Hi Doctor,
I had an exposure three years ago with a sex worker. The condom broke during vaginal sex. I really can say when it broke, so I don't know how long I was expose. I started a relationship with my current girlfriend about 2 1/2 years ago. We have been having unprotected sex. She had a test before be started and was negative. We have been only with each other since then.
I have been experiencing all kinds of symptoms for the last 6 months: dry mouth, joint pains, white tongue, weight loss, boils on my back etc. I must say that I have been stressed out over this for some time now. In July 2010, I did three rapid test which were all negative. Given that the symptoms continued, I did the HIV 1/0/2 ICMA and the HIV-2 EIA tests at labcorp in August 2010. Both tests were negative/non-reactive. I did another rapid test for HIV 1/2 at the end of August which was again negative.
So, my questions are:
1. Can I conclude that I am ok based on the exposure three years ago?
2. Is there anyway that I could have infected my girlfriend two ago and by having sex we develop a strain of the virus that is not detected? In other words, that has mutated?
3. What can cause these symptoms? I tests for diabetes, other STDs, thyroid....all negative or normal.
4. Can stress over an extended period of time cause these symptoms?
many thanks for your prompt response.
regards
Peaks