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Can other AutoImmune diseases mimic HIV?
So it's my understanding that seroconversion occurs because the body produces antibodies in response to the HIV virus, and it is these antibodies and not the virus that cause the symptoms like rash, fever, aches etc. Is that correct?
So I'm wondering if I have all these symptoms and it is not HIV (since according to everyone here I was not at risk because I wore a condom) then could it be another autoimmune disease that is causing these similar symptoms? For example, lupus, diabetes type 1, thyroid disease etc all seem to be autoimmune diseases. So if they occur and compromise the immune system, wouldn't the body react in a similar way by producing antibodies and therefore causing hiv-like symtoms?
And if the hiv test detects antibodies and not the virus itself, could it give a (false) positive result if it detects these antibodies caused by other auto-immune diseases (or does it look for a specific type of antibody that only is produced in the case of hiv?)
I know it's a long shot to have another auto-immune disease hit me in the window period, but given a choice, I'd take them over hiv. I'll be testing myself in 10 days. There seem to be so many people on these forums that have similar symptoms but test negative for HIV, I wonder if they have tried testing for all these other diseases after that. Has anyone heard of such cases?
Thanks.
So I'm wondering if I have all these symptoms and it is not HIV (since according to everyone here I was not at risk because I wore a condom) then could it be another autoimmune disease that is causing these similar symptoms? For example, lupus, diabetes type 1, thyroid disease etc all seem to be autoimmune diseases. So if they occur and compromise the immune system, wouldn't the body react in a similar way by producing antibodies and therefore causing hiv-like symtoms?
And if the hiv test detects antibodies and not the virus itself, could it give a (false) positive result if it detects these antibodies caused by other auto-immune diseases (or does it look for a specific type of antibody that only is produced in the case of hiv?)
I know it's a long shot to have another auto-immune disease hit me in the window period, but given a choice, I'd take them over hiv. I'll be testing myself in 10 days. There seem to be so many people on these forums that have similar symptoms but test negative for HIV, I wonder if they have tried testing for all these other diseases after that. Has anyone heard of such cases?
Thanks.
Hi Cristal,
I know how you feel. When a doctor cant dx what is wrong, They like to say anxiety or 'It is in you head'. The only person that know how your body feel is youself and not them.
I pray for you.
I know how you feel. When a doctor cant dx what is wrong, They like to say anxiety or 'It is in you head'. The only person that know how your body feel is youself and not them.
I pray for you.
Ok... I hope that I am able to come back to this forum and see your responses... And I must add that I am so desperate at this point that I really ask for professional opinions and advice please. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I feel like I have been dealing with one baterial, viral or fungi infection after another. Something is seriously comprimising my immune system and I just would like to hear from others that have had similar experiences and how it turned out and from medical professionals that can advise me as to what type of specialist I should seek?
About two year ago my general practitioner noticed a couple of lesions on my cervix. At that time I had not been sexually active for about 12 years and was not sure what they were or why? They were not painful and when a pap was done, everything came back normal. I didn't think much about it. (however, when I was a teen I did have a severe case of venerial warts) About 6 months later I developed a yeast infection. I had met someone that I choose to be in a sexual relationship with (I am a woman he was an uncircumsized male). He had not been in a sexual relationship for several years either and after discussing our status decided that it was safe for us to be in an unprotected sexual relationship. When I developed the yeast affection my doctor did an STD check and found that I did not test positive for anything but yeast, but still had the lesions. I told her they were not painful, but she was concerned enough to send me to a womens specialist.
When I went to see the specialist she examined me and in my opinion "over-reacted" to my situation. She had asked if I had been sexually active with anyone who had been out of the country with the past year or two. Because my boyfriend was from Africa (but served for the US Army) I said yes and explained my boyfriends situation... which was that he was from Africa but is now a US citizen and serves for the US Army. In as much he was stationed in Germany about 20 months prior to me dating him.
As I mentioned, I felt as if she over-reacted because as soon as she heard me say my partner was African decent, she automatically mentioned HIV... In as much she stated that she thought that I had a rare form or Clamydia called LGV Clamydia that is very rare in the US, but was becoming more common in Europe and Africa.
