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Avatar universal

Continue testing negative (oraquick) but cannot believe it

I know what you're probably thinking, not another one of these questions, but my situation seems very odd.

I've recently quit a minor 7 year drug addiction (mainly marijuana, beer but also some speed and cocaine) and have had exactly 5 risks (all with a condom) with escorts. They were brief, and I didn't notice any condom tear.

The problem is I'm experiencing muscle wasting, on/off low grade fevers, digestive issues and fatigue/depression. All signs that my immune system is shot.

I've tested with 8 oraquicks at least 3 months after exposure but something is telling me that I'm not producing antibodies because every test I've taken has ruled out any other cause (blood tests, colonoscopies, CT scans) and nothing was found (and this has been going on for a while)

Is it possible that my drug usage damaged my immune system to the point that I wouldn't product antibodies?

My most recent oraquick was exactly 6 months after my last exposure. I refuse to take a blood test because of the anxiety involved in waiting. But again, I continue to get worse and worse without any explanation! I just can't help but think I'm infected.
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Avatar universal
That didn't sound right - I meant not when I'm having chronic symptoms at such a young age. Given my drug usage and unhealthy lifestyle, I don't blame myself.
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Avatar universal
Well thank you, and I agree something is wrong.

I will try to take your word and move on.
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Avatar universal
Not when I know something is wrong with my body!
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Avatar universal
Something is surely happening with your health, but it is not HIV related .

I hope you'll get to the bottom of it, but HIV is not on the radar as the cause....not with 8 negative Oraquicks after the window period.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You ever think there isn't anything wrong with you?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the response.

Your response sounds completely logical but then why do I have a fever right now and why am I losing muscle/weight all over my body despite eating more and trying to build muscle? Why do I have black rings under my eyes and why am I suffering from such long term digestive issues? Why would nothing be picked up on two colonscopies and multiple blood tests and CT scans? Why can't a dr. find anything wrong?

I have to sound like a prick but this just seems too coincidental! I'm sure I'll be banned for this response. Thank you for the reassurance anyway and have a good night.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The Oraquick Oral Home test is equivalent in accuracy to a lab based blood test when taken after 12 weeks post potential exposure.
The test is extremely difficult to perform wrong.
The reported "false" negatives are really not false  negatives but the result of folks doing the test too early and the random person that cannot follow instructions. If documented in a meta analysis trial, a few mistakes will skew the overall accuracy rate.
You took the test 8 times. There is no way in hell you have HIV!
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Avatar universal
* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
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Avatar universal
Interesting, I guess it varies from person to person.

Man, this is just so strange. My symptoms couldn't mimic HIV any closer other than not having a rash or coughing symptoms. I guess I won't get over this until I have my blood drawn.
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Avatar universal
Never, I never had ARS.
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Avatar universal
Have you experienced on/off low grade fevers out of curiousity?
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Avatar universal
Seek professional help. You do not have an HIV concern.
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Avatar universal
I also really appreciate your reply, I feel stupid posting this in the first place but I just feel so weak and progressively worse as time goes on.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Teak,

Thank you for the response.

Ugh .. I just don't know what to say. I guess nothing will change until I have my blood drawn, something is telling me I'm that small minority that won't test positive from an oraquick. I know I sound crazy, but I feel like I'm slowly wasting away and I'm only 23. If the symptoms weren't there, I think I would have no problem moving on.

You're right though, I definitely have mental health issues :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I suggest you seek professional mental help as to why you can't accept you results. You do not have HIV, you've tested conclusively negative.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also just want to say I'm so sorry for asking this type of question, but you guys have to trust me, I know my body and it's apparent that something is really damaging my body and mind in all ways! I hope you can believe me.
Helpful - 0
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