Help - NY Elisa Testing and Possible Symptoms?

[help12358]

Possible exposure (protected but drunk) during last week December to first week January 2010 (by 10th?).  Oral swab test on 1/29/10 in NYC clinic was negative.  Subsequent NYC Elisa testing with my doctor on 2/2 (Neg on all STD's, HIV, Hep), 2/16 (Neg on HIV), 3/2 (Neg on all STD's, HIV, Hep).  Will see Doc on 3/9 but test then or when?? I like others I have read about have a high degree of anxiety and have had possible symptoms including, some sleep problems, stiff necks, slight arm-neck-groin lymph feelings, (2) early Feb night sweats, late Feb early Mar slight thin line neck rash & extremely slight face blemmish (.5"x1") at existing rosacea location under eye, a day of bright red faced (exacerbated rosacea?) on 3/1 above eyebrows, an zit-like left eyebrow growth that lasted 3 days, blurred vision for 2 weeks now, some constipation, a tiny tongue sore yesterday and today.  Question is what are the current standards for NYC Elisa testing and when should I schedule another test? Do any of my symptoms look to be HIV-STD-HEP related?? Could combined HIV-STD-HEP delay Seroconversion?  I really appreciate the advice that this board gives.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum  It is time for you to stop testing.  The test results you have provide strong evidence that you did not get HIV from the exposure(s) that you describe.  The ELISA assays used by the NY City Department of Health, as well as commercial labs in the area are highly reliable and provide reliable evidence of infection in virtually all who acquire HIV at 8 weeks following exposure.  You are there.  No need for further testing.  Believe the results you have.

There is no evidence that you have anything.  Thus your questions about combined Hepatitis-HIV-STD are off target. Even if you had hepatitis or another STD, it would not delay HIV seroconversion, had you acquired it.  

That bring us to your symptoms.  They are due to something else.   In the face of your test results, they are not due to HIV.  

I hope these comments are helpful to you.  Take care.   EWH

[help12358]

From my above question, protected but condom was probably on and off as I was drunk and she was in control of matters.  It was with a sex worker and in addition, my herpes did flair on my penis the following day, which I think was due to the alcohol intensity which has happened before.  Finally, is it possible for STD's, HIV, HEP to survive in the pubic hair / mound overnight and risk possible further transmission? Sorry but I am in need of oppinion / advice and hopefully assurance.