Of coarse I was extremely concerned and subjected myself to all the testing that the doctor ordered. (not even thinking back that my syptoms actually began prior to meeting my boyfriend). I must mention that my prior to meeting with this specialist I also had undergone a HIV test with my doc, which came out negative. Of coarse the specialist suggested I take another HIV test and have bloodwork done to test and see if I had this rare form of clamydia. I did all testing neccessary. In as much, as precausionary purpose, this specialist also had me take a number of antibiotic shots, doeses and a month long regiment of ammoxicillin. The blood tests came back positive for clamydia... However, I it was never confirmed if it was LGV? I was under the impression that it was and of coarse this information was not easy to deliever to my boyfriend. But because he loved me and was willing to do whatever it took to take care of all of this he took the medication. (he had no symptoms)
Ok... Here is where it all gets weird. I was reported to the infectious disease department within my state and I had to contact them for medication for my boyfriend. Although my doc reported that I was infected with LGV the infectious disease persons did not believe this was so and only provided medication for my boyfriend to be treated for regular clamydia. In as much, I was informed by them that if I have ever had any type of clamydia, then that blood test would come back positive for clamydia. I did have it when I was about 17 years old. (20 years prior to all of this)
About a month later I came back to the specialist for a follow-up appointment. At that time they saw that the lesions were begining to go away, but were not gone completely (I forgot to mention that along with my HIV tests I was also tested for Herpies and HPV... and was neg, for both). The specialist decited to take a biopsy of the lesions and about a month or so later I was told that although my pap had come back normal, the cells from that biopsy came back abnormally. At that time the specialist scheduled me for a ligation, where she lasered off the portion of my cervix where the lesions were. That precedure was done in office and was pretty tramatic. I was not aware of the extent of what was going to happen that day (in office) and actually had a portiion of my cervix removed as well as a ton of bleeding that the specialist had a hard time bringing under control. Following the precedure, I went home and for a few days later I was physically sick, like I had the flu. Fever, throwing-up, the works! A few days later I felt inside of me and realized that there was a pretty good size portion of my cervix that was removed. I have to be honest in telling you that I never went back for my follow-up appointment. That was done in April of 2009.
Since the occurance of my first yeast infection (about 2 years ago) I have had consistant infections. Every single month at least. Seems as if I get rid of one, and another comes and I would have really bad ones after taking antibotics (which I know is norma).
Recently the yeast had spread to my mouth, around my lips and angular chelitis. The angualar chelitis also turned into a baterial infection, inpetigo. Also, I am also experience a number of lymph nodes through-out my body swelling. My neck swelled so badly that it began to feel as if it was comprising my breathing. I am also experiencing swelling in my lower back and under my arms (other lymph areas). As of this past week (while being treated for impetigo on my mouth) I also got an extremely bad sore throat (tested negative for strep) and I a number of bumps have formed on the back of my tongue and throat. Feels as if something is stuck and tickling my throat. Its more on my right side. In as much, over the past few months I have been treated for a sinus infection and pink eye. I also experienced two episodes where my vision was comprimised (looked as if ripples of water were in front of my eyes) which lasted for more than 10mins. I have also been dealing with a low-grade fever and night sweats on a regular basis. I underwent a Glucose Monitoring Test and blood work to determine if I was diabetic (tests came back that I may be pre- diabetic, but not diabetic) Over this last week I also had a third HIV test (negative) and bloodwork that came back normal as far as blood count, sugar and cholesteral is concerned. I do need to mention that I am clinically obese (260lbs) and have for the first time started coming back with high blood pressure
I recently broke up with my boyfriend (of two) years and believe that a lot of the heart stuff is attibuted to the obesity as well as the stress of the whole situation. I am tired of tests coming back normal and being told that its nothing and would like to know who I should ask to see about all of this and what tests I should have done. This is not in my head! I am not a hyprocondriac and do not make stuff like this up... How can I when I am tested positive time and time again for yeast, tested positive for yeast, infections and bateria in mouth and eyes and have had one infection after another. I can't make those things happen to myself! I don't have poor hygiene a (not that this would be a factor) and I am not someone that enjoys gaining sympathy from being sick... but I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!!! Its also begining to manifest into depression! Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! ~Cristal
About two year ago my general practitioner noticed a couple of lesions on my cervix. At that time I had not been sexually active for about 12 years and was not sure what they were or why? They were not painful and when a pap was done, everything came back normal. I didn't think much about it. (however, when I was a teen I did have a severe case of venerial warts) About 6 months later I developed a yeast infection. I had met someone that I choose to be in a sexual relationship with (I am a woman he was an uncircumsized male). He had not been in a sexual relationship for several years either and after discussing our status decided that it was safe for us to be in an unprotected sexual relationship. When I developed the yeast affection my doctor did an STD check and found that I did not test positive for anything but yeast, but still had the lesions. I told her they were not painful, but she was concerned enough to send me to a womens specialist.
