should i retest?

[jjd1234]

-A year ago I had a high risk sexual encounter.  The sex was protected but the condom came off sometime during the last couple of minutes.    
-20 days- I was tested for HIV at an NYU clinical study that specializes in Early Detection and treatment of HIV.  My rapid test was a "faint positive" and on that day blood was also drawn for an RNA PCR test and a Western Blot test.
-4 weeks- PCR and Western blot tests negative and was assured that the rapid test was a false positive/meaningless.  
-her'es a list of things that i've experienced since.  i've been to tons of doctor's but haven't stopped being afraid.
-a blotchy rash on my hands that most doctors said was normal but one dermatologist gave me a full battery of blood tests just to make sure it wasn't an indication of something worse.  everything came back normal.
-random rashes on chest
-at about 5-6 months i developed what seemed like warts(small raised bumps).  a couple on my shoulder, wrist and arm.  these were mostly itchy and i scratched at them a bit.  they never went away completely but no longer itch.
-overall, my skin has just been very volatile.  
-since the end of the summer i've started to notice a change in my eye sight.  i've always seen floaters in my vision but lately they've become far more intense and are actually becoming a distraction most of the time.  they are mostly in my right eye.  about a month ago, i went to an optometrist and he said everything looked normal and told me the floaters weren't a big deal and that i should just let him know if it gets worse or if i see flashes of light.  since that appointment, the floaters have gotten worse and now my eyes also feel sensitive to light and i'm noticing a bit of double vision in that right eye.   this is what is worrying me the most since it seems to match what i've read about hiv related eye problems.
do you think i should get retested?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Believe the test result. you don't have HIV.  You have had test after test and expert after expert tell you that you do not have HIV but you are not to accept this. The reason that it never ends is because you are unable to end it.  My heartfelt advice is that you should see a mental health professional who can help you work through this inappropriate fixation on the possibility that you have HIV when the fact is there is NO REASON whatsoever to think that you might.  I say this out of concern, nothing more.  EWH

[jjd1234]

One last question for you doctor.  After you answered my question, I got retested because i would remain obsessed otherwise.    I got a negative result on the rapid test and finally took a deep breath for the first time in a year.  When I called today to get the results of the rest of my std screening the operator told me that it would be another week for me to get the result of the other hiv test.  So, now i'm freaked out again at the thought of another week of suspense.  Is the rapid test conclusive in my case?  Is there any chance of a false negative rapid test a year after possible exposure?  I apologize for my neurosis but this experience seems to never end.

[jjd1234]

thanks doctor hook.  i guess i have been acting crazy ever since the false positive.  it's hard to convince myself that the other results are conclusive or where not somehow  botched.  i appreciate your understanding and patience in answering my question.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I must admit, I am a bit perplexed at your question.  You have been seen by multiple doctors, tested multiple times and told that you do not have HIV.  I will do the same.  The combination of a PCR test (which in all honesty was probably un-necessary) and a negative test at 4 weeks pretty much guarantee that you did not get HIV from your single exposure to a CSW in the Dominican Republic.  I see no reason to worry, nor any reason to attribute your dermatological problems to HIV.  I would suggest you work with your dermatologist to resolve your various dermatological problem.

The “faint positive” result you had on the rapid test was a false positive.  This is proven by your subsequent test results.

I do think that when you go to see your dermatologist, it would be worthwhile to mention your HIV concerns, not because I think that your problems have anything to do with HIV but because I know that many rashes and skin conditions can be caused and/or worsened by anxiety.

Finally, regarding HIV-related eye problems.  When these occur they tend to occur years after getting HIV not within a year infection.

Bottom line - no further testing is needed.   You do not have HIV.  Take care.  EWH