40 Neg Test, But Lots of Symptoms

[sprite12]

I'm sorry for a very common question but I had (accidental) unprotected penetration with a brothel worker (time unknown, but possibly a few seconds). This was 43 days ago.

at 26 and 41 days, I've had negative HIV tests. If I had no symptoms I'd be relaxing. However, I've had -

Noticeable, even occasionally severe, intermittant upper arm ache and leg ache, since about a week-ten days after exposure
Itches without rash
Cough (occasional phlegm)
Tongue looked a bit white
Proliferation of new moles - unlikely to be Kaposi's Sarcoma according to Doctor, but new nonetheless. Weakened immune system making them crop up?
Skin quality has deteriorated on my face - rough. Slightly red and itchy
Itchy nose since the day after exposure
Terrible sleep
Change in bowel habits - now much smaller and usually sooner after eating

I know all these symptoms can just be stress but I'm terrified. They've been going on weeks. I've read that ars symptoms usually come together and don't last longer than a fortnight but that other research claims the opposite, they're very variable.

I am also concerned that everywhere else, a three month window period is considered essential (I am booked in) but here you consider six weeks to be enough and often tell people not to worry or even bother with a three month test if their six week is neg.  Please can you reassure me what the figures are for the reliability of a six week ELISA? (and could two days effect that?)

[sprite12]

Thank you to those who have commented. Didn't I pay to ask this question? I think I did. I'd be grateful for a comment from the Dr if possible please.

[Jakied]

A 6 week neg is reliable but not conclusive.  Symptoms could mean anything.  Do NOT diagnose yourself.  That will drive you crazy.

I have a feeling you dodged the hiv bullet this time.  Remember the worry and anxiety the next time you are tempted.

Your symptoms are probably stress related.

[john_go]

HIV makes a person's immune system weak over time, not in a few weeks or months. Relax, whatever is causing your problems is not HIV. It could still be another STD, but HIV is not your problem. I suggest you stop playing guessing games in your mind and just get tested for HIV at 13 weeks so you could get a conclusive answer. You might consider testing for other std's, too.

[sprite12]

Thanks for that, but I *need* to know about these moles. I *know* three month testing is definitive, but all I can find is vague mentions of 'dysplastic nevi' relating to hiv on the net and I have to know, however rare, it is likely that my exposure has weakened my immune system enough to make these crop up. The Doctor I've seen didn't seem concerned but was NOT an HIV expert.

[john_go]

symptoms are never a good indication of a person having or not having hiv. the only sure way to know is to get tested. 6 weeks is not conclusive but is reliable. Simply put, most hiv infected people will seroconvert at 6 weeks, and almost all(about 99%) will have seroconverted at 3 months. so a 6 weeks neg is very encouraging. and if u want to remove any remaining shred of doubt get your 3 month negative and move on with your life.God bless you!

[Daveansh]

hi mate..i had a six week negative rapid blood test...i have got all th symptoms hanging around..my doc telling me to throw them in the bin..they just dont go....i guess in my case unless i get that final confirmation..i will still have that doubt...dunno bout u...but i do know that 6 weeks neg is quite encouraging