Aa
HIV phobia or real HIV?
Here is my situation doctor. I had protected sex and unprotected oral with a sex worker on Feb 28th. At the end of the session I pulled out and noticed the condom was off. Not sure if it was off the whole time or got stuck inside while I pulled out.
On the 13th of Mar, I met with another sex worker for protected vaginal and unprotected oral. Half way through the session I pulled the condom off received additional oral and put the same condom back on to finish.
The very next day, Mar 14th, I had almost debilitating fatigue, extremely sore muscles on the side of my neck and back, also extremely sore muscles all over, bone pain and joint pain all over.
I saw the doctor on Mar 18th and ran several blood tests and STD tests. CBC test came back normal along with all the other tests.
I continued to have symptoms of muscle pain in my inner thighs, biceps and calves. Additionally, dry mouth, fatigue, and groin and testicle pain.
This being the case I had another STD 8 panel blood test run on Apr 2nd which included an antibody test and western blot test. Results came back negative.
However, the groin pain continued, with muscle pain, severe night sweats, and patches of skin coming off the inside of my mouth which started on Apr 4th and continued to the 6th.
Since, I have continued to have these all to real symptoms I went to see the doc again and she gave me a 3 day Z-pack which I took.
On Apr 8th I had and oraquick rapid test which came back negative.
On the 13th of Mar, I met with another sex worker for protected vaginal and unprotected oral. Half way through the session I pulled the condom off received additional oral and put the same condom back on to finish.
The very next day, Mar 14th, I had almost debilitating fatigue, extremely sore muscles on the side of my neck and back, also extremely sore muscles all over, bone pain and joint pain all over.
I saw the doctor on Mar 18th and ran several blood tests and STD tests. CBC test came back normal along with all the other tests.
I continued to have symptoms of muscle pain in my inner thighs, biceps and calves. Additionally, dry mouth, fatigue, and groin and testicle pain.
This being the case I had another STD 8 panel blood test run on Apr 2nd which included an antibody test and western blot test. Results came back negative.
However, the groin pain continued, with muscle pain, severe night sweats, and patches of skin coming off the inside of my mouth which started on Apr 4th and continued to the 6th.
Since, I have continued to have these all to real symptoms I went to see the doc again and she gave me a 3 day Z-pack which I took.
On Apr 8th I had and oraquick rapid test which came back negative.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm sorry, this is not HIV. You need to accept this. To continue to worry about HIV will only distract you from evaluation which might answer your concerns. I have nothing more to say. You need to work with your doctor to sort this out. There will b e no further answers and further question will be deleted. EWH
Additionally, my tentacle pain has still continued. Please help me figure out what is wrong with me.
Doctor,
Still been having symptoms. Recently I have had extreme pain under my left rib cage that has turned into numbness with the appearance of a small bruise. I know you have said this is not HIV, however, My doctor says my bloodwork is clean and can't find anything wrong. Can this possibly be a sign of antibodies developing?
Still been having symptoms. Recently I have had extreme pain under my left rib cage that has turned into numbness with the appearance of a small bruise. I know you have said this is not HIV, however, My doctor says my bloodwork is clean and can't find anything wrong. Can this possibly be a sign of antibodies developing?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I have two answers. First, further testing is a waste of time. Your negative tests following a no risk exposure prove this. Further testing will not give you a different answer but will use up time and resources that could be used to care for others.
