7 week rapid test negative but some symptoms

Dear all,

I'm 26, white male, healthy, not sexually active at all - except for - I had a risk exposure (which I consider high) with a white female sex worker in South Africa.

The sex was protected, however the condom broke. I realised this immediately and withdrew. Where (I think) my problem comes in: I had a cut on my finger, about 1 centimeter in length, which occurred 12 hours prior to the exposure. I inserted this finger into her for roughly 2 minute or so.

Testing done to date:
2 weeks: duo test & full std profile - hiv negative, but diagnosed with clamidia (did 10 day doxy treatment) and one swollen lymph node under my jaw, right hand side;
4 weeks: elisa test - hiv negative; and
7 weeks: rapid test - hiv negative.

I phoned the sex worker several times and questioned her about her status. She assured me that she's HIV negative, do regular testing, and that I'm worrying over nothing. (I believe she's lying).

Just past the 7 week mark (2 days after the rapid test), i developed a swollen lymph node on the right hand side of my neck and one behind my right ear, this now together with the initial lymph node under my jaw. These are the only symptoms that I have experienced up to date. no rash, fewer, loose stooles ect ect.

I guess why i'm posting this thread is to find some re-assurance. 7 weeks negative -  just re-aasuring, not conclusive? or conclusive? or not at all - get tested at 3 months story?

I am away in a foreign country and won't have access to my doctor or regular testing lab for 2 weeks.

Any advice/comments will be appreciated.

[LIZZIE LOU]

your test at seven weeks is a great indicator of your status...and is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to change...but a test at 3 months is conclusive.

[gdutoit5555]

Thanks for the reply.

Planning on getting tested once I’m back in South Africa. Then it will be 9 weeks.  If negative – which I’m not so sure of, again at 12 weeks.

It’s funny how one brainless stupid evening can change not one or two things, but EVERYTHING in ones life. Work and relationships have taken a huge strain it the last 7 weeks of my life.  I wish I have the opportunity to learn from this mistake, and not have to deal with its consequences.  I so desperately hope so.

People say time flies – ask that from any person waiting for his 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 week HIV test coming up

[roamingrover]

too true mate..one stupid blunder & er done..
am worried too..its just been two weeks & some rashes has developed , although no fever or pain or swollen glands..
should i go for a test or wait for another week..
will be devastated if its positive..

[gdutoit5555]

Well, i'll say its too early to tell. At this point in time anything can cause the rashes. Don't know what your risk exposure was so difficult to give my (unprofessional) advise.

What I would do if I where you...take a 4 weeks duo test (antibody & antigen). at four weeks something like 90% of people will show up positive if infected. If negative, keep on testing every two weeks or so.

But hey, symptoms mean nothing. I'm at 7 weeks and I still feel exactly the same as when I did my 2 week test - anxiety wise. I'm not one bit more relaxed or assured because I'm at 7 weeks and negative as opposed to the two weeks and negative.

[gdutoit5555]

Is it of any significance that only the lymph nodes on my right hand side is swollen?

[LIZZIE LOU]

only a doctor can diagnose whether or not your lymph nodes are swollen.  it has been my experience on this forum...that MOST ppl who THINK they have swollen nodes...dont have them once they see their doctor.

in someone who has recently been infected...the lymph nodes swell all over their body.   they are LARGE...you dont have to feel for them.  my son's were the size of golf balls and larger.

the best advice i can give you is to get off the internet in search of hiv and the symptoms that follow.  all it does is add fuel to the fire of your anxiety.  

once again...it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that your test result is going to change.

[Saint_dave]

I had unprotected sex with a white female stripper in Las Vegas, during intercouse I noticed the I had cut the tip of my penis, after a brief holiday in Thailand I've come back to the US. I haven't had any fever, I've not noticed any swollen glands, or rashes or. I have had diohrea for the for week or so. The encounter happened 12 weeks ago and I'm having my first test tomorrow. I've convinced myself I've been infected and I'm already worrying about how I'm going to tell my parents, and even more pathetically my partner! Can anyone offer me any advice?

[halfoldman]

Dear friend,  thailand after years of awareness campaigns have a low prevelance rate,so too is in the US, chances are very slim to catch the virus, clear your mind tomorrow and share your news with us, and wish you good luck and you will be negative, and in future wear the protection condom.  

[Dax_1982]

I had my 28 day test results and they were negative, thank God! I've been told I should have a three month test in dec, so now I'm paranoid that I've got a false negative and may still fund out I'm infected at my three month test!