HIV?

[lemmenoe]

My exposure:
End Jan 11 - Unprotected oral sex with CSW in Singapore
Mid Apr 11 - Unprotected oral sex with CSW in Malaysia + she penetrated me unprotected for 3 seconds (I was drunk)

Symptoms:
- In May, muscle aches and pain started - lasted till now, so 7 months already. At times, can be very painful and affects my well-being.
- In Oct, lymph nodes aches around neck, armpit area (but not swollen - after having checked by a doctor) - still feel it from time to time now, especially right arm and left knee area.
- In Aug, I had a flu which went off after about 10 days, but developed rhinitis - blocked airways till now. Seen ENT doctor, who did a scan and said there is no inflammation, and gave me some antibiotics, steriods and nasal spray, but no effect. He says need operation to cure it.
- Late Nov, had rashes (maybe heat rash) around waist area. 5 rashes. Came with sore throat, then mild fever (which went away after a day with medication), cough and flu.
- Headaches came and went, usually lasting only a day.

Did two rapid tests on 4 Nov 11 and 1 Elisa test on 5 Nov 11 - all came back negative.

Please tell me what to expect.

Thanks.

[notwelc]

which hospital in malaysia you went too?

[lemmenoe]

Really appreciate your assessment, really I mean it.

I have been absolutely terrified for over 7 months now...and am examining my body everyday, without fail.

I will need time to get over this experience - definitely the worst in my life ever.

Hope I can rest well moving forward...

[RainLover71]

No Hiv test needs to stretch out to 6 months or 9 months,that's absurd and that nurse or doctor or whoever she was needs to go back to school and learn about Hiv window periods.3 Months is final and conclusive and that is that.You can have unprotected sex with your gf anytime you like.You are NOT going to be infecting anyone because you have NO Hiv.You need to accept this fact.The reason you are having symptoms is because you are stressed.Stop stressing.

[Teak]

http://www.cdc.gov/globalaids/Resources/pmtct-care/docs/TM/Module_6TM.pdf
Page 11
#4
  In an adult, a positive HIV antibody test result means that the person is infected, a person with a negative or inconclusive result may be in the “window for 4 to 6 weeks but occasionally up to 3 months after HIV exposure. Persons at high risk who initially test negative should be retested 3 months after exposure to confirm results

[lemmenoe]

The personel at the test lab where I did my ELISA also said (when I collected my report), that it is better to get testad again at 9 months (this is in Malaysia).  I asked why - thought 6 months conclusive.
She said - sometimes can take up to 9 months.

I am terrified.

[lemmenoe]

Thanks.

Both Teak and yourself have assured me I am clear, and I can now feel free to have unprotected sex with my gf. Frankly, I have not done so since tha advise on 22 Nov, as I am still very afraid.

I really really want both of you to be right, but the diarrhea and rash incident is scary, and now I noticed muscle wastage (another symptom apparently). Muscle wastage can't be due to anxiety right?

I just want to do what's right since that incident, including unprotected sex with my gf.

I can't afford another type of error anymore in my life - as it is, I am almost a goner, no life, nothing - just constant worry.

[RainLover71]

Your test results were negative and 100% conclusive and reliable.If you can't accept that then I suggest you join the anxiety community here at medhelp and I mean that with all due respect.Any symptoms you may be experiencing i would put down to stress and anxiety.Forget about this.You're safe.

[lemmenoe]

Teak, I have obviously been reading a lot of the posts. There are times you commented the symptoms are not related to ARS.

Can you please help me with mine?

1) My symptoms compared to typical ARS?
2) The time frame as stated above - ie occurance after latest exposure in April?

Please help - I am dying with anxiety.

[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]

Thanks, but can you let me know whether muscle wastage is a common symptom few months after exposure?  I know you do not wish to discuss symptoms, but at least from your knowledge and observation?  Please?

[Teak]

No you don't need further testing, you have a conclusive test result. See your doctor for your pains they have nothing to do with HIV.

[lemmenoe]

And I still have the ocassional body pains, though have subsided only the past 3 weeks...

Should I re-test?

Really extremely worries.

[lemmenoe]

I know it's not advisable to come back to this, but...

My weight have not gone down generally (though it has been up and down), and now I noticed muscle wastage in arms and thighs.

I am fearful the diarrhea in Nov, coupled with rashes are signs of (latent) seroconversion.

My eyes are also slightly red at the side most times.

Please help...?  I am at my wits end.

[RainLover71]

You can put this behind you.Your 100% Hiv negative.

[lemmenoe]

Thanks.  

I appreciate it.

These 2 stupid episodes have caused me so much pain and trauma. Almost losing my job. I will never ever ever do anything like this again - and would like to put this behind me hopefully. I will try but this has consumed me so much, it is constantly on my mind. Sigh.

[Teak]

Sure if you know that she hasn't had unprotected sex with anyone else.

[RainLover71]

Yes,of course you can,your test results are conclusive.

[lemmenoe]

OK - so I guess it is alright to assume I can have unprotected sex with my gf? Thanks.

[Teak]

I don't discuss symptoms because HIV has no specific symptoms.

[lemmenoe]

Teak, one more thing - the symptoms I have, are they something you heard / seen / read about very frequently, and they do not relate to HIV?

Cos I never had such things...

[Teak]

3 months is conclusive no matter what generation test it is.

[lemmenoe]

Is this the general consensus, even for Malaysia? Cos I read somewhere the country does not use the latest generation of tests.

Teak / anyone?

[RainLover71]

It makes no difference how high or low your risk was,the fact is that you tested negative after 3 Months and that puts you in the clear.You can't be experiencing latent seroconversion because you are not a chemotherapy or transplant patient.Please,I would advise you to stop worrying altogether.Take care.

[lemmenoe]

I understand.

However, can someone let me know how high or low is my risk?

Also, can there be a possibililty of late sero-conversion?