Urgent Need of Advice on HIV symtoms and detection

[vik6669]

I am 30 yr guy in India.  20 days back I had sex with an escort in state of drunkenness. The episode lasted for about 30 minutes; we used and changed condoms (3-4 times) .One of the condoms however came-off – as I was drunk I did not even notice it, but when the girl said that the condom has come off and I freaked out (I suspect the exposure could’ve been 0 to 5 minutes). The girl reassured me that the condom came off inside her while I was pulling out and that everything was Ok. When I got a little anxious, I contacted the girl again and was able to convince her to go through HIV tested about 5 days after our exposure. Her results came out negative. (She also reassured me that she practices safe). Now my worry converged to possibility of the girl being in her seroconversion phase (when I understand she will be most infective).  My worst fears seem to be now coming true now as I have been noticing following symtoms.
Day 9 – I get a Headache;  Day 12 to Day 15 – Diarrea ;
Day 13 to Now – Continued skin burning sensation (forearms , sometimes face, chest) got bad over two days but is a lot milder now + Body feeling hot, feverish but no real recorded fever (felt really bad one night but the fever wasn’t more than 99.5 I suspect. No medication required. The other two times I checked it was 98.7, 98.4) + fatigue and tiredness.
Day 18 – I get Western Blot and PCR testing done.; Day 19 – Western Blot test report negative (negative for all antibody bands); Day 21 – Scheduled for ELISA testing and expecting report for PCR testing; Day 27 – Propose to get another ELISA, Western Blot testing and PCR testing
Given the symptoms, I am super-anxious and under a lot of stress currently. What would be your suggestions to me? Should I plan more testing? Based on the symptoms and circumstances, do you render that I am at high risk?  ? I am continuing total absenteeism with my girlfriend at this time. Can I plan to start protected sex with my gf, if so, when?

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi Vik

The available evidence suggests that the lady concerned was not HIV positive - she tested negative at your request - and that you have not acquired HIV. Your tests to date have been negative and are helpful and reassuring. I would suggest a final HIV DUO test - combined HIV 1 and 2 antibodies with HIV 1 p24 antigen at the 28 day interval.

I am confident that test will be negative. If it is negative as I predict then I would say that you are most certainly HIV negative and that you do not need to test for HIV again.

The symptoms you describe are of anxiety not HIV.

best regards, Sean

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi Again Vik,

Last comment on this from me ok?

The further tests you have had and the lady you had sex with has had confirm that you were never at risk in the first place and that you have not acquired HIV. You are not HIV positive.

best regards, Sean

[vik6669]

Doc.

Am really anxious and was waiting for your response. in the meanwhile,

day 28 - I have tested negative with three tests  ELISA, WB, PCR DNA Proviral

Also, on the day 28 - the escort girl has tested negative for these three tests too.

In the meanwhile continuing mild diarreah like situation led me to take the Typhoid vidal and I have been diagoned with borderline high Salmonella typhi, O Antigen (TO). Do you reckon this could be related to ARS?


I continue to be very very very nervous. Please help.

[vik6669]

Doc.,

I took the following tests in the meanwhile -

Day 18 PCR DNA - negative
Day 28 HIV 1 and 2 antibody+WB - both negative

Also, I had the escort take the following tests
Day 28 - HIV 1 and 2 antibody+WB -both negative

On day 28 I also took the PCR DNA test as well and am awaiting results.

Although some symtoms have subsided but still continue to feel fatigued and weak, sometimes the body feels warm but no recorded fever, and sometimes feel tingle/lump in my throat (maybe mild sore throat or mild sinus related)... somehow i keep feeling my throat kind of waiting for it to get worse....

My question is, after I get my PCR DNA results from 28th day would you say that I move on or continue further testing. How does the PCR DNA test compare to p24 antigen test that you recommended?

I am still under tremendous stress and panic a lot in a given day while searching internet for hours on this everyday. Plz help.

thanks, Vik

[xxx86]

Hi Vik...

Your 27 days test is almost likely 4 week... if your western blot and elisa test is negative than you don't need to worry... Even you have also mentioned that the escort results came negative so it give you clear notification that you have nothing...

See in most probably cases the HIV symtomps never appear within 30 days... and also your symptoms not matching with the HIV Symptoms. Burning of skin is not a HIV Symptom... so you don't need to worry....

As per my suggestion and experience don't waste your money behind the Elisa and Western Blot test... Because as per my knowledge Elisa cost 600 INR minimum and Western Blot cost 1700-2000 INR for Each...

Don't be anxious and relax you don't have anything... and ya use condom with your girlfriend.. because if escort have any other STD than that can be transmitted to your GF... so try to have safe sex practice with your girlfriend.

Also, i will suggest you to go for next test only after 3 Months of Exposure and i am damn sure it will come negative...

Enjoy life yaar... i am indian too.. and trust me i am HIV counselor in GACS (Gujarat Aids Control Society)... and even Dr. H. H. of this forum also says that they have never encountered the case that is negative between 4-6 week and become positive after 12 week.

So don't worry and enjoy life..

Cheers :)

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