expert opinion welcomed

[pethick]

one-night sexual relationship with women occurred on December 2. Condom was put on incorrectly and slipped off during the act. HIV antibody test was taken after 6 weeks. Result came back negative. However, chylamida was identified. Flu-like symptoms were present from week 6 onward. Second HIV antibody test was taken at 8 weeks. Result was negative. Flu-like symptoms persist (now at 10 weeks) and have intensified in the past week (swollen glands, sore throat, stiff neck). No fever or rash has been evident. Getting a bit worried to say the least. Have arranged a third test at 12 weeks.

Opinion?

[pethick]

Permit me to bring this story to a close - and a happy one at that. Weeks 9 - 11 were not good to say the least. Glands under chin and around neck were swollen. Glands under arms and in the groin area were somewhat painful and frequently felt flush or hot. Rash appeared - localized on stomach. Fever was evident - but only slightly above normal. Flu like symptoms appeared in head, ears and respiratory tract. Eyes were constantly sore and have been for 5 weeks. Third test was finally taken at 11 weeks and 3 days (ST Bioline HIV 1/2 3.0). Although the waiting period for the result was only 15 minutes these were the most difficult 15 minutes I have ever spent in my life - along with the weeks leading up to this test. The test came back negative. The albatross was removed from around my neck! I can live again. I see hope for the future.  But I will never, ever, ever make the same mistake.

Now I've got to see my doctor to figure out what is causing all the physical ailments I am suffering from. Thank you Edward Hook. Your post kept me going in a positive direction - but I must admit that I had my fair share of doubts along the way.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not have HIV and need not be concerned.  Your single unprotected (despite your efforts to be protected) exposure is unlikely to infect you (odds of infection after a single exposure, if the partner was infected, are less than one in 1000).    You said nothing about the partner but odds are that she was not infected, no matter who she was or where in the world you are.  Now, you have had two negative blood tests which by now would have picked up over 98% of infections.  With your 12 week test you can be 100% sure that you uneqivocably did not get HIV from the exposure you describe but I am sure at this time that you are not infected.

You can read numerous posts on this site in which people ask us about symptoms. The answer is uniform- symptoms are unreliable and, if you have negative tests, you should believe the test, not the symptoms. My guess is that your symptoms are due to something else.  They are not due to HIV. If they trouble you, I would seek the assistance of your primary care provider.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not have HIV.  For you to get tested again is a waste of time and money.  Your symptoms are compatible with any number of viral illnesses.  My advice is to stop worrying about HIV and to work with your doctor as to what is really going on. EWH

[pethick]

Aah the mind plays tricks on you!

From my last post you can see that I had an antibody test at 11 weeks and 3 days which came back negative. I was very happy. I have since visited the doctor to find out what may be causing my problems from a physical nature.

I  informed the doctor that at week 8 I had a full medical and CBC undertaken at a hospital in another country. I shared these results with the doctor. It was determined at that time that my liver function was abnormal (SGOT/AST and SGPT/ALT were high). In addition, my Lymphocytes were high, and it was also determined that I was suffering from mild anemia with Hemoglobin and Hematocrit both being low. The doctor examined me and suggested the possibility of some viral infection and perhaps even hepatitis or mono (though unlikely at my age). He ordered me to stay home for several days and said that he will conduct a new series of tests after this week of rest. Now I'm getting a little worried.

In consideration of my biochemistry and hematology/serology situation at 8 seeks, and, in consideration of the fact that for the 5 days immediately prior to my 11 week HIV antibody test I was suffering from a mild fever and had flu like symptoms, had a bit of a rash on my torso, had swollen glands  in my neck area and a warm sensation generalized in the glands in my groin and underarm area, is it possible that I was going through a late seroconversion? If true, is it also possible that the antibody's were beginning to react and that they were not present sufficiently to be picked up by the rapid test?

I'm thinking of getting tested again. I welcome your thoughts and appreciate your expert opinion. Thanks.

Pethick

[lalaevans81]

I had same symptoms and it sounds alot like mono...

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks for the follow-up.  It is appreciated.  I'm glad to hear of your test results and your forward movement from here.  Take care.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I understand your concerns- we see this an awful lot on this site.  If you were part of that 2%, you would be our first and I'm comfortable from your description that you will not be.  

As for why the doctors ask questions and take an interest in symptoms, it is to guide thinking about what is and is not there.  In this instance however, as a method for guiding thoughts about the likelihood of HIV, they are worth next to nothing for a person as very low risk such as yourself.  

Take care and hang in there till twelve weeks- the test will be negative.  EWH

[pethick]

Your comments are helpful. I realize that symptoms are unreliable. However, on both occasions that I was tested the doctor's were interested in the symptoms that were presented. For a good 3-4 weeks my eyes have not been right - perhaps suffering from some form of virus. They are sore and itchy. My glands under my neck have been swollen and sore for 2 - 3 weeks.I have had a dry cough for 5-6 weeks. Basically, I feel lousy. For a short period of time I did feel good after the 8 week test came back negative. However, with my health as it is right now, I desperately want to believe that the tests at 6 and 8 weeks "would have picked up 98% of infections" but I can't help but be worried that I am part of the 2% or that your numbers may not be accurate. I understand there can be no guarantees but you did say "you do not have HIV and need not be concerned". I will test at 12 weeks. However, the wait is killing me.

Thanks for your interest and comments

[veryveryscaredguy]

I'm in a similar risky situation myself and I think sometimes the mind could get the best of you. Your test at 12 weeks should be conclusive good luck!