Further reassurance would be good!

[Tomworried]

Hey guys,

I 7.5 weeks ago had a potential risk of exposure to HIV, this risk was fairly low as things go, I'm reassured of that I just need a little bit of reinforcement on what I've been told.

I had a 29 days Duo test (ab/ag) that came back negative
I had a 5.5 week Duo test as above that also came back negative
Most recently I had a 7.5 week Duo test which also came back negative

Many people in the know have told me with the 4th generation test I've had, especially after 3, there is now pretty much no point in worrying about this any longer! My only concern is that the day after my 29 day duo test I developed three swollen glands in my neck, two on the left one on the right that still have not shifted, I had a slight fever (literaly upto 37.5 celsius at worst) but that has been gone since about a week after it came on. I'm concerned that these glands are HIV related, I don't feel any in my armpit or groin so think it is isolated to the neck and they are not massive, two of them are slightly painful. I have an occy health check for my job next week that checks for HIV (Uk healthworkers in the ambulance service have this) and I'm anxious that in the week from my 7.5 week test I'm going to become positive.

I know the 12 week window is the gold standard but believe this to be because many places don't have access to sensitive tests like the fourth generation duo test and the 12 weeks window is just covering all bases, but being realistic, is it likely that I will test positive as a normally fit and well person on no medication after three negative tests, the most recent being at 7.5 weeks...?

Responses would be very welcomed.
Thanks

[LIZZIE LOU]

there is not a test on the market that claims to give a conclusive test result earlier than 3 months post exposure.

it is unlikely that your test will change...BUT...you need to test out to 3 months.

[anxiety55]

So best thing you can do is wait for 12 week test, but you can wait in knowleage that after your 7,5 week duo negative there is VERY VERY SMAL chance that result of the 12 week test will be diferent

[Tomworried]

99.8 per cent is pretty much suggestive I have nothing to worry about but I will naturally do a 12 week one for security. Its more to check that I'm right in thinking that its very rare that it will change with how sensitive tests are now.

[Tomworried]

Any further advice?

[LIZZIE LOU]

so exactly what was your exposure?

[Tomworried]

Unprotected oral but only pre ejaculate, know its still a risk. Only problem is i'd be stress biting my bottom gum but was definitely not bleeding and more a graze than a route into the bloodstream. Was definitely not actively bleeding and even if it was thats a flush outwards and saliva is quite good at breaking it down...well thts what i know from what i've been told.

[LIZZIE LOU]

NO RISK

[Tomworried]

I know that in my heart of hearts just being a health worker and my career being dependent on this result I'm slightly more anxious!

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[LIZZIE LOU]

my advice?

get off the internet...off the forum...and get hiv off your mind...you've already spent 4 hours of your time on this one post.

"i know that in my heart of hearts".   use that knowledge to get past this and stop adding fuel to the fire of your anxiety.

[Tomworried]

Have a bit of sympathy...I have read other threads on here where questions have gone on for longer I was replying to Lizzie Lou about the reasons as for my enquiry. I don't think your comment there was particularly fair and being a healthworker adds an instant amount of responsibility in itself. I don't know what qualifications yourself or Lizzie Lou have so forgive me for perhaps querying points! I thought this website would be supportive but that was uncalled for in my opinion.

[Tomworried]

I've not spent four solid hours. I just returned to see any posts. I'm grateful for your help, truthfully. I meant to say chewing my bottom lip not gum but spose that would make no difference?

Thankyou again, and to Teak, sorry you felt my posting was obsessive but I don't feel that's particularly true.

[Teak]

Being a healthcare worker means you should be more knowledgable than what you are. You didn't have a risk and were advised of it, so move along.

[LIZZIE LOU]

it would make no difference.

[Tomworried]

I am pre-hospital, shown where I've said I work for the ambulance service and HIV is by no means my speciality, I have an understanding of how a body is affected, not levels of risk. So stating I should be more knowledgeable than "what I am" is generalising just a little. Take the criticism in the light I meant it. We're not all specialists in everything!

[Tomworried]

Thankyou very much for your help. It's just nice hearing the honest truth rather than the cotton wool wrapped version some people have given me. I have not heard of any transmissions through oral alone but the cut on my lip, despite the fact it'd stopped bleeding just concerned me that it could have happened that way! Take good care and thanks again.