Aa
just curious
A good question was asked the other day about your experience in testing patients at the six week mark, just wondering in your experience have u seen many, or how many patients tested negative at the four week mark, that went on to test positive later. Thanks doc.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I responded to that question in the thread where it was first posed, and said I had never seen a patient with a negative HIV antibody test at 4 weeks who had a positive result 6 weeks or later; or that if there had been such a case (I really don't recall one), it was many years ago, with older testing technology.
What I didn't say in the other reply is that this issues does not come up very often, at least in my STD clinic. First, we don't see all that many patients who come in requesting an HIV test because of a specific exposure. Almost all testing is routine, in people at risk but without a particular exposure event in mind. Thus, we rarely have the opportunity to know when exposure occurred, to know that the first test occurred X weeks later and another test Y weeks later. Partly, this is because many persons telephone first, and are told there is no reason to come in before 4-6 weeks--or, if they're not particularly frightened, 3 months.
Second, of those who do attend with concerns about a specific exposure, most accept out counseling about the low risk of infection and our advice to wait until 4-6 weeks before being tested. (If they come in ~4 weeks later, I would test them then; otherwise I would tell them to return at 6 weeks--or at 4 weeks if particularly anxious.) In other words the persons who post questions along these lines on this forum are not typical--or at least are quite different from those coming to the Seattle STD clinic.
I have not attempted to read all of this thread. But I have a comment on the exchange between collegeboy and MACKIA: Almost certainly a Western blot was done before MACKIA was given his positive test result. The universal standard in virtually all laboratories (and the recommendation of all authorative bodies, such as CDC) is that no positive result is reported to the provider or patient until the result has been confirmed WB or an equivalent test.
Regards-- HHH, MD
What I didn't say in the other reply is that this issues does not come up very often, at least in my STD clinic. First, we don't see all that many patients who come in requesting an HIV test because of a specific exposure. Almost all testing is routine, in people at risk but without a particular exposure event in mind. Thus, we rarely have the opportunity to know when exposure occurred, to know that the first test occurred X weeks later and another test Y weeks later. Partly, this is because many persons telephone first, and are told there is no reason to come in before 4-6 weeks--or, if they're not particularly frightened, 3 months.
Second, of those who do attend with concerns about a specific exposure, most accept out counseling about the low risk of infection and our advice to wait until 4-6 weeks before being tested. (If they come in ~4 weeks later, I would test them then; otherwise I would tell them to return at 6 weeks--or at 4 weeks if particularly anxious.) In other words the persons who post questions along these lines on this forum are not typical--or at least are quite different from those coming to the Seattle STD clinic.
I have not attempted to read all of this thread. But I have a comment on the exchange between collegeboy and MACKIA: Almost certainly a Western blot was done before MACKIA was given his positive test result. The universal standard in virtually all laboratories (and the recommendation of all authorative bodies, such as CDC) is that no positive result is reported to the provider or patient until the result has been confirmed WB or an equivalent test.
Regards-- HHH, MD
FYI--I TESTED POSITIVE AT THE 31 DAY (4WEEKS-3DAYS) MARK AFTER I NOTICED ARS (SEROCONVERSION) SYMPTOMS....
Mackia,
Can I ask what your sero symptoms were?
Can I ask what your sero symptoms were?
You name 'em, I had them.
1. Rash at 10 days - pin point measle looking dots on my chins as well as deep dark red rashes in my groin area, as well as rash on my inner forarms.
2. soar throat
3. nausea
4. erratic fever
5. night sweats that lasted for 4 nights
6. dry cough
7. and just recently (myalgia), muscle aches that occured in my calves
For me it was a forgone conclusion, only the tests was needed to confirm it.....and it did.
1. Rash at 10 days - pin point measle looking dots on my chins as well as deep dark red rashes in my groin area, as well as rash on my inner forarms.
2. soar throat
3. nausea
4. erratic fever
5. night sweats that lasted for 4 nights
6. dry cough
7. and just recently (myalgia), muscle aches that occured in my calves
For me it was a forgone conclusion, only the tests was needed to confirm it.....and it did.
Mackia,
Were these symptoms subtle? Like did you have to "look for them?" Or did you feel them because of a heightened stage of anxiety?
Or was it simply very noticable without any effort? Did you get a Western Blot? Or did you just get a postive antibody test?
