HIV exposure and symptoms, false negative test?

In June this year a friend convinced me to go to a erotic massage pallor. I didn't want to go but he convinced me. I recived a massage and handjob. The problem is that I had scrapes and sores on the head of my penis at the time. I don't know if saliva or vaginal fluid was used for lubrication. It is highly possible. I didn't ghive much tought after that, but in September I first noticed something was wrong with me.
It started with a sore throat and a cough. I took some antibiotics and the sore throat went away but the cough lasted 4-6 weeks. After that I had problems with my stomach. I had no appetite and loose stools. I lost around 10 kg in one month. At this time I freaked out. What is going on with me? I was not thinking about HIV. I went to several doctors but they didn't find anything wrong with me.
Since the end of September until now I feel extremely fatigued, I cannot sleep as I slept before, I have no apetite, I have some pimple like spots on my skin and now I see the same symptoms in my girlfriend. We had several times unprotected sex since June.
After 20 weeks since my exposure I decided finally to get a HIV screening test. It was a MEIA test using the AxSym Abbot analyzer. It was negative.
Is it possible it was a false negative? The symptoms that me and my girlfriend have are a clear indication of HIV virus? Should I get tested again?
I feel like my life it's over. The worst part is that that I think I gave it to my girlfriend. This was my first contact outside of this relationship.

[carlos_uk]

hi

what test did u have done ?

[Teak]

You never had a risk.

[carlos_uk]

dear teak
could dou test false nagative??
in uk they test four times make sure no false nagative as lons as not in window period ,

[Teak]

Do not hijack other people's threads. Keep all your questions and concerns you have in your own thread.

[Bobby_jfk]

I had a MEIA test, I understand it's the same as elisa.

[Bobby_jfk]

Why do you think I had no risk? I had sores on my penis that were opened by the handjob. If some infected fluid got on my penis at that time it could have been rubbed in. Should I test again at 6 months? I am a wreck now. Can't think at something else.

[RainLover71]

You never had a risk because the Hiv virus becomes inactive and unable to infect you as soon as it is exposed to air.Also the test you had at 20 weeks is 100% conclusive and final and can't be a false negative because you tested past the window period of 3 Months.Your safe and you don't have Hiv.

[Teak]

HIV is not transmitted by oral sex. Saliva contains over a dozen different enzymes and proteins that inhibit HIV transmission.

[Bobby_jfk]

So I could have sex unprotected with another person I know it's HIV negative without the risk of transmitting? Like I said I have all the symptoms associated with HIV(extrem fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, a pimple like rash on my body). I was a healthy man before this. How can I explain to myself everything that is happening? Should I test again?

[LIZZIE LOU]

regardless of the fact that you've been told you had no risk...your test PROVES...without a doubt...that hiv is NOT your problem.

kindly move along...you do NOT have a hiv concern.

if you are having health concerns, see your dr.

[Bobby_jfk]

I understand that hand to genital contact is no risk, but the mucous membrane on the head of my penis was not intact at that time. It had small scrapes/lesions that where accentuated by the handjob. If some infected fluid got inside the lesions there is a risk. Considering the symptoms I am experiencing and my exposure the only logical explanation is HIV. Should I test again at 6 months? Or should I act like nothing's wrong?
Thank you for your time.

[Teak]

HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.

[interestedparty71]

It doesnt make any difference what state your penis was in.. As has been said a)you have no risk and b)your HIV test was 100% conclusive.

[Bobby_jfk]

From your answers I understand I could have unprotected sex with anyone who I know is HIV negative and there is absolutely no risk to infect them. Is this correct?

[Teak]

How could you possibly infect someone with something you don't have?

[Bobby_jfk]

I appreciate your confidence. I pray to God you are right. I wish I could think like you. If my symptoms persist I will test again after 6 months. I realy am scared and changed. Everybody asks me what's wrong with me. The world around me has changed since this incident. I just can't think of something else.
Thank you for your answers. I will keep you posted on further developments of the situation.
I promise I will be a better man if I don't have HIV...

