Negative HIV Immunochromatographic assay test after 15 weeks of exposure

Hi. I live in Southeast Asia. I had an unprotected vaginal sex with a woman of unknown HIV status. Ive found out later that this girl plays around a lot. About two weeks after, i had pain urinating and so i visited a doctor and was diagnosed with gonorrhea and chlamydia. I was subsequently treated for that. I never thought of HIV since i live in a country of low HIV prevalence. Yet, after seeing news on tv that HIV incidence are dramatically increasing, i started to worry. After about 5 weeks of potential exposure i developed a mild fever (highest was at 37.2 C)and it lasted for a bout a week. I also experienced weakness during this time and noticed glosittis (geographic) in my tongue. I was so worried since i was reading this things as possible signs of HIV infection. During the succeeding weeks i lost about 4 kilograms of weight although i tried my best to eat much although i didnt have the appetite. I also experienced some joint pains. About 8 weeks after the exposure i developed swollen lymph nodes at the back of both ears and both sides of my groin. I can feel some discomfort with the swelling (not really painful). About 12 weeks after exposure i developed some red spots in my arms (which i confuse with mosquito bites). But I also had it (minimal) in some parts of my legs and forehead. Lastly, about 15 weeks after the exposure, i had flaky skin (like sunburn though i was never exposed to intense sunlight) in my neck, side of the abdomen and buttocks.
      I got so worried within this period of more than three months that i had at times contemplated of committing suicide if indeed i am positive with HIV but was too scared to take the test.  Finally, at exactly 15 weeks after my potential exposure, i had a test at another city (for anonimity). I had an HIV immunochromatographic assay test and it came back non-reactive.

questions:
    1. What is immunochromatographic assay test and how accurate is it?
    2. Am i really HIV negative and needed no further testing?
    3. What could have possibly caused my symptoms if not HIV?

Thank you.

[rchie]

1. it is the rapid hiv test? its above 99% accurate
2. 12 weeks is  conclusive.
3. hiv anxiety like what ive suffered recenty

Are you a Filipino? Please refrain from suicidal thoughts it is a big offense to those people living with HIV and a great sin to God.

Call him and you will be relieved. God bless you.

[kayumanggi]

Thanks rchie. im sorry for thinking that way. i just couldnt help it. but now im a little relieved though i still feel some symptoms. Yes, im a Filipino.

[mavvy]

hello I guess your also from phils.. I have been the same situation like you do, experiencing all the symptoms, until now i have panic attacks.. ive been tested 4 mos. negative.. try to visit the manila social hygiene clinic in front of san lazaro hospital. they advice 3 months is 99 percent. but to make sure test again at 6 months. there rapid hiv test is for free..

[rchie]

anxiety can cause such symptoms. I just got over my anxiety after several months. The epidemic news about HIV/AIDS in our country is adding up to our anxiety isn't it?

Please stay strong no matter what problems may arise in your life. We Filipinos are known for our faith. Pray always,

[mavvy]

We have similar symptoms, I think its because of anxiety... I have also a geo toungue.. the dr told me its because of the antibiotics i have taken.. until now i have them and it freaks me out.. try to join the Pinoyexchange forum. its a good forum for us who is dealing with this hiv anxiety.

[mavvy]

Yes its really adding up to my anxiety. Im just starting to recover with this issues. Now, i can sleep well. Lets just be faithful to our partners. 3-6 months is the official window period for hiv testing in our country, but the dr told me it rarely happen your result to change in 6 months. this of course if you dont PEP and your not transplanted, chemo, in other words not immuno compromised and not engaged in any sexual activity. Lets just pray to God..

[anxiousguy123]

Hi Guys,

I'm a filipino too

Have you had the same symptoms that i had/have? What about the burning sensation of the skin? I have a burning sensation in my back shoulder and some of my arms. When i touch it, it's really sensitive. Please help. Do you think it's herpes? Thanks.

[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:
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[Teak]

You tested beyond the window period. Your test is conclusive, you don't have HIV.

[mavvy]

I have burning sensation in my genitals in my neck, palm and soles.. I have been tested many times for sti.. but its negative. up to the point where my ID and urologist doctors give up on me and referred me to a shrink.. now i began to realize its damn waste of time and emotional energy. Its all anxiety that that makes this symptoms.. i guess your white tongue is bcoz of stress and you have taken lots antibiotics. test at 3 months its 99 percent, retest at 6 months for peace of mind..

[kayumanggi]

Thanks guys for the comments. they somehow made me calm. id like to think that its the end of my anxiety and i didnt have to take any further tests. Yes i was taking antibiotics for the chlamydia and gonorrhea i had. That might have caused the geographic tongue. As for the other symptoms, they might be out of extreme anxiety. Thanks again.

[mavvy]

Thats better bro as for geo tongue try to search it. Its also cause by stress. Lets just live our lives and be thankful to god each day we wake up...

[LIZZIE LOU]

BOTH of you have negative test results that are conclusive and do NOT have a hiv concern.

if you want to compare "symptoms" that are totally unrelated to hiv...do so by private message...this isnt a chat room.

kindly move on...

[Teak]

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