1. Home Access is a good test and, as I said, the result should be believed.
2. Please talk to your doctor about the thyroid test. I told you my understanding.
3. As I said, strep throat is not part of the ARS
4. Please don't ask me to repeat myself. Your repeat of what I said is correct.
5. Believe the tests
I will not repeat myself further. You have my assessment. Please try to move on. EWH
Dr. Hook,
I don't want cut in on your thread, but I thought I might have something to offer. dR. hanfield helped me a few months ago and I have learned a lot about being crazy with worry. First of all, Kelly, Home Access is FDA approved and a good test, a test after 6 months in 2000 would have been correct. The test in 2004 was valid to, if you were a year form you last possible exposure and you have not been with anyone but your husband, congrats, you are hiv free!!! Strep throat is a bacterial infection and I am pretty sure ARS is viral, so strep would not be part of ARS. No tsure about c sections and testing, but I wouldn't be surprised if they tested, you sign a consent for everyhitng when you are having surgery. Geographic tongue, although not everybody has it, it isn't that unusual. My best friend is a dentist and she sees it all the time. Hope this helps, your worry is unfounded.
Dr Hook,
As far as the thyroid goes with pregnancy, you are saying it could be differnet on a dialy basis, up and down? Thanks you and sorry about all of the questions!!I numbered them because I thought it would be easier to read. I have noticed when I look at questions on this forum it is easier to understand that way. I probably should stop looking at questions on this forum.
Dr Hook,
You are a blessing. I have lived with this fear for far to long, everytime my tongue gets white, my lymph gland are swollen I was freakking. The only other weird thing I have, but I was embarrassed to say is a lot of yeast infectiions.if you could just expand on a couple of things I would love it, then I can print this thread out and tape it on my mirror!!!
1. You say three months would have been enough, is that even in 2000?If it was that would be just wonderful news. I had also just delivered a baby via c-section in 2000(if that makes a difference), right before I took HOME ACCESS, and that is a good kind of test correct?
2. As far as the thyroid goes, are you saying that is not a normal test for an obstetric panel when pregnant? The reason that I was tested was because I had hypothyroidism since 2000? I just was concerned because I thought with my replacement therapy I would have been in mre normal range of 0.30 to 4.50, it just struck me as weird that at that point I was leaning more towards hyperthyroidism.
3. The reason I asked about the strep was in Feb. of 2003, almost a year before the second hiv test, my husband and I were having problems and I had a one night stand with a good male friend. Between 3-6 weeks after that I had strep throat,that is why I was asking about ARS.
4.So basically, the HOME ACCESS test in 2000, since it was at least 3-5 months after exposure proves I am fine from that incident? And you truly feel that labs keep the righ vials with right paperwork and my 2004 test would prove that I am fine from my 2003 incident.
5. Also, wouldn't it also be pretty routine if you are admitted to a hospital for a csection that they would test you there too, for there protection? Like I said, I know you said there is no concern, but had there been an issue in 2000, wouldn't I most likely be super sick by now.My cbc this past July was perfect.
The only other thing that I have going on that I have seen you talk some about as not being a concern is geographic tongue, I noticed it 12 years ago, it was mild though. As of recent it is much worse, but I am wondering if it is stress induced, that would make sense.
Thank yo so much for you time and attention. I just wanted to touch on all bases so I can leave this in the past where it belongs My anxiety has gotten the best of me for too long, I need relief from this. Again, I thank you.You really are providing such a great service.
You do truly feel it is stupid for me to contact that person from 2000, because there is no way I got anything from him.
This is unwarranted fear. Your home access test proved that you did not have HIV and this was confirmed by your subsequent test results during your pregnancy. Test results are reliable after 3 months and 6 month testing is overkill. Regarding your other questions:
2. Blood just about never gets messed up in the office/lab. That your blood was tested for TSH confirms that hits was your blood because most patients are not tested for thyroid function. Pregnancy does strange things to thyroid function. Finally, a low TSH is the appropriate response to your thyroid replacement therapy. I think all is well.
3. Your tests are valid, I would not bother to track him down. That is old new, history and not relevant- your tests tell the story.
4. Sinus congestion is an "everyday" problem, not a sign of HIV. People with HIV get sinus problems but most people with sinus problems do not have HIV, including you. Again, believe the tests.
5. Strep is not a sign of HIV.
Bottom line, your test results tell you, for sure, that you do not have HIV. It is time for you to put your concerns behind you. Take Care, EWH