[Bobby_jfk]

I promise this is my last post and final question.
Have you encountered a case in wich a negative 20 weeks test has turned out to be positive after 6 months?
Thank you.

[RainLover71]

Yes,about 20 years ago.Doesn't happen anymore.You only required a test at 12 weeks for a conclusive result and please don't tell me you are going to test out to 6 Months because that would be absurd..

[Bobby_jfk]

The test I took was a MEIA that looks only for antibodies (Axsym Abbot analyzer). I recived the results the same day from the lab. Some people don't develop antibodies until after 6 months. I think I will probably test after 6 months.

[RainLover71]

Who Told you that BS.The only people that MIGHT take longer to seroconvert past 3 Months are chemotherapy patients or transplant patients on meds.Your neither of those catergory of people.

[interestedparty71]

You will be wasting your time, and if you are paying for it money, bobby. Plus giving yourself a whole load of anxiety. You dont have HIV.

[Bobby_jfk]

Thank you for the support. Some doctors and official medical institutions are promoting the idea that an antibodie test is conclusive only after 6 months in 99.99% of cases due to late seroconversion. Information like this makes you go mad, especially if you have my symptoms.

[interestedparty71]

those doctors and medical instutions are living in the past and being massvely conservative.

[RainLover71]

Those Doctors don't know anything about Hiv window periods,if they did they would be making such absurd statements.They are still living in the past instead of accepting the excellent testing we have now for early detection.

[Bobby_jfk]

Hi everybody,
I am returning with a question. My health hasn't improved since my last post. Taking into account all the symptoms I have and had: sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in my arm pit, neck, groin, fever, night swets a few times, muscle pain in arms and legs, back pain, small red pimple like spots, extreme fatigue, no appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, major weight loss 10 kg, white tongue neck pain.  All of this in the last 3 months starting approximately 2 months after exposure. So now it's been 5 months since my exposure. Everybody says is no risk situation. The symptoms are real. What should I do to find out what's wrong with me? I tested at 4 months and came back negative. I believe it was a false negative. I was having these symptoms at the time. Can you test negative while you seroconvert? Please help me out guys. I am terrified to test again.
Thank you all.  

[interestedparty71]

I think you should go to a doctor and explain your symptoms. However I can assure you (as indeed you have already been assured) that your symptoms are not HIV related.

[Bobby_jfk]

My exposure was handjob with saliva and vaginal fluid used for lubrication. The problem is that the foreskin on my penis was damaged at the time. I know this because it was stinging afterwards an a little during the handjob and it looked realy scraped.
Please guys take all this into account when you answer me.

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by 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.

[Bobby_jfk]

Should I test again at 6 months? Or I should ignore all the symptoms?

[Bobby_jfk]

Please Teak, I am desperate here. Don't ban me. I am just trying to get some answers regarding my situation. Why do you think I should not test again? I know that by writing on this forum I can't change the reality but it helps mentally. I am a wreck at this point.

[Bobby_jfk]

Hello, i just wanted to tell you that i started having major vision problems. I can't focus my vision. Rapid movement makes me dizzy. What is going on??? Now I am 100% that I have this... I hope I will be able to see so I can post my test results after the hollidays. Please some one ghive me an advice.

[RainLover71]

You never had a risk and your test results are proof of this aswell.See your doctor if you are feeling unwell.

[Bobby_jfk]

I did see many doctors. There is nothing else wrong with me. Why is this happening if I had no risk? I am as good as dead. If I loose my vision to its the end.

[RainLover71]

Maybe the stress and anxiety is causing these problems.You need to accept the fact that you don't have Hiv.

[Bobby_jfk]

This is just too much. I tell you this cant be stress related. I am not making this up. It's real. Why would I be on this forum if I had no problem? I read today that 70% of people with HIV report vision problems.