Were these symptoms subtle? Like did you have to "look for them?" Or did you feel them because of a heightened stage of anxiety?
Or was it simply very noticable without any effort? Did you get a Western Blot? Or did you just get a postive antibody test?
Just an antibody test was done.
Of course the rash sent me into anxiety because I couldn't find an explanation for it which is why I posted this forum 8/28.
The symptoms were gradual & mild, if it had not been for the rash, I probably never would have suspected anything. But when the Forum M.D. mentioned that the description of my rash was similar to Acute or Primary HIV infection; Well, I really got scared.
The Symptoms are generally gone after almost 3 weeks, but I still have a loss of appetite which is also a symptom.
Of course the rash sent me into anxiety because I couldn't find an explanation for it which is why I posted this forum 8/28.
The symptoms were gradual & mild, if it had not been for the rash, I probably never would have suspected anything. But when the Forum M.D. mentioned that the description of my rash was similar to Acute or Primary HIV infection; Well, I really got scared.
The Symptoms are generally gone after almost 3 weeks, but I still have a loss of appetite which is also a symptom.
Dude, you are supposed to get a WESTERN BLOT.
In order to be 100% confirmed HIV-positive, you MUST have BOTH
a postive:
Antibody; AND
Western Blot TEST.
That is Standard protocol. YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT. There is possibility that you antibody was wrong. Please check it out for your sake.
In order to be 100% confirmed HIV-positive, you MUST have BOTH
a postive:
Antibody; AND
Western Blot TEST.
That is Standard protocol. YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT. There is possibility that you antibody was wrong. Please check it out for your sake.
Mackia,
The forum Dctor, in fact said that your rash was not at all indicitave of the ARS rash or any STD for that matter. I saw your original post.
Also, you need a confirmatory Western Blot to establish an HIV positive result. Have you done that?
The forum Dctor, in fact said that your rash was not at all indicitave of the ARS rash or any STD for that matter. I saw your original post.
Also, you need a confirmatory Western Blot to establish an HIV positive result. Have you done that?
For a doctor to tell you that you are HIV+ without a confirmatory WB borders (loosely speaking) on malpractice (not true malpractice, but I'm talking loosely).
Are you sure you interpreted your results correctly? If you are in the United States, I firmly believe that there is NOT any US-educated doctor that would tell you that you are HIV+ without a WB. This is a FACT, Mackia. You need to check this out ASAP.
Are you sure you interpreted your results correctly? If you are in the United States, I firmly believe that there is NOT any US-educated doctor that would tell you that you are HIV+ without a WB. This is a FACT, Mackia. You need to check this out ASAP.
No, a western blot was not done. Just the anti-body test. I am back to the doctor tomorrow, but the symptoms pretty much confirmed it?
Also, Mackia,
Symptoms of ARS aren't gradual, they usually come on all at once. They can be mild, but they aren't gradual.
Go to Aidsmeds.com and read an account of author Moffie's post on ARS symptoms.
That puts ARS in perspective.
Mackia, in what context was your sexual experience? Was it a prostitute?
Are you uncircumsized, or have any std ulcerations while having sex?
I am just trying to put you in high risk category, and I can't.
Dude, time to get a NEW doctor. In the United States (are you in the US), NO doctor with a US-MD would ever give tell his patient that he is HIV+ without a Wester BLOT. NONE. You need to check this out before you kill yourself with stress. This has to be a mistake. I REPEAT: NO US-TRAINED DOCTOR WOULD DIAGNOSE A PATIENT AT HIV+ WITHOUT A CONFIRMATORY WB. IT'S NOT ONLY BEST PRACTICES, BUT ALSO STANDARD PRACTICE.
Yes I am circumsized, and to my knowledge, only because I didn't know her, she wasn't a prostitute.
Makia, good luck to you, just wondering have u lost any weight, if so have u regained it? id like to chat with you more. collegeboy u should chill, a first year medical student could tell u without examination u dont have hiv, and usually a western blot is when the antibody reads positive to verify, so if the antibody is positive, it automatically gets tested by western blot, unless my couple of months researching is wrong, which i doubt.
Mackia,
This is from AIDSMED.COM This is the standard testing process.
Am I Infected?
