Aa
Unprotected sex with sexworker once
Dear Doctors/Experts,
I am an Indian, 29year old, stay and work in Malaysia; I was drunk and had unprotected sex with one sex worker on 2nd July 2010. From that day i am really scared about HIV infection. Please help me to know the risks based on the symptoms and activities i describe below.
3rd to 9th july i had mild headache most of the times and it was unexplainable feel.
After that 9th i didnt feel it.
10th july i went to a doctor who is having Skin and STD clinic. He took some wet content on my penis head and side of it for testing, and after 10min he called me and showed the microscope view, there was 3 or 4 black stripes kind of bacteria he showed, and i guess he was unsure about it, and he told his guess, it can be a choncroid bacteria. Then he gave me Zithromax tablet packet containing 6 tablets inside, and told me to take 2 per day for 3 days. He told this tablet is for precaution only.
11th july i took 2 tablets, and the day was normal, didnt feel any strange.
12th july early morning 4.30AM unfortunately wokeup from sleep, felt stomach was filled with gas and urine. after passing out both, back to bed and felt my body was totally weak and shaking, feared, worried, dry throat, neck/shoulder pain, and these continued for the whole day along with these, my stomach was upset and feel like gastric problem. something happening in my stomach which i never felt in my lifetime. This is the day i had worst ever in my lifetime i believe. I was so scared on this day. I believed all these symptoms lead to hiv infection.
13th july took leave from office, morning itself went to govt hosp, and doctor suggested rapid hiv test, and it showed negative. Further doctor gave me some ordinary medicine for the symptoms i told like dry throat and etc. medicines are vitamin C tablets only as the doctor told. i didnt take those medicines as the zithromax tablets are not over yet. And i was not satisfied with the test and treatments in govt, went immediately to one private hosp for counseling, met a lady doctor and explained everything, she told me that i may be faced these symtoms bcos of hiv anxiety, so wait for 3month gap to do HIV test, and she told this is not right time to test, if we do test you may not get correct result. only hiv scare is going in my mind for the whole day. This day i felt little neck/shoulder pain and gas trouble. and zithromax course is over this day.
14th july i was very normal, but with little neck/shoulder pain and stomach upset is getting worse, every 30-40 minute my stomach get full with gas, i go bathroom to just release gas only. No other pains i felt this day. I didnt take any tablet until night. after dinner i took the 2 vitamin C tablets which gave by govt doct. Still this day i was scarred about hiv infection.
15th july i was reading about zithromax side effects from this source: http://www.drugs.com/zithromax.html, and i wondered all the symptoms i encountered are resembles with the common side effects of this tablet. and i suspected, it may be the cause as i started feeling the symptoms right next of taking this tablet. Stomach problem went more severe this day; digestion is not proper, disentry happens with half grinded food. Lots of gas fills in stomach every time.
Today 16th july, its 14th day of exposure (2weeks). Currently I have only this stomach upset/gastric problem only but little less severe than yesterday. No headache, no much neck/shoulder pain (note: am software consultant, use to sit and work for long time, which may lead to neck/shoulder/back pains I guess), no depress, no weakness, nothing else. Today is as similar as yesterday (15th)
Notes about my past: I never went to doctor since more than 3years as i didnt have any health problems. My first sex exposure was in Nov 2009 started with protected, and maximum i might did 10 times sex till these duration. All are protected except the last one. In June 2008, I took blood and urine test just for medical certificate, and the result of test is good condition.
Now i am very much confused about my symptoms and zithromax side effects and the possibility of getting HIV infection. Symptoms are related to what? i need supportive suggestions from experts and doctors here for my case.
Forget to mention, since 2 weeks I am drinking lot of water (atleast 5-6lit/day). Till now I didn’t get any of choncroid symptoms.
Today only I came to know about this MedHelp community website. And since morning I was going through lot of questions and answers from experts, I hope, I may get the replies.
PLEASE HELP ME, let me know the possibility of getting HIV, what is the risk I have now? I am completely scarred about my future I am unmarried still.