[RainLover71]

You tested negative at 20 weeks.It is not possible to have Hiv.

[Bobby_jfk]

I will post my new test results next year. I will test again. I was told its no risk and 20 weeks is conclusive but if anyone wold feel as I feel they wold not believe this. I just hope I don't loose my vision so I can't write or read. If I don't write anything it means I had lost my vision. I will keep you posted, if you are interested ofcourse.

[RainLover71]

Your vision problems have nothing to do with Hiv and any further Hiv testing would be a waste of time and money.Please accept the fact that you do not Have Hiv.

[LIZZIE LOU]

This HIV Community is a place to discuss HIV Prevention based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors.

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by 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.

[bomber18]

Hey Bobby,

I have the same exact sumptoms and also cannot believe my 5 and 6 months test results. I plan to test at 9 months and i guess it will be concluant. I hope ir will negative though.

[Teak]

You don't have an HIV concern.

[faiza23]

no need for testing u didnt have a risk

[bomber18]

What about all sympyoms listed add to them an abnormal thyroid which is very common in hiv+ late stages. It seems that there are some cases that hiv jumps directly to the late stages depending on how the body reacts to the deadly virus. I am just going crazy feeling like i am taking my family with me hell. The funny thing is the doctor told me that when take your next negative result will you accept to seek psychological therapy (with medicine).

[Teak]

You don't have an HIV concern.

[lemmenoe]

bomber18, "The funny thing is the doctor told me that when take your next negative result will you accept to seek psychological therapy (with medicine)."
even your doctor does not think much of the symptoms? is that what you are saying?

then what are these symptoms??? I am in the same boat.

[Teak]

You are not in the same boat you have a conclusive negative test result.

[lemmenoe]

Teak, say I test again next week (I am seriously contemplating), do you really really be confident enough to say it will definitely 100% turn out negative again?
Absolutely certain?

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by 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.

[lemmenoe]

Can you at least answer this? Please.
You know how worried we are...and how wrecked we all are...

[Teak]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/HIV/show/1633916#post_7432797

[lemmenoe]

So, is that a definite yes to Negative? A comment from you will help a lot. Wrecks like us need it...

[Sunny2406]

Why did you have open sores on your penis at the time of this encounter?

[bomber18]

Can you deny that the symptoms lusted are all Hiv? Maybe it is time for the scientists to reconsider Hiv study or think about a different virus such as hiv-3.

[Teak]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Almost-all-HIV-symptoms-after-5-months/show/1597666#post_7258862

[Bobby_jfk]

I had sex the day before with my girlfriend and it scraped the head and foreskin on my penis. That's why.

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by 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.

[Bobby_jfk]

I tested again and I have the results. Is anyone interested or is considered excessive posting?

[Teak]

Move on, you never had an exposure.

[lemmenoe]

How many months have you tested now?

[Teak]

Move on.

[Bobby_jfk]

I tested at 4 and 6 months. Antibody test only. Negative.

[lemmenoe]

Did the doctor suggest all your symptoms are due to anxiety (now that you have tested past 6 months)?

Did you go for a full blood count to check how the other readings are?

[Bobby_jfk]

Everything else it's normal.

[Teak]

Of course it's normal you never had an exposure.

[Bobby_jfk]

No need to be like this. You should have some compassion. You think I like to be on this forum? I wish I never knew it existed... Can you answer my question or not? Please man, I didn't come here complaining about the flu 3 days after a mistake. Im not one of those. Please believe me!!! It's pretty hard as it is. I have major symptoms of HIV not ars. I mean muscle twitches, insomnia, neurological problems, swollen painfull lymph nodes. I understand my exposure doesn't fit the standard but it's not impossible. Only self pleasuring is 100% safe. I can hardly write here... Please don't treat me like this!!

[Teak]

YOU HAD NO RISK. MOVE ON..