Aa
2nd round of ARS
I had a fisting experience with a possible HIV positive partner in late May/early June of 2009. After that experience, I had my chest swell up, flu symptoms, loss of weight, myalgia