Aa
Concered about past exposure and recent doctor visit
Hello Doc,
I am a little concerned about a past exposure and a recent doctor visit. I recently got back from vacationing in Hawaii and on my last day there, I developed some neck pain. Its located on my right side of my adams apple along with ear pain. I went to the doctors today and saw one of the P.A's. After examining me, she concluded that its a lymph node. She asked me to get some blood work done such as CBC and HSV 1 and 2. She also asked to get blood work done for HIV (which already have and it was negative 4.5 months after protected exposure).
The doctor said I had mild inflammation on my right ear and that might be causing the lymph node to tender and inflamed. My worry now is HIV again. I did another Anti-body test today and its been 1 year and 3 months since my exposure.
Here are my questions
1) Should I be worried?
2) What are chances of my test becoming positive now after my 4.5 month test?
3) I haven't had sex with anyone other then my wife since my exposure 1 year and 3 months ago. Would HIV stay dormant for this long?
4) I have had post nasal drip ( i think that's what it is) for a year. I always feel like something is stuck in my throat. Is that a sign of HIV?
I am worried that she requested such test done now, especially cause its been so long. Please look over my discussion about my exposure so you can get a better understanding about my testing and exposure. Thanks!
I am a little concerned about a past exposure and a recent doctor visit. I recently got back from vacationing in Hawaii and on my last day there, I developed some neck pain. Its located on my right side of my adams apple along with ear pain. I went to the doctors today and saw one of the P.A's. After examining me, she concluded that its a lymph node. She asked me to get some blood work done such as CBC and HSV 1 and 2. She also asked to get blood work done for HIV (which already have and it was negative 4.5 months after protected exposure).
The doctor said I had mild inflammation on my right ear and that might be causing the lymph node to tender and inflamed. My worry now is HIV again. I did another Anti-body test today and its been 1 year and 3 months since my exposure.
Here are my questions
1) Should I be worried?
2) What are chances of my test becoming positive now after my 4.5 month test?
3) I haven't had sex with anyone other then my wife since my exposure 1 year and 3 months ago. Would HIV stay dormant for this long?
4) I have had post nasal drip ( i think that's what it is) for a year. I always feel like something is stuck in my throat. Is that a sign of HIV?
I am worried that she requested such test done now, especially cause its been so long. Please look over my discussion about my exposure so you can get a better understanding about my testing and exposure. Thanks!
Understood Dr. Handsfield! I just got a little nervous about the doctors recommendation to take another HIV test and thought I would ask you since you are an expert. Thank you for your reply and I will not be posting anything further regarding this exposure. Thank you very much for everything!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back to the forum.
You have been told repeatedly that the past tests you had prove you didn't catch HIV, regardless of any symptoms you had then or may have now. The additional test at 15 months was a waste of money and medical resources. Your doctor undoubtedly is just being conservative and safe -- and may be assuming you have had other exposures you didn't tell about. (Many people deny high risk exposures, so if in doubt, doctors recommend HIV testing.)
There will be no further discussion or comments on this thread. Excessive anxiety-driven and repetative questions are not permitted. Also MedHelp permits a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on each of the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions). This is your third in 7 months. You may not post another for at least a year; any before then will be deleted without reply (and without refund of the posting fee).
HHH, MD
You have been told repeatedly that the past tests you had prove you didn't catch HIV, regardless of any symptoms you had then or may have now. The additional test at 15 months was a waste of money and medical resources. Your doctor undoubtedly is just being conservative and safe -- and may be assuming you have had other exposures you didn't tell about. (Many people deny high risk exposures, so if in doubt, doctors recommend HIV testing.)
There will be no further discussion or comments on this thread. Excessive anxiety-driven and repetative questions are not permitted. Also MedHelp permits a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on each of the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions). This is your third in 7 months. You may not post another for at least a year; any before then will be deleted without reply (and without refund of the posting fee).
HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
