Questions and Concerns about testing...

[japayuki]

Dear Doctor,

Around the 2nd week of August, I had an encounter with a young lady and we had protected sex.  Around 1st week of October, I saw the tiny 2 little bumps on the side of my penis (I'm uncircumcised) and began to terribly worry.  So, I went to my physician, he took a look at at and shrugged it off as nothing.  I was not feeling at ease so I went to Planned Parenthood for HIV/AIDS testing, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing on October 2nd of this year.  Additionally, they also had a doctor look me over.  All the tests came back negative and the Doctor was pretty convinced that the 2 bumps were of Genital Warts.  At this point, I'm feeling OK, but I can't shake the fact that I think I may have Herpes, although, never showed symptoms.  So, I took it upon myself to go to a testing center (http://www.tstd.org) and get Herpes test.  3 days later, the results came back negative.

Around that same time, I started developing some pains on my left abdomen and a slight burning sensation when I urinate.  I visited my physician again and asked him what the problem could be.  He took an urine sample and determined that there was blood in my urine.  He referred me to a Urologist and on November 10 of this year, I visited the doctor.  He took some urine samples, determined that there was indeed blood in my urine, checked my penis out and also determined I have Balanitis.  He's given me 15 days of 500 mg Levaquin to take.  Almost 7 days later, it's *slightly* better but I still feel a discomfort on my left side, right around the kidney.

So, now I'm at a point where I want to take ANOTHER STD test (the whole thing, HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis, the works) and was wondering if I'm just going nuts with this.  I'm worried about the seroconversion windows in HIV, amongst the other issues.  What can be wrong with me?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The finger stick blood test are highly accurate and give results which are quite comparable to the results which come from ELISA type blood tests performed at commercial labs.  EWH

[japayuki]

I appreciate your straightforward answer.  Just one more question, and I'll be on my way.

When I went to Planned Parenthood, I was given one of those HIV exams that takes blood from your finger and placed in a kit that takes about 20 minutes for the results?  How accurate are they over, say, a Quest Diagnostics test?

Just looking for peace of mind.  Thanks again Doctor!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

My answer stands.  I will not repeat it.  concerns about expsoures during the "window" period are misplaced.  

Glad to hear you will seeking counseling, this is often a good idea.  Take care.  EWH

[japayuki]

Dr. Hook,

Thanks for the quick reply, much appreciated.  So, you don't think it's worth it to get another HIV test given the window period?  This was my main concern.  Your thoughts?

You're absolutely right about being more attuned to genital sensations, it feels like a roller coaster ride.  In any event, I seem to be having quite a bit of trouble shaking the thought.  I'm going to schedule for some mental counselling and put this low point in my life behind me.

Thanks for your time professional advice!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are in the care of doctors who have examined and tested you and found no evidence of infection.  Fron the sounds of  things they are doing everything right.  You clearly and absolutely do not need further STD testing.,  Sometimes after an exposure that, in retrospect, one wishes they had not had, persons tend to examine themselves and be far more attuned to genital sensations than in periods when they are not concerned.  This in turns leads to noticing what turn out to be normal sensations that might have been not noticed or ignored at other times.  Perhaps this was a contributor to your situation.  At this time, if you cannot shake the idea that you have an STD, my advice is to seek counseling to help you sort out why you are having trouble believing your doctors and their tests.  EWH