Is this normal or could it be hepatitis or HIV?

[nailsnails]

Hi, I have been tested 5 and 7 weeks after exposure to HIV (one unprotected sex with a girl) and I also made all other STD tests. All came up negative. Even though I am still not reassured and peaceful with HIV results since someone is saying 12 weeks, someone 6 weeks... (It was the 4th generation test). I read mostly everything that exist on the internet about it in the last two months... Super anxious and worried.

I have slight pain in the liver area but that could be thanks to gallstones. BUT it wasn't there 2 months ago.

The only tests I didn't make is Hepatitis and now I am afraid that something is wrong with my liver and it could be it.

I noticed white rim next to the white ending of the nails. So like double white rim. I am not sure if I had it all my life but now I noticed it since I am of course freaking and every little change is drastic to me.

I even had the rash but hopefully that was reaction to antibiotics...

So, you can check my profile pic and see this white area I am talking about.

I will get tested to hep, but it is super expensive, so maybe there is no need to, but I must for the (hopefully) peace of mind.

Thank you!

[flyinlynn]

For HIV questions ask in the HIV forum

[flyinlynn]

Hep c is transmitted by blood to blood contact meaning hepatitis c infected blood must enter the blood stream of an uninfected person.

While hep c is generally not considered to be an STD for those who have multiple sex partners and especially for those who engage in rough sexual practices where bleeding could occur or if already infected with HIV there is a greater risk of infection.

The majority of people infected with hep c have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur it would normally be after decades of hep c infection if liver damage has occurred. So any pain you have could simple be gas  and any nail changes you think you are seeing is likely not related to anything with your liver.

I believe the hep c antibody test is where you would start if you feel you need to be tested which  should be much less expensive than the HCV RNA by PCR test that looks for the actual virus. If you decide to do the hep c antibody test you should wait a minimum of 12 weeks after a concerning exposure.

However, I am not a medical person I am a patient who had hep c for 37 years and was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis 12 years ago. For medical advice see your personal Physician.