Second, regarding PCR testing. In general we do not recommend HIV PCR testing for diagnosis is HIV infection for several reasons. While the PCR is likely to become positive more quickly than other antibody detection tests (i.e. usual blood tests), at the present time the blood tests are becoming more and more sensitive and detecting infection earlier and earlier so that the time difference in detection between PCR test and antibody detection tests is becoming smaller and smaller and at present is, in general only a week or two. In addition the time course over which the PCR tests become positive is less well described than for the blood tests and, as a result, it is difficult to make a definitive statement on what a negative PCR test means at any time within a few weeks of exposure to a HIV infected or possibly infected partner. PCR tests are also more expensive than regular antibody tests. Finally and most importantly, the false positive rate for PCR tests (i.e. a positive result in persons who do not have HIV) is higher than for blood tests. Each of this on this Forum have seen a number of people who were worried needlessly because of false positive tests. For all of these reasons, we rarely recommend testing for HIV diagnosis using PCR. A negative PCR test at 4 weeks performed by a quality lab however is likey to be definitive evidence that HIV infection is not present. EWH
Second, regarding PCR testing. In general we do not recommend HIV PCR testing for diagnosis is HIV infection for several reasons. While the PCR is likely to become positive more quickly than other antibody detection tests (i.e. usual blood tests), at the present time the blood tests are becoming more and more sensitive and detecting infection earlier and earlier so that the time difference in detection between PCR test and antibody detection tests is becoming smaller and smaller and at present is, in general only a week or two. In addition the time course over which the PCR tests become positive is less well described than for the blood tests and, as a result, it is difficult to make a definitive statement on what a negative PCR test means at any time within a few weeks of exposure to a HIV infected or possibly infected partner. PCR tests are also more expensive than regular antibody tests. Finally and most importantly, the false positive rate for PCR tests (i.e. a positive result in persons who do not have HIV) is higher than for blood tests. Each of this on this Forum have seen a number of people who were worried needlessly because of false positive tests. For all of these reasons, we rarely recommend testing for HIV diagnosis using PCR. A negative PCR test at 4 weeks performed by a quality lab however is likey to be definitive evidence that HIV infection is not present. EWH
Had an HIV gold finger prick test performed today (which came back negative) in conjunction with the early test at UCSD medical center. Hope to finally put this issue to rest. Still having painful symptoms though. Not sure what is wrong. Checking with the doctor to today to see what else could be wrong.
Doctor,
I have read that a PCR DNA test can give results in as little as 6 days but is recommended at 21 days. Is that true and how conclusive are those results? Just trying to improve my knowledge in this area. Thank you again.
I have read that a PCR DNA test can give results in as little as 6 days but is recommended at 21 days. Is that true and how conclusive are those results? Just trying to improve my knowledge in this area. Thank you again.
I really appreciate your professionalism and thank you for your advice.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No change in my assessment. The symptoms you describe do not raise concern about HIV. I suggest you discuss them with your doctor and search for an alternative cause. EWH
Doctor,
I went to bed feeling reassured from yours and Teaks response. (I was actually able to sleep) However, as of today the pain in my leg and knee has radiated to both legs, groin pain, diarrhea, pain in my stomach, and have shooting chest pains. Not sure what is going on. I have always been very healthy and active and have never had symptoms like this before. Especially, symptoms that continue for 28 days and counting. I know this is not normal.
Additionally, it is very hard to think and reassure myself that these symptoms are not HIV related. If my condom came off in the first encounter, would I not be at risk. Furthermore, if I reused the condom in the second encounter, could that not have increased my risk. Like I said, it seems like more then just a coincidence.
Thank you again.
I went to bed feeling reassured from yours and Teaks response. (I was actually able to sleep) However, as of today the pain in my leg and knee has radiated to both legs, groin pain, diarrhea, pain in my stomach, and have shooting chest pains. Not sure what is going on. I have always been very healthy and active and have never had symptoms like this before. Especially, symptoms that continue for 28 days and counting. I know this is not normal.
Additionally, it is very hard to think and reassure myself that these symptoms are not HIV related. If my condom came off in the first encounter, would I not be at risk. Furthermore, if I reused the condom in the second encounter, could that not have increased my risk. Like I said, it seems like more then just a coincidence.
Thank you again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, often such viruses make you feel poorly without abnormalities of the tests you have had. I would not be conerned either. People get these sorts of illnesses every day, then they get better. Further, the knee pain may be unrelated to your other problems. EWH
Dr. Hook,
Thank you for your timely response. The one question that keeps eating at me is this. If I had a full spectrum of blood tests and chest X-rays on Mar. 18th, wouldn't those tests have found another possible virus? I only ask because I had the same symptoms on the 18th and the doctor did not seem concerned. However, the pain in my right knee that radiates all through my inner thigh to my groin and testicles has me extremely concerned. The pain has only increased over time. Thanks again in advance.
