Dear Dr
Few months ago, I asked you about the finding of a possible retinal cotton wool spot by an opthalmologist on 11 July 08. I was seen by two other opthalmologists (one saw me on 27 June o8) and the other saw me on 25 June 08 and then on 23 July 08 (i.e. after the finding of cotton woll spot by the 3rd opthalmologist and he specifically looked for cotton wool spot, but he did not find any and told me that it has disappeared (he was seeing me as a follow up patient as the cotton wool spot was seen by the other opthalmologist).
I read on internet and found that HIV can cause a cotton wool spot(s). I had multiple exposures (protected intercourse but unprotected oral both ways) mainly with female escorts.
The eye finding was on 11 July 08 and I had a negative finger stick whole blood HIV1/2 rapid test (recognised test in the UK).
Sadly I had another exposure on 18 Aug 08 with a female escort in terms of protected intercourse but unprotected oral (she gave me oral).
I had another negative HIV1/2 rapid finger stick whole blood test (recognised in the UK) on 11 Nov 08, which was >17 weeks after that possible eye finding and >12 weeks (85 days) post last exposure.
Atl least 25 days before the test (about 2 months post last exposure), I started having quite itchy severe red flat and bumpy chest rash. It lasted at least all those 25 days prior to the test (with variable intensity) and was present even on the day of my test on 11 Nov 08.
I still get worried about that possible cotton wool spot (internet says a lot about HIV and cotton wool spots) and then development of chest rash, which is still present until today, but significantly improved since I started taking antihistamine and applying E45 itch creame one day before the test.
Will you advise any further HIV test, especially considering the onset of rash? I have said good bye to escorts from 18 Aug 08.
Thanks.