Bell's Palsy or Fisher Syndrome?? Need Help Please,....

[DaWiseOne]

I recently had several possible exposures with massage parlor workers and I'm worried that I was infected with HIV. I was exposed to unprotected oral sex but protected vaginal sex only. Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Strep Throat which resolved with Cephalexin antibiotics. One week after that I started to feel dizzy and have double vision. I went to ER and they diagnosed me with Bell's Palsy and said that I should worry. This is the third week and I currently taking Prednisone and Valtrex...actually I already finished Valtrex so I'm really just taking the Prednisone. My physician told me to stop worrying and that HIV is not my problem. I decided to visit the neurologist and he said that is wasn't Bell's Palsy...he believes it's Fisher Syndrome. He wants to do a EMG and NCS but I said no because I'm not going to being stuck in my back for anything. I guess I need to know if I should be worried about HIV. I just took my HIV test today and I'm so worried....I get my results next week. Please someone help me!!

[Quixotic1]

Are you refusing a nerve conduction study in your back?  Why?  Quix

[DaWiseOne]

Because it's too painful! My question was should I be worried about HIV related to Bell's Palsy or Fisher Syndrome.

[Quixotic1]

You had unprotected sex with workers who probably have huge numbers of partners.  You have a syndrome now of a neurologic deficit that has been occasionally associated with HIV positive individuals.  Both Bells palsy and Fishers syndrome have been HIV-associated with Bell's being the more common.  I wish I could reassure you, but. if it were me, I would be worried.  Good luck on your test tomorrow and the subsequent one's.  Quix

[DaWiseOne]

the only contact I've had is unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal sex....my doctor told me i have nothing to worry about and it will pass with time. HIV is not my problem...I just wanted a second opinion from someone else. I never for a minute had unprotected vaginal sex with anyone that i recently had interactions with...

[DaWiseOne]

i had unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal...

[DaWiseOne]

did you see my last message?

[Quixotic1]

Yes....You stated that you were worried you were infected with HIV. You asked if you should be "worried about HIV" and "Bell's Palsy or Fisher Syndrome related to HIV".  Both neurologic entities have been associated with having HIV+ status.  Both are more commonly seen in non-HIV.  Unprotected oral sex has been associated with HIV transmission between hetero and same sex couples of both genders.

Would you feel better if I encouraged you not to worry? If HIV is not your problem then - Don't worry.  Your tests will give you the answers and then you will know.  Worrying will not change them.  I sincerely hope you are free and clear, and that the neurologic problem is just coincidental as it likely is.

I don't think it is clear from what you have told us whether you have Bell's Palsy or Fisher's Syndrome.  Have you have neck and back muscle weakness?
Apparently Fisher's Syndrome can follow an infection of strep throat.

Quix

[DaWiseOne]

2 weeks before the onset of this I did have strep throat. My doctor confirmed strep throat with blood test and culture.

[DaWiseOne]

Aside from all of that I did have strep throat 2 weeks prior to the onset of Fisher Syndrome...My primary doctor said I have Bell's Palsy but the neurologist said that it looks more like Fisher Syndrome because of my double vision and some of my reflexes were not present...but I had knee reflexes. I took Valtrex and started to feel week from the medicine and prednisone makes me feel nervous and jittery, a weird feeling like my body is shaking...when i get nervous. Thanks for the feedback.