Catalogue of HIV symptoms yet negative test?

[thepoormouth]

All,

I had an unprotected high risk exposure (unprotected vaginal) three years ago in Eastern Europe (one and only time being unfaithful in twelve year relationship) and have had every symptom imaginable-flu and fever with penile blister/bump(although ten months after exposure), dry skin on hands and feet, molluscum like rash, recurring folicullitis rash on shin, white tongue, dry mouth, rash on both elbows, red scrotum, shaking, post nasal drip etc etc. I finally plucked up the courage to get tested over a year ago. I had a rapid blood test and the bloods were also sent for lab testing, the results of which I got a week later.Both tests returned negative.

My wife then fell pregnant and we had our first baby recently. Despite her also being tested routinely in ante natal and showing negative, I continue to be convinced that I had a false negative test. My symptoms never abated as I thought they would and I have chronic post nasal drip and sinusitis, heavy arms and dizziness as I write this-which I've had for months! I have had unexplained dry skin patches appear lately on my arms. My question is four fold really-I have wasted three years of my life so far and have spoiled the arrival and early months of my child's life with worry and I really need some info; I was never sick before this whole sorry episode but now I feel sick all the time!

1. Would it be possible that I acquired some rare, difficult to detect strain of the virus?
2. Would the fact that I was weak with worry and stress affect the ability of the my system to produce antibodies?
3. Would an underlying illness cause antibodies not to be detected?
4. Have people tested negative beyond the window period and go on to test positive on antibody test?

I know this may appear silly to some but my symptoms are so typical and sequential that I cannot stop this incessant worry. Could really do with some advice here, much appreciated in advance.

PM

[RainLover71]

Do you mind if I ask why you have taken 31 hiv tests in 20Months?

[Vance2335]

Start a thread dedicated to your question and it will be answered.

[duck44]

I have taken 31 HIV antibody test . ALL have been negative over a 20 month period of time.; however I have white tongue , weight lost  and night sweats . Please advise if HIV can go undetected by the antibody test and if antibody can be delayed for 20 months.

[thepoormouth]

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I just find it so hard to understand how typical symptoms simply "appear" without explanation! Every time I feel I've overcome the anxiety some other symptom manifests itself to set the wheels in motion again! Will try and bury it, proving difficult though! Cheers for replying promptly.

[Teak]

1. NO.
2. NO
3. NO
4. Not without having another exposure.