When I went to see the specialist she examined me and in my opinion "over-reacted" to my situation. She had asked if I had been sexually active with anyone who had been out of the country with the past year or two. Because my boyfriend was from Africa (but served for the US Army) I said yes and explained my boyfriends situation... which was that he was from Africa but is now a US citizen and serves for the US Army. In as much he was stationed in Germany about 20 months prior to me dating him.
As I mentioned, I felt as if she over-reacted because as soon as she heard me say my partner was African decent, she automatically mentioned HIV... In as much she stated that she thought that I had a rare form or Clamydia called LGV Clamydia that is very rare in the US, but was becoming more common in Europe and Africa.
Of coarse I was extremely concerned and subjected myself to all the testing that the doctor ordered. (not even thinking back that my syptoms actually began prior to meeting my boyfriend). I must mention that my prior to meeting with this specialist I also had undergone a HIV test with my doc, which came out negative. Of coarse the specialist suggested I take another HIV test and have bloodwork done to test and see if I had this rare form of clamydia. I did all testing neccessary. In as much, as precausionary purpose, this specialist also had me take a number of antibiotic shots, doeses and a month long regiment of ammoxicillin. The blood tests came back positive for clamydia... However, I it was never confirmed if it was LGV? I was under the impression that it was and of coarse this information was not easy to deliever to my boyfriend. But because he loved me and was willing to do whatever it took to take care of all of this he took the medication. (he had no symptoms)
Ok... Here is where it all gets weird. I was reported to the infectious disease department within my state and I had to contact them for medication for my boyfriend. Although my doc reported that I was infected with LGV the infectious disease persons did not believe this was so and only provided medication for my boyfriend to be treated for regular clamydia. In as much, I was informed by them that if I have ever had any type of clamydia, then that blood test would come back positive for clamydia. I did have it when I was about 17 years old. (20 years prior to all of this)
About a month later I came back to the specialist for a follow-up appointment. At that time they saw that the lesions were begining to go away, but were not gone completely (I forgot to mention that along with my HIV tests I was also tested for Herpies and HPV... and was neg, for both). The specialist decited to take a biopsy of the lesions and about a month or so later I was told that although my pap had come back normal, the cells from that biopsy came back abnormally. At that time the specialist scheduled me for a ligation, where she lasered off the portion of my cervix where the lesions were. That precedure was done in office and was pretty tramatic. I was not aware of the extent of what was going to happen that day (in office) and actually had a portiion of my cervix removed as well as a ton of bleeding that the specialist had a hard time bringing under control. Following the precedure, I went home and for a few days later I was physically sick, like I had the flu. Fever, throwing-up, the works! A few days later I felt inside of me and realized that there was a pretty good size portion of my cervix that was removed. I have to be honest in telling you that I never went back for my follow-up appointment. That was done in April of 2009.
Since the occurance of my first yeast infection (about 2 years ago) I have had consistant infections. Every single month at least. Seems as if I get rid of one, and another comes and I would have really bad ones after taking antibotics (which I know is norma).