I am very sorry for the long story and taking most of your time but still I wrote this long because I want to make you clear about the activities so that I can expect relatively perfect suggestions.
Please help me.
I am an Indian, 29year old, stay and work in Malaysia; I was drunk and had unprotected sex with one sex worker on 2nd July 2010. From that day i am really scared about HIV infection. Please help me to know the risks based on the symptoms and activities i describe below.
3rd to 9th july i had mild headache most of the times and it was unexplainable feel.
After that 9th i didnt feel it.
10th july i went to a doctor who is having Skin and STD clinic. He took some wet content on my penis head and side of it for testing, and after 10min he called me and showed the microscope view, there was 3 or 4 black stripes kind of bacteria he showed, and i guess he was unsure about it, and he told his guess, it can be a choncroid bacteria. Then he gave me Zithromax tablet packet containing 6 tablets inside, and told me to take 2 per day for 3 days. He told this tablet is for precaution only.
11th july i took 2 tablets, and the day was normal, didnt feel any strange.
12th july early morning 4.30AM unfortunately wokeup from sleep, felt stomach was filled with gas and urine. after passing out both, back to bed and felt my body was totally weak and shaking, feared, worried, dry throat, neck/shoulder pain, and these continued for the whole day along with these, my stomach was upset and feel like gastric problem. something happening in my stomach which i never felt in my lifetime. This is the day i had worst ever in my lifetime i believe. I was so scared on this day. I believed all these symptoms lead to hiv infection.
13th july took leave from office, morning itself went to govt hosp, and doctor suggested rapid hiv test, and it showed negative. Further doctor gave me some ordinary medicine for the symptoms i told like dry throat and etc. medicines are vitamin C tablets only as the doctor told. i didnt take those medicines as the zithromax tablets are not over yet. And i was not satisfied with the test and treatments in govt, went immediately to one private hosp for counseling, met a lady doctor and explained everything, she told me that i may be faced these symtoms bcos of hiv anxiety, so wait for 3month gap to do HIV test, and she told this is not right time to test, if we do test you may not get correct result. only hiv scare is going in my mind for the whole day. This day i felt little neck/shoulder pain and gas trouble. and zithromax course is over this day.
14th july i was very normal, but with little neck/shoulder pain and stomach upset is getting worse, every 30-40 minute my stomach get full with gas, i go bathroom to just release gas only. No other pains i felt this day. I didnt take any tablet until night. after dinner i took the 2 vitamin C tablets which gave by govt doct. Still this day i was scarred about hiv infection.
15th july i was reading about zithromax side effects from this source: http://www.drugs.com/zithromax.html, and i wondered all the symptoms i encountered are resembles with the common side effects of this tablet. and i suspected, it may be the cause as i started feeling the symptoms right next of taking this tablet. Stomach problem went more severe this day; digestion is not proper, disentry happens with half grinded food. Lots of gas fills in stomach every time.
Today 16th july, its 14th day of exposure (2weeks). Currently I have only this stomach upset/gastric problem only but little less severe than yesterday. No headache, no much neck/shoulder pain (note: am software consultant, use to sit and work for long time, which may lead to neck/shoulder/back pains I guess), no depress, no weakness, nothing else. Today is as similar as yesterday (15th)
Notes about my past: I never went to doctor since more than 3years as i didnt have any health problems. My first sex exposure was in Nov 2009 started with protected, and maximum i might did 10 times sex till these duration. All are protected except the last one. In June 2008, I took blood and urine test just for medical certificate, and the result of test is good condition.
Now i am very much confused about my symptoms and zithromax side effects and the possibility of getting HIV infection. Symptoms are related to what? i need supportive suggestions from experts and doctors here for my case.
Forget to mention, since 2 weeks I am drinking lot of water (atleast 5-6lit/day). Till now I didn’t get any of choncroid symptoms.
Today only I came to know about this MedHelp community website. And since morning I was going through lot of questions and answers from experts, I hope, I may get the replies.