Thank you for your timely response. The one question that keeps eating at me is this. If I had a full spectrum of blood tests and chest X-rays on Mar. 18th, wouldn't those tests have found another possible virus? I only ask because I had the same symptoms on the 18th and the doctor did not seem concerned. However, the pain in my right knee that radiates all through my inner thigh to my groin and testicles has me extremely concerned. The pain has only increased over time. Thanks again in advance.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the Forum. I agree with Teak that your risk for HIV from the activities you describe is very low. HIV is not spread by oral sex and condom protected sex is safe sex. You did not use your condom correctly (taking a condom off an then putting the same condom on again is not a good idea) but your condom use probably protected you as well.
As far as HIV antibody tests are concerned, they are strong evidence as well that your symptoms are not due to HIV. If a person has symptomatic early HIV, their blood test is typically positive a within a week of the onset of symptoms. Further, at 4 weeks over 90% of all tests that are going to be positive will be.
In answer to your specific questions:
1. See above.
2. As for HIV, syphilis blood tests are typically positive within a week of the appearance of an initial genital sore and in virtually everyone with a rash due to syphilis.
3. Your symptoms could be caused by another non sexually transmitted viral illness, medication side effects or many other causes. It sounds like they are not leaving you feeling well. If this is the case, I suggest you see your doctor who can take a more thorough history, perform a physical examination and, if warranted, order laboratory testing.
4. Yes anxiety can, depending on context. Again, I think a doctor who can examine you could give you better information about this.
5. See above.
I hope these comments are helpful. EWH
As far as HIV antibody tests are concerned, they are strong evidence as well that your symptoms are not due to HIV. If a person has symptomatic early HIV, their blood test is typically positive a within a week of the onset of symptoms. Further, at 4 weeks over 90% of all tests that are going to be positive will be.
In answer to your specific questions:
1. See above.
2. As for HIV, syphilis blood tests are typically positive within a week of the appearance of an initial genital sore and in virtually everyone with a rash due to syphilis.
3. Your symptoms could be caused by another non sexually transmitted viral illness, medication side effects or many other causes. It sounds like they are not leaving you feeling well. If this is the case, I suggest you see your doctor who can take a more thorough history, perform a physical examination and, if warranted, order laboratory testing.
4. Yes anxiety can, depending on context. Again, I think a doctor who can examine you could give you better information about this.
5. See above.
I hope these comments are helpful. EWH
As of today I have noticed a rash on my chest composed of red dots, groin pain, and muscle pain in my inner thighs, biceps, and behind my knees. Also, tingling in my arms. Additionally, I have fatigue and dry mouth and I have not had a normal hard stool in 2 weeks.
I actually have a few questions.
1.) you have mentioned that HIV is Generally able to be found in the blood when symptoms are present. Does this include early HIV symptoms?
2.)can syphilis not be detected in blood tests early on?
3.)I understand that symptoms are never a good indicator of HIV, however, with these all to real symptoms, if not HIV, then what?
4.)can anxiety cause muscle pain, groin pain, and/or testicle pain?
5.)how accurate are these test in the time frame I am in. (window period)?
Teak has advised me that at no time was I at risk, however, my groin pain still continues as of today and from what I have read my situation has put me at risk. Can you please help.
Thanks in advance.
I actually have a few questions.
1.) you have mentioned that HIV is Generally able to be found in the blood when symptoms are present. Does this include early HIV symptoms?
2.)can syphilis not be detected in blood tests early on?
3.)I understand that symptoms are never a good indicator of HIV, however, with these all to real symptoms, if not HIV, then what?
4.)can anxiety cause muscle pain, groin pain, and/or testicle pain?
5.)how accurate are these test in the time frame I am in. (window period)?
Teak has advised me that at no time was I at risk, however, my groin pain still continues as of today and from what I have read my situation has put me at risk. Can you please help.
Thanks in advance.
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
