Aa
Latest Documented Acute Retroviral Syndrome
I am so happy that I'm finally able to post a question in this great forum.
Here is my situation: In late October I participated in unprotected insertive anal sex with a woman I didnt know too well. Soon after, I panicked about possible HIV infection. Reading on the internet told me that testing at 6 weeks would be a good test. I took that one and it was negative. I sweated out the additional 7 weeks to get the 13 week test, and it too was negative.
Extreme fear began when at about 16 or 17 weeks I developed a bad flulike illness and my influenza test came back negative. I was certain at that point that I had ARS, even though multiple sources claim it happens 2-6 weeks post transmission. I tested the next week with Oraquick: negative. Fear subsided a bit at that point.
Since that time my fear has again skyrocketed. One doctor told me that 6 months is still the standard window. I figure that if some people still take 6 months to seroconvert, it is certainly plausible for ARS to happen at 4 months.
My question is, in your experience and knowledge of the virus, what is the latest ARS can occur? Some websites say 3 months, which I think is close enough to when I experienced my illness. I know that a fever should not be assumed to be ARS, but it was the worst illness I'd ever had.
Finally, would you recommend another HIV test, or am I in the clear for certain? In your expert opinion, can I go on with my life at this point assured that I am negative?
Thanks for reading all of this. I am in a bad place right now.
Here is my situation: In late October I participated in unprotected insertive anal sex with a woman I didnt know too well. Soon after, I panicked about possible HIV infection. Reading on the internet told me that testing at 6 weeks would be a good test. I took that one and it was negative. I sweated out the additional 7 weeks to get the 13 week test, and it too was negative.
Extreme fear began when at about 16 or 17 weeks I developed a bad flulike illness and my influenza test came back negative. I was certain at that point that I had ARS, even though multiple sources claim it happens 2-6 weeks post transmission. I tested the next week with Oraquick: negative. Fear subsided a bit at that point.
Since that time my fear has again skyrocketed. One doctor told me that 6 months is still the standard window. I figure that if some people still take 6 months to seroconvert, it is certainly plausible for ARS to happen at 4 months.
My question is, in your experience and knowledge of the virus, what is the latest ARS can occur? Some websites say 3 months, which I think is close enough to when I experienced my illness. I know that a fever should not be assumed to be ARS, but it was the worst illness I'd ever had.
Finally, would you recommend another HIV test, or am I in the clear for certain? In your expert opinion, can I go on with my life at this point assured that I am negative?
Thanks for reading all of this. I am in a bad place right now.
A related discussion, Sounds like PANIC and PTSD was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No. Many things besides HIV cause peripheral neuropathy. HIV is an uncommon cause.
Your fears and anxiety about HIV are far out of proportion to the risk, and they are abnormal, suggesting an underlying mental health issue. If you can't shake the feelings, ask your health care provider to refer you to a mental health professional. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Your fears and anxiety about HIV are far out of proportion to the risk, and they are abnormal, suggesting an underlying mental health issue. If you can't shake the feelings, ask your health care provider to refer you to a mental health professional. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Doctor!
I am so grateful for your assistance. I don't know where you are, but it is 230 AM here, and your timely answer will really help me sleep tonight. I am aware that I am in need of counseling for this issue; I am in college right now and HIV fear has taken a whole year of this time from me.
It is just the timing of this developing that is terrifying. I mean, I'm 21 years old and suddenly develop PN while worrying about HIV.
I've read that PN can be the presenting complaint in recently HIV infected people. However, I've also read that it is most often caused by the treatment and in advanced HIV disease. It is just so disconcertingly scary to me.
Regardless, it is so reassuring to hear that from a doctor in the middle of night. Bless you.
I am so grateful for your assistance. I don't know where you are, but it is 230 AM here, and your timely answer will really help me sleep tonight. I am aware that I am in need of counseling for this issue; I am in college right now and HIV fear has taken a whole year of this time from me.
It is just the timing of this developing that is terrifying. I mean, I'm 21 years old and suddenly develop PN while worrying about HIV.
I've read that PN can be the presenting complaint in recently HIV infected people. However, I've also read that it is most often caused by the treatment and in advanced HIV disease. It is just so disconcertingly scary to me.
Regardless, it is so reassuring to hear that from a doctor in the middle of night. Bless you.
Doctor,
I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Would you still not see a need to test?
Signed,
cant stop crying
I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Would you still not see a need to test?
Signed,
cant stop crying
although the 6 month standard is generally referred to in most websites, the test you took at 3 months is enough. You don't have HIV. I wouldn't worry yourself about this to much. I think the doc is going to tell you the same thing.
Christie, that was very nice and I really appreciate it.
I'm quite certain the doctor is going to tell you that you are in the clear. Anxiety and guilt can do a number on your mind and body.
There are many types of viral illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. HIV is probably the least common of them.
Try to relax a bit and take care of yourself. If your symptoms don't resolve, see a good internal medicine specialist instead of searching the web to see what symptoms fit diseases you think you might have.
I'm not writing this to be sarcastic or anything similar. I sincerely wish you well.
There are many types of viral illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. HIV is probably the least common of them.
Try to relax a bit and take care of yourself. If your symptoms don't resolve, see a good internal medicine specialist instead of searching the web to see what symptoms fit diseases you think you might have.
I'm not writing this to be sarcastic or anything similar. I sincerely wish you well.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You don't have HIV; your odds are greater of winning the next powerball lottery. There is no need to re-test. You are in the clear. If symptoms persist, see your doctor again. But trust what s/he has to say. You are overreacting.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Good luck-- HHH, MD
I'm now 7 months past this encounter and I am experiencing tingling hands which I presume is peripheral neuropathy. I am completely freaked out at this point.
THEBODY.COM go there and readdddd the archives from Dr. Robert Franscino, and try to relax b/c its not worth it, your fine.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