PLEASE HELP ME, let me know the possibility of getting HIV, what is the risk I have now? I am completely scarred about my future I am unmarried still.
I am very sorry for the long story and taking most of your time but still I wrote this long because I want to make you clear about the activities so that I can expect relatively perfect suggestions.
Please help me.
Hi Lizzie, Thanks for your response, Here i am not bothered about charges. I want my status to be known as early as possible. so that i can proceed future based on that.
Moreover in Malaysia medical cost is more expensive than India, for just anibody test charge in malaysia is morethan RS.900. I am just waiting for the 6week period. Thanks for the information about the TESTs.
Moreover in Malaysia medical cost is more expensive than India, for just anibody test charge in malaysia is morethan RS.900. I am just waiting for the 6week period. Thanks for the information about the TESTs.
Thanks for your information Kelvin_Raj. I will enquire about 4th generation test nearby clinic.
Thanks stopstds for the information about window period in India and info about Zithromax. I go to check first for any STI's before HIV test. I never do this mistake anymore.
Thanks for the corrections chirag.
Thanks stopstds for the information about window period in India and info about Zithromax. I go to check first for any STI's before HIV test. I never do this mistake anymore.
Thanks for the corrections chirag.
there is NO reason for you to spend that kind of money for a duo test. at 6 weeks post exposure, an antibody test is a VERY GOOD indication of one's status and at that point it is HIGHLY unlikely to change.
test 6-8 weeks and follow up at 3 months.
test 6-8 weeks and follow up at 3 months.
Sorry for cost inaccuracy.I have spoken to a lab earlier and they told me VIDAS® HIV DUO ULTRA is for Rs 900
Malguy - dont hijack Kumars post u will find your answer as well.
Kumar - U can test with CMIA Duo which is a antigen and antibody test, known as Combo test. In India it would cost Rs.350 - 400 its accurate at 28 days.In India the Window period is 6 MONTHS and not 3 months (its how the guidelines are formulated but around the world its 3 months) Old and inconsisitent Testing technology, unreliability with no standardization are the reasons for these guidelines.) CMIA is a not a diagnostic test but a screening test. For further diagnostic tests with lesser window period you can try NAT or PCR tests which are highly accurate at just 2 weeks plus. Zithromax has Azithromycin which would stem the initial Syphilis, Gonorrhea,Chlymdia and other bacterial infections. Once again No CONDOMS NO SEX. You have risks for all major STIs. Zithromax could increase thrush indigestion and acidity. Seek psychiatric counselling during these times.
Kumar - U can test with CMIA Duo which is a antigen and antibody test, known as Combo test. In India it would cost Rs.350 - 400 its accurate at 28 days.In India the Window period is 6 MONTHS and not 3 months (its how the guidelines are formulated but around the world its 3 months) Old and inconsisitent Testing technology, unreliability with no standardization are the reasons for these guidelines.) CMIA is a not a diagnostic test but a screening test. For further diagnostic tests with lesser window period you can try NAT or PCR tests which are highly accurate at just 2 weeks plus. Zithromax has Azithromycin which would stem the initial Syphilis, Gonorrhea,Chlymdia and other bacterial infections. Once again No CONDOMS NO SEX. You have risks for all major STIs. Zithromax could increase thrush indigestion and acidity. Seek psychiatric counselling during these times.
I Just have a blood sample test after i possible exposure at 12 weeks. The doctor sent my blood sample to Gribbles. But the method they are using is ECLIA for testing HIV 1 & 2 Ab/Ag, what is that about?
If you are worried kumar, you can get yourself tested in Malaysia. Go to any clinic and get the 4th generation test and make sure the pathology lab they send the blood sample is Gribbles. The do the duo 4th gen test. ALl the best and good luck to you.....
Thanks for your suggestions avonelle.
I will see the doctor for my stomach problem.
I will see the doctor for my stomach problem.
Please do not link your digestive problems to HIV. Your chances from a one-time exposure are very low. As you know, all you can do is test at 3 months. I know it is very, very hard waiting out those 3 months because I also have had to do it. But you can and will get through it. Please try your hardest to stay off of the internet and looking up symptoms, etc.
