Need some feed back please, very worried

I am very concerned that I may have contracted an STD, possibly HIV. 2 weeks after I had an encounter, I went to the doctor for my yearly check up. The results were, there was a slight change in my liver results (increase in a certain reading, I do not know what they are but it was 2 numbers around 40 and 70). Since then, I have been back to do another blood test and now the numbers are 43 72. I am ashamed to request an HIV test. So thus far, I remember that my doctor checked for hepatitis and it is negative. Cell counts are normal except for those 2 numbers related to my liver as he said.  

It has been 3 months since the encounter and recently I find myself not as hungry as before, but I am eating 3 meals a day still as opposed to 4-5. I exercise daily and still not as hungry as before. Although I am still going to the washroom as usual, I am still not as hungry and it is very unusual for me. I am very afraid that this might be because of HIV or another STD. Currently there are no change on my penis but above my penis around the public hair area a recent whitehead showed up and this is bringing up some serious anxiety. I have read through your STD guide and the symptoms, and the only one I can see is the loss of appetite.

When you have the time, can you kindly please give me your take on my situation. I believe I have given you all the information I can remember. I know I should just go ahead and request the test but I am truly embarrassed and cannot believe I let myself be put in this situation as I should know better.

[dobber21]

You used to have 4-5 meals a day?? It's a good thing you have cut down!
1. I'd imagine your doc was on about your ALT - which measures liver inflammation. An inflamed liver is not a symptom of HIV. But you should possibly be tested for viral hepatitis.
2. Requesting a HIV test is a responsible, decent thing to do, if everyone knew their status, transmission would plummet. Also, if you are embarrassed asking your PCP, visit a HIV testing facility.

Bear in mind that I'm not a doctor. My first answer was only referring to the only STD that MIGHT cause your liver to be inflamed. There are numerous other causes of this.

Incidentally, what was your risk?

[strata]

Joe,

An elevated liver panel does not indicate HIV infection. There are several possibilities of what it COULD be.

HAV/HBV are possible, espeicially if you are gay/bi and had anal sex or rimming with another man. Let us know the details of your exposure.

To my knowledge, no other STDs cause liver panel changes.

Of course, you could have other risk factors for liver problems, including heredity or alcohol/drug use. Some so-called herbal medicines can also wreak havoc with liver tests.

There is NO EXCUSE (unless you're under age 18, and then only maybe) to be embarassed to discuss your HIV (or other) concerns with your doctor. Either you trust the doctor to maintain your confidentiality and feel comfortable discussing your medical concerns, OR you find another doctor with whom you can have an open dialog. By keeping secrets from your doctor, you are handicapping him/her and preventing yourself from getting the best possible care.

[joe-go-big]

Thank you for the responses.

I believe I have been tested for Hepatitis on my second drawing of blood and they have come back negative. I did not request a test for viral Hepatitis, so I am not sure if it was really tested for. Is it possible to get the immune vaccine and still catch the virus? I got all my shots long before this encounter I believe all before 16 years of age.

In terms of my encounter with the girl, it was straight forward intercourse and oral sex, no anal.

I recently got an ultrasounds of my upper abdomen and those results are pending.

Do these signs point towards an STD?

[joe-go-big]

I forgot to include, I do not drink alcohol and I did not know the sexual history of the girl.

[dobber21]

It's highly unlikely you've been infected.
Order a full STD panel to put your mind at ease. I'm expecting you to test negative for HIV:)

[dobber21]

Dude, I'd really love to help, but you're not providing a lot of info. Odds of HIV transmission in your case was very low, even if the girl is infected. You don't specify if you used condoms.

Please be honest with your doctor, he/she will be much more able to help than we are:)

[joe-go-big]

Sorry. I did not use a condom which is what has me worried.

[txtony]

its been 3 mos, have hepatitis and hiv test, im sure youll be conclusively neg for both considering your last hep test neg. just man up dude.

[strata]

Ask your doctor if you were tested for HAV/HBV/HCV. You don't appear to be in a high-risk group, but your doctor might choose to do the tests just to rule them out. Let him know about your sexual encounter, although I doubt it will change his current diagnostic procedure.

[strata]

Joe,

The only STDs that effect liver function are HAV/HBV. If you're not sure WHETHER you've been tested for these (which is how it seems from your posts), you ought to call and ask your doctor.

My guess is that you don't suspect the girl had any STDs and that you are here ONLY because you've have an elevated liver panel that is merely coicidental with your sexual experience.

Get an STD panel if you are concerned.

Otherwise, continue to see your doctor for proper diagnosis of the liver function problems. It is unlikely that the problem (if there is one) is related to your sexual experience.