Recently the yeast had spread to my mouth, around my lips and angular chelitis. The angualar chelitis also turned into a baterial infection, inpetigo. Also, I am also experience a number of lymph nodes through-out my body swelling. My neck swelled so badly that it began to feel as if it was comprising my breathing. I am also experiencing swelling in my lower back and under my arms (other lymph areas). As of this past week (while being treated for impetigo on my mouth) I also got an extremely bad sore throat (tested negative for strep) and I a number of bumps have formed on the back of my tongue and throat. Feels as if something is stuck and tickling my throat. Its more on my right side. In as much, over the past few months I have been treated for a sinus infection and pink eye. I also experienced two episodes where my vision was comprimised (looked as if ripples of water were in front of my eyes) which lasted for more than 10mins. I have also been dealing with a low-grade fever and night sweats on a regular basis. I underwent a Glucose Monitoring Test and blood work to determine if I was diabetic (tests came back that I may be pre- diabetic, but not diabetic) Over this last week I also had a third HIV test (negative) and bloodwork that came back normal as far as blood count, sugar and cholesteral is concerned. I do need to mention that I am clinically obese (260lbs) and have for the first time started coming back with high blood pressure
I recently broke up with my boyfriend (of two) years and believe that a lot of the heart stuff is attibuted to the obesity as well as the stress of the whole situation. I am tired of tests coming back normal and being told that its nothing and would like to know who I should ask to see about all of this and what tests I should have done. This is not in my head! I am not a hyprocondriac and do not make stuff like this up... How can I when I am tested positive time and time again for yeast, tested positive for yeast, infections and bateria in mouth and eyes and have had one infection after another. I can't make those things happen to myself! I don't have poor hygiene a (not that this would be a factor) and I am not someone that enjoys gaining sympathy from being sick... but I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!!! Its also begining to manifest into depression! Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! ~Cristal
HIV does not cause autoimmune diseases. But if you think you might have HIV, ask your doc to have you tested.
I diagnosed Autoimmune thyroditis , my symptoms making me crazy as the symptoms are similar to HIV . I did have some sort of unprotected sex with sex worker in 2005 but no symptoms till 2006 , after year develop some symptoms which found to be related to thyroid.
I asked question so many times but no answer yet from anyone. Does HIV be reason for auto immune disease ?. Usually it goes in genetics but not sure that can cause it too .
I asked question so many times but no answer yet from anyone. Does HIV be reason for auto immune disease ?. Usually it goes in genetics but not sure that can cause it too .
Autoimmune diseases can have all the symptoms of any other illnesses or diseases and yes they can and do cause fevers and rashes in some. As with HIV, you cannot rely on symptoms to diagnose autoimmune diseases, only extensive testing can give you a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease.
I agree with freak_2007. Autoimmune disorders can cause rashes, aches etc., but they rarely cause fever; fever generally indicates an infection.
The symptoms you are talking about, like fever rash etc., they are not caused by the antibodies but they are the result of body's reaction to an infection by a new organism like bacteria or virus.
fever, rash, diarrhea, etc. are all ody's attempt to kill the virus or expel the virus form the body. Antibodies are also an attmept by the body to fend off foreign agents from the body. Wheher it is HIV or any other virus, you wil see similar symptoms because thats the way the body is trying to fight off infection. Of course, the body succeed in case of most of the other viruses but HIV is one tough mother so, the body keeps fighting for a long long time until immune system completely breaks down.
No, other auto-imune diseases do not cause similar symptoms because they do not involve an infection by a foerign agent. Auto-immune disorder is a condition where one's body produces antibodies that attack the cells and tissues (mistakenly)
fever, rash, diarrhea, etc. are all ody's attempt to kill the virus or expel the virus form the body. Antibodies are also an attmept by the body to fend off foreign agents from the body. Wheher it is HIV or any other virus, you wil see similar symptoms because thats the way the body is trying to fight off infection. Of course, the body succeed in case of most of the other viruses but HIV is one tough mother so, the body keeps fighting for a long long time until immune system completely breaks down.
No, other auto-imune diseases do not cause similar symptoms because they do not involve an infection by a foerign agent. Auto-immune disorder is a condition where one's body produces antibodies that attack the cells and tissues (mistakenly)
Below is what the doctor on the youandaids site told me :
As for the symptoms, any illness can mimic HIV and vice versa HIV can mimic any illness, thus it is not possible to relate the symptoms in the absence of test results.
I
As for the symptoms, any illness can mimic HIV and vice versa HIV can mimic any illness, thus it is not possible to relate the symptoms in the absence of test results.
I
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