Stomach problems can be caused by MILLIONS of things, from a flu bug to food poisoning. If it keeps happening, see a doctor about it, but please do not be worried about HIV due to your stomach problems. Test at 3 months.
And remember- we are all only human. Your mistake was not "unforgivable" as you stated earlier. We are all prone to error. You have to forgive yourself and realize that you are not infallible and that it is ok to mess up- it's part of being human. Just realize your mistakes and learn from them- I think you have done this.
Stomach problems can be caused by MILLIONS of things, from a flu bug to food poisoning. If it keeps happening, see a doctor about it, but please do not be worried about HIV due to your stomach problems. Test at 3 months.
And remember- we are all only human. Your mistake was not "unforgivable" as you stated earlier. We are all prone to error. You have to forgive yourself and realize that you are not infallible and that it is ok to mess up- it's part of being human. Just realize your mistakes and learn from them- I think you have done this.
Since 12th July, I am facing stomach problem, that is improper digestion and dis-entry happens 4-5 times per day.. Till now it has not stopped.
Can anyone help me to know the reason and or any idea to recover?
Can anyone help me to know the reason and or any idea to recover?
move on...
you have no business assessing ppl when you cant even accept your own status.
you have no business assessing ppl when you cant even accept your own status.
I can't understand properly what you mean by sharing of results.
I suppose you are telling when you will get results by the lab.A lab will take day or two to get the results.
I suppose you are telling when you will get results by the lab.A lab will take day or two to get the results.
Hi Chirag, thanks for sharing your knowledge n experience. Currently i live in Malaysia, in August 22nd i'm back to India. On Aug16th, 6weeks finishes after exposure. however i try to find this 'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2' testing facility in Kuala Lumpur, if available, i will first conform when the result will be shared with me within Aug20. If everything ok, then i do it here itself and know the result Otherwise i will do it India.
Any idea howlong will they take to share the result with us, in the case of mentioned test?
And i read your earlier post here about ARS:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Are-these-ARS-symptoms4th-gen--ELISA-testing-lab-info-in-Mumbai-Teak-LIZZI-MIKEplease-help/show/1279682
Hope you dont have any risks..
Any idea howlong will they take to share the result with us, in the case of mentioned test?
And i read your earlier post here about ARS:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Are-these-ARS-symptoms4th-gen--ELISA-testing-lab-info-in-Mumbai-Teak-LIZZI-MIKEplease-help/show/1279682
Hope you dont have any risks..
I will advice you to do' Fourth Generation ELISA testing for HIV1/2' on 6 week after the exposure.
Fourth generation ELISA for HIV1/HIV2
1) 4th generation ELISA is a DUO TEST (Antibody and Antigen Sandwich Test) .It actually looks for the P24 (protein) Antigen and Antibodies simultaneously.
2) P24 Antigen is almost always present in the body after acquiring the virus till the 4th week after infection and then it disappears .
3)Once the P24 antigen disappears,antibodies starts to show up.
4) ' Fourth generation ELISA for HIV1/HIV2' detects both P24 antigen and antibodies 3 weeks after the exposure.
5) HIV DUO test is said to be best at 28 days and 6 weeks after the exposure.
6) Fourth generation ELISA test sensitivity is >99.5% and specificity >99% to both B and non-B subtypes. If a person has taken the test at the 6 week post exposure.
So I recommended you to do 'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2' i.e HIV DUO test 6weeks after the exposure.But 12/13 week testing from any generation of ELISA is compulsory.
A negative results on 6 weeks by 'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2'
would mean that you would have extremely extremely....extremely low chances to be HIV + in 12/13 weeks .
A negative results
'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2' is available in private and government medical organizations in India.Cost would range from Rs 800-Rs1000.
Also a piece of advice never play foolishly.Always use condoms while having sex.I am not against having sex but we must responsible while enjoying it.
Always use condom properly and never share needles.
