ARS and Testing

[Hypochondriac3]

Hello,

Is it possible that symptoms of ARS will last for months?
Like painful glands? ( are the glands painful with HIV, or just swollen and painless?)
Pain behind the eyes?
For example, when it is stated that Diareah that lasts for more that one month, is that an early symptom, or an advanced symptom?
Can some of the initial symptoms of HIV be gastrointestinal related only?
Can symptoms come and go?
As you may read from my previous posts, my risk was unprotected insertive oral sex,  and I had a negative test at 33 days post exposure.
Last question, The test I has performed looks like 2 tests on the paperwork, it reads: HIV 1/0/2 ABS - ICMA
<1.00 on one line, and the next line says: HIV 1/0/2 ABS Qual, Non Reactive.  Is this an antigen and an antibody?
I understand the quoted risks for my type of exposure, as per earlier threads.

Respectfully,
Hypo

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I suppose symptoms might come and go during the month someone has ARS, but it isn't likely.  Since ARS doesn't last more than a month or so, symptoms that come and go beyond a month cannot be due to ARS.  And I already said diarrhea is not an ARS symptom, which mostly answers your second question.  Certainly gastrointestinal symptoms are not likely to be the only manifestation of ARS.

[Hypochondriac3]

I appreciate the advice on Anxiey, however 2 of the questions I've asked in this thread were not answered.  Can symptoms come and go, and can the main symptoms sometimes be gastrointestinal related only. I value your time and work, and this will be the last post of mine here. Could you please give me your opinion on these 2 last questions?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You have been asking variations on these same anxiety-driven questions on the HIV community forum and one on the STD forum a month ago.  The answers you received are reliable.  You don't have HIV.

ARS symptoms generally resolve within a month or so.  Prolonged diarrhea can occur with overt AIDS.  Usually no diarrhea at all occurs with ARS.  The test result is for antibody only.  Two assays were done, one qualitative and one quantitative (numerical) and both were negative.

That's all I have to say and will not reply to any follow-up comments.  Also please note MedHelp's policy about a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions)-- so you may not start a new thread before November 15.  You might consider getting professional advice about your anxiety.

HHH, MD