Dear Doctor I'm stressed out again

[mek1]

Hello Dr. HH and Hook

3 exposures with SCW, the last exposure was on 8/22/13

Tests

8/29/2013 DNA by PCR: non-reactive

9/17/2013 HIV tests DNA by PCR :  non-reactive

9/30/2013  HIV 1 & 2  just antibody test:  negative

10/22/2013 HIV 1 & 2 just antibody: Negative  

11/21/2013 AG/AB HIV test: Negative

About a week ago, I developed a rash on my lower back on my left side near my spinal cord, I went to a Dr. and he looked at it and said it was a minor shingles. I never had this kind of rash before. I am on antiviral medication now. The rash is not very pain full and it is small on two different spots. It looks like it is healing and it has turned into a dark crest.

I was reading some online information on here,  Dr. HH and Hook stated HIV could cause shingles when it progresses.  You get shingles when your immune system is weak. Could HIV cause my shingle? Do I need to test again for HIV? I’m only 33 and how could I get this at this age?

When I received my negative test results I've been having unprotected sex with my wife.

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That blood work and urinalysis will say little about the immune system.  However, anyone who is outwardly healthy -- lot losing weight, having fever, or things like that -- and be pretty confident his or her immune system is working normally.  There is no such thing as some people having "weak" and others having "strong" immune systems.  That's an urban medical myth.

Your prooblem (psychologically) may be that you're just a garden-variety hypocondriac, i.e. obsessed with health worries, and for some reason those worries are focused on HIV and your immune system.  Of course the problem with hypchondriacs is that eventually their fears come true:  leaving accidents aside, everybody eventually has a fatal health problem. But if you are outwardly healthy I doubt there is any reason for you to be worried that's going to come in the near future.

In any case, we are WAY off the topic of this forum, which is strictly HIV -- so there won't be any further discussion.  Good luck to you.

[mek1]

Thank you sir for your kind and quick response. Also thank you for understand that I've a problem as I'm working/getting over it gradually.

Does a routine blood-work tell someone about their immune system since it included a complete blood count? It was just a routine blood-work and a urine test that I did this time, no HIV test.

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You can't go through life thinking that every body twinge is due to HIV or is somehow related to a sexual decision you regret.  I know exactly what you are feeling and didn't disregard it, but this isn't a counseling service.  Do your best to move on; if you cannot, professional counseling may be in order.

[mek1]

Thank you Dr. HH although your response sounds disreguard about how I feel when it comes to this topic.  

I did a routine blood-work yesterday including my blood counts, thyroid function,  and more everything came back fine today.

I just wanted you to know I'm trying very hard to move on. I was completely fine until this rash developed recently that made me freak out about HIV again.

Thanks  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm sorry to hear you continue to be obsessed with worry about HIV despite the solid scientific evidence you are not infected, plus the reasoned, science-based reassurance you have had repeatedly -- twice in other threads on this forum and probably by your own doctors.

Shingles occurs all the time in entirely healthy persons with normal immune systems, at any age.  It's more common in older folks, and I've had it myself.  So did my son at age 13.  Your HIV test results prove that your shingles has nothing to do with HIV or your past sexual exposures.  No matter what health problems you have now or develop in the future, it will not be on account of HIV or any other infection from your CSW exposures last summer.  Believe it, suck it up, and move on!

MedHelp permits a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on each of the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions) -- in order to prevent domination of forums by users with anxiety driven questions (like yours!).  I'm going to let this one stand, but it's going to have to be your last on this forum for at least another year.

Regards--  HHH, MD