Best of Luck
-Chirag
Fourth generation ELISA for HIV1/HIV2
1) 4th generation ELISA is a DUO TEST (Antibody and Antigen Sandwich Test) .It actually looks for the P24 (protein) Antigen and Antibodies simultaneously.
2) P24 Antigen is almost always present in the body after acquiring the virus till the 4th week after infection and then it disappears .
3)Once the P24 antigen disappears,antibodies starts to show up.
4) ' Fourth generation ELISA for HIV1/HIV2' detects both P24 antigen and antibodies 3 weeks after the exposure.
5) HIV DUO test is said to be best at 28 days and 6 weeks after the exposure.
6) Fourth generation ELISA test sensitivity is >99.5% and specificity >99% to both B and non-B subtypes. If a person has taken the test at the 6 week post exposure.
So I recommended you to do 'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2' i.e HIV DUO test 6weeks after the exposure.But 12/13 week testing from any generation of ELISA is compulsory.
A negative results on 6 weeks by 'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2'
would mean that you would have extremely extremely....extremely low chances to be HIV + in 12/13 weeks .
A negative results
'Fourth Generation ELISA for HIV1/2' is available in private and government medical organizations in India.Cost would range from Rs 800-Rs1000.
Also a piece of advice never play foolishly.Always use condoms while having sex.I am not against having sex but we must responsible while enjoying it.
Always use condom properly and never share needles.
Best of Luck
-Chirag
Hi Teak, thanks for your reply.
Hi metalman999, your reply is adding me hope. Thank you very much.
This 3 month period is 3years for me, but no choice, have to wait only. Meanwhile if i need any assistance i will post here again.
Hi metalman999, your reply is adding me hope. Thank you very much.
This 3 month period is 3years for me, but no choice, have to wait only. Meanwhile if i need any assistance i will post here again.
try to keep calm. the odds of infection from one encounter are low.
try to find her and ask her about her status. maybe even get her to test.
try to find her and ask her about her status. maybe even get her to test.
Thanks for the reply and directions Rob, and yes i did a unforgivable mistake in my life, i know i screwed my life.
Though i did it in half sense, i cannot ask excuse for this because it cannot be rolled back, DONE is DONE only.
Keeping unreliable symptoms aside, currently i have only one problem consistently since 5 days, that is my stomach problem. Fills with lot of gas and dis-entry with half grind food. As this problem started next day of started taking the zithromax tablet, i want to know this problem caused by zithromax side effect or by hiv symptom?
I just want to be aware what is happening with me, so that i can proceed further in that way. that's why i am asking it again. Please dont mistake me Rob.
Thanking you again for the reply Rob.
Please answer my question if it is correct.
Thanking you again.
Though i did it in half sense, i cannot ask excuse for this because it cannot be rolled back, DONE is DONE only.
Keeping unreliable symptoms aside, currently i have only one problem consistently since 5 days, that is my stomach problem. Fills with lot of gas and dis-entry with half grind food. As this problem started next day of started taking the zithromax tablet, i want to know this problem caused by zithromax side effect or by hiv symptom?
I just want to be aware what is happening with me, so that i can proceed further in that way. that's why i am asking it again. Please dont mistake me Rob.
Thanking you again for the reply Rob.
Please answer my question if it is correct.
Thanking you again.
Long post. I'll keep my reply brief and to the point;
1. You had UNPROTECTED sex with a CSW. Have you out yourself at risk of HIV and other STI's? Yes.
2. Symptoms are meaningless and NEVER a relaible indicator of HIV infection. You need to test for HIV at three months post expsosure for a conclusive and reliable result.. And for other STI's 1-4 weeks after exposure, either by blood or urine samples.
1. You had UNPROTECTED sex with a CSW. Have you out yourself at risk of HIV and other STI's? Yes.
2. Symptoms are meaningless and NEVER a relaible indicator of HIV infection. You need to test for HIV at three months post expsosure for a conclusive and reliable result.. And for other STI's 1-4 weeks after exposure, either by blood or urine samples.
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