurant industry), and i have been suffering from fatigue and general malaise. My arms also ache and I can't get any sleep at night. These things turned minor stress into major.
The results on my HIV-1/2, EIA, W/RFL, HIV 1/2 AB W/REFLEXES at 38 days post exposure was negative. I took a rapid screening the following day which was also negative. I also tested negative to all other STDs on the panel. While this put me a little at ease, the symptoms persist. It's been 11 days, and the red folliculitis/bump things are getting worse, I still have aches in the legs/arms/all over, and my tongue is coated in white towards the back + my mouth has been very dry. I took another rapid blood test (negative) and a DNA test on Sep. 7. I have not had a fever or a sore throat. I have had minor nausea and headaches. The girl in question tested negative a month ago. Do I have HIV? Could severe episodic stress be causing this?
The results on my HIV-1/2, EIA, W/RFL, HIV 1/2 AB W/REFLEXES at 38 days post exposure was negative. I took a rapid screening the following day which was also negative. I also tested negative to all other STDs on the panel. While this put me a little at ease, the symptoms persist. It's been 11 days, and the red folliculitis/bump things are getting worse, I still have aches in the legs/arms/all over, and my tongue is coated in white towards the back + my mouth has been very dry. I took another rapid blood test (negative) and a DNA test on Sep. 7. I have not had a fever or a sore throat. I have had minor nausea and headaches. The girl in question tested negative a month ago. Do I have HIV? Could severe episodic stress be causing this?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
The most important information you provide is your several negative blood test results. They prove you do not have HIV and your symptoms are not caused by ARS. The symptoms of ARS are nonspecific -- that is, the identical symptoms occur in many conditions, mostly minor. Also, the timing is wrong; ARS cannot start as late as 5 weeks after catching the virus; it's always about 10-20 days, no longer. In contrast, HIV blood tests are among the most accurate diagnostic tests ever developed, for any medical condition. For these reasons, HIV test results always overrule symptoms in judging whether or not someone has HIV.
I will also add that partner's negative blood test proves she doesn't have HIV and could not have infected you. (Even without her test result, I would have said it sounds like she is at low risk for HIV and unlikely to be infected.
My advice is to see a doctor or clinic for professional evaluation to learn the cause of your symptoms. On this forum we don't speculate about causes of symptoms other than HIV. As for stress, it probably could cause many of your symptoms, but probably not all of them.
In any case, you can stop worrying about HIV -- and with your negative STD tests, you shouldn't be worried about other STDs either.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
The most important information you provide is your several negative blood test results. They prove you do not have HIV and your symptoms are not caused by ARS. The symptoms of ARS are nonspecific -- that is, the identical symptoms occur in many conditions, mostly minor. Also, the timing is wrong; ARS cannot start as late as 5 weeks after catching the virus; it's always about 10-20 days, no longer. In contrast, HIV blood tests are among the most accurate diagnostic tests ever developed, for any medical condition. For these reasons, HIV test results always overrule symptoms in judging whether or not someone has HIV.
I will also add that partner's negative blood test proves she doesn't have HIV and could not have infected you. (Even without her test result, I would have said it sounds like she is at low risk for HIV and unlikely to be infected.
My advice is to see a doctor or clinic for professional evaluation to learn the cause of your symptoms. On this forum we don't speculate about causes of symptoms other than HIV. As for stress, it probably could cause many of your symptoms, but probably not all of them.
In any case, you can stop worrying about HIV -- and with your negative STD tests, you shouldn't be worried about other STDs either.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No.
This thread is over. Move on.
This thread is over. Move on.
I apologize for continuing the thread and this will be my last comment. It's probably going to sound absurd. Now I'm beginning to worry it may have happened another way, possibly earlier than 5 weeks after possible exposure. I think this is absurd, but I live in a building with a man who was been positive for over thirty years. He can be a little goofy, and slapped me in the cheek (lightly) one night after running into him outside the building. This is not a risky scenario is it?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This negative result confirms you do not have HIV -- which was already certain anyway. There are no exceptions and there is no infomation you can think of that would change that conclusion. Accept the scientific evidence and the reasoned reassurance you have had and move on.
I just received negative results on my combo test which was performed at 6 weeks, would that have even detected antigens seeming as it was later on in the process (if i did contract)?
I know you ended the thread, but there is one more thing. Before any of these symptoms occurred, a girl I know performed oral on me, and we had protected intercourse. I had been drinking, and put the condom on upside down initially. She fell ill about 2 weeks later with a fever, nausea, and extreme tiredness which lasted only a few days. I feel like I'm losing my mind with the possibility that not only I may be infected, but I may have infected someone else. Despite the late "symptoms", could I be a rare case that develops them later than most?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No. First, the window period is shortened when multiple tests are used. Second, the blood test is always positive if symptons are due to HIV. See the thread linked below:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---Prevention/RNA-and-oraquick-swab-test-/show/1891685
So you don't need any more testing; as I said above, the test results you have already had prove for sure you don't have HIV.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---Prevention/RNA-and-oraquick-swab-test-/show/1891685
So you don't need any more testing; as I said above, the test results you have already had prove for sure you don't have HIV.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry.
Also aren't I still in this dreadful window period?
Thank you for the speedy reply, and for this forum. It's been getting me through this obsession over having HIV. Do you recommend getting tested at the 8 week mark? Also, the DNA combo results (not sure if i worded that correctly) should be in Wednesday or Thursday. Can I consider those conclusive? Again this is a great service and I'm sure i can speak for everyone involved when I say you and the other doctors are beacons for hope during troubling times.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I saw this before replying above. It doesn't change my opinion or advice.
Forgot to mention I've also had white peeling rings on the surfaces of my palms and fingers, not very many, and they come and go. Usually appearing after I shower.
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