(A Complete Guide to Testing for HIV)
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test shows if someone is infected with HIV, the virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or what is more commonly known as AIDS. There are several different tests that can be used to determine if you are carrying the HIV virus. The first test developed is still the most frequently used for the initial detection of HIV infection: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or as it's more commonly known, the ELISA or EIA.
The ELISA is usually done by drawing blood, usually from a vein in the arm. The process is occasionally slightly uncomfortable. For most people, it is not particularly painful and the blood draw is accomplished quickly.
If the ELISA test is negative
This is from AIDSMED.COM This is the standard testing process.
Am I Infected?
(A Complete Guide to Testing for HIV)
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test shows if someone is infected with HIV, the virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or what is more commonly known as AIDS. There are several different tests that can be used to determine if you are carrying the HIV virus. The first test developed is still the most frequently used for the initial detection of HIV infection: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or as it's more commonly known, the ELISA or EIA.
The ELISA is usually done by drawing blood, usually from a vein in the arm. The process is occasionally slightly uncomfortable. For most people, it is not particularly painful and the blood draw is accomplished quickly.
If the ELISA test is negative
Mackia,
This is from AIDSMED.COM This is the standard testing process.
Am I Infected?
(A Complete Guide to Testing for HIV)
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test shows if someone is infected with HIV, the virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or what is more commonly known as AIDS. There are several different tests that can be used to determine if you are carrying the HIV virus. The first test developed is still the most frequently used for the initial detection of HIV infection: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or as it's more commonly known, the ELISA or EIA.
The ELISA is usually done by drawing blood, usually from a vein in the arm. The process is occasionally slightly uncomfortable. For most people, it is not particularly painful and the blood draw is accomplished quickly.
If the ELISA test is negative
This is from AIDSMED.COM This is the standard testing process.
Am I Infected?
(A Complete Guide to Testing for HIV)
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test shows if someone is infected with HIV, the virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or what is more commonly known as AIDS. There are several different tests that can be used to determine if you are carrying the HIV virus. The first test developed is still the most frequently used for the initial detection of HIV infection: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or as it's more commonly known, the ELISA or EIA.
The ELISA is usually done by drawing blood, usually from a vein in the arm. The process is occasionally slightly uncomfortable. For most people, it is not particularly painful and the blood draw is accomplished quickly.
If the ELISA test is negative
Mackia:
I don't want to get into another "shouting match," but can you see WHY I am very skeptical about your posting. The doctor in fact told you that your rash was not suggestive of ARS. And then, to be diagonosed HIV+ based solely on a positive antibody test is just hard to believe.
Dude, many of us folks are afraid on this forum. If this is some game, please drop out of MY thread, and start YOUR own thread, PLEASE.
I don't want to get into another "shouting match," but can you see WHY I am very skeptical about your posting. The doctor in fact told you that your rash was not suggestive of ARS. And then, to be diagonosed HIV+ based solely on a positive antibody test is just hard to believe.
Dude, many of us folks are afraid on this forum. If this is some game, please drop out of MY thread, and start YOUR own thread, PLEASE.
Okay, I think I lost my mind. This is not MY thread (wrong thread). Sorry, dude.
Anyway, I wish you well. If what you way is correct, then please get a WB done, and we all wish you well. okay?
Anyway, I wish you well. If what you way is correct, then please get a WB done, and we all wish you well. okay?
Hi,
College Boy has a good point, as do the others. Have you jumped the gun? Remember that there are false positives on the ELISA test. I assume when you say you're going back tomorrow that you are going to get the results of the Western Blot. You may not have HIV.
To me this doesn't necessarily make you a liar; it's possible that a primary care doctor doesn't know a lot about HIV and simply reached a conclusion based on the ELISA result. At a testing center, a counselor would probably make a point to explain the tentative nature of the results; maybe at a doctor's office that process was skipped. At any rate, you need to stop telling people, even strangers, that you have HIV, when you haven't gotten the Western Blot.
At this point, believe it or not, there is still a good chance you're HIV-. The symptoms are irrelevant, it's all about the antibodies.
J
College Boy has a good point, as do the others. Have you jumped the gun? Remember that there are false positives on the ELISA test. I assume when you say you're going back tomorrow that you are going to get the results of the Western Blot. You may not have HIV.
To me this doesn't necessarily make you a liar; it's possible that a primary care doctor doesn't know a lot about HIV and simply reached a conclusion based on the ELISA result. At a testing center, a counselor would probably make a point to explain the tentative nature of the results; maybe at a doctor's office that process was skipped. At any rate, you need to stop telling people, even strangers, that you have HIV, when you haven't gotten the Western Blot.
At this point, believe it or not, there is still a good chance you're HIV-. The symptoms are irrelevant, it's all about the antibodies.
J
Mackia,
We all want to believe you and what you say, but there are some inconsistencies in your story that make us think otherwise.
We in no way want to belittle you if you are in fact positive, but your situation bears more investigating as to whether you are actually positive or negative.
Like CollegeBoy, I have been through a scare in the last several months, and no, I have not gotten tested. Posts like yours scare me, and well frankly, maybe they should scare me and other people like me into wearing condoms. But, furnishing false information on the internet is uncalled for and puts down people that are really HIV+ and have to live with this caca for the rest of their lives.
WENDO: You sound really educated on this subject. I wasn't told if a western blot was done; only that I was indeed positive. Most of the symptoms could have been simultaneous, but definately over a 14-18 day time frame. It has all seemed like a nightmare.
CRISCBLUE: I HAVE DROPPED 10 LBS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION:
COLLEGEBOY: YOU MUST FACE REALITY THAT THIS REALLY HAPPENS. The Forum M.D. did say in my rash posting 8/28 - that the description of the rash sounded similar to that of primary or acute hiv infection.
CRISCBLUE: I HAVE DROPPED 10 LBS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION:
COLLEGEBOY: YOU MUST FACE REALITY THAT THIS REALLY HAPPENS. The Forum M.D. did say in my rash posting 8/28 - that the description of the rash sounded similar to that of primary or acute hiv infection.
Mackia,
Did you go into the doctor's office for the result? Did they give you a piece of paper? If so, what did it say? Also, did they do a viral load test? Being tested quite soon after infection probably would show a high viral load, especially if you are still experiencing seroconversion symptoms.
Mackia,
Why not stay away from this forum for a while? When you see your doctor, ask him about the Western Blot. If you have HIV, you need to reduce your stress and this may not be helpful. If you don't, you only need to practice safe sex, which you already understand. Either way there's not a lot more info you can get by coming to this forum, and you may be causing yourself stress.
I hope all goes well for you.
J
Why not stay away from this forum for a while? When you see your doctor, ask him about the Western Blot. If you have HIV, you need to reduce your stress and this may not be helpful. If you don't, you only need to practice safe sex, which you already understand. Either way there's not a lot more info you can get by coming to this forum, and you may be causing yourself stress.
I hope all goes well for you.
J
Okay, clearly this is not healthy for me to keep paying attention to you MACKIA. This is my last time chiming in. Please pay attention to what I have to say. Although I felt horrible about my last shouting match, I must say that you continue to have several "holes" in your story. It's EXTREMELY UNLIKELY in the US (although not impossible, as anything is possible I supposed) that a US-trained doctor would leave you with an HIV+ diagnosis without a confirmatory WB. That's just not the reality. HIV has been around for 20+ years, and US doctors at least know how to administer test results. This is the first point that leads me to believe that this is a game that you are playing on everyone.
I suspect that more and more people on this Forum are becoming skeptical. It's incredible that your doctor would do this. I find it way too hard to believe.
I know that I am worried about my HIV risk, and that my worrying is playing a role in my reaction. But objectively speaking, your story still has holes.
I'm done with this Forum for good. I hope people on this Forum will not reply to Mackia any longer. Clearly, this is NOT a laughing matter to pretend to be infected. Mackia, if you step back for a moment, you can see why some folks would think you are not being 100% truthful.
Take care, Mackia.
I suspect that more and more people on this Forum are becoming skeptical. It's incredible that your doctor would do this. I find it way too hard to believe.
I know that I am worried about my HIV risk, and that my worrying is playing a role in my reaction. But objectively speaking, your story still has holes.
I'm done with this Forum for good. I hope people on this Forum will not reply to Mackia any longer. Clearly, this is NOT a laughing matter to pretend to be infected. Mackia, if you step back for a moment, you can see why some folks would think you are not being 100% truthful.
Take care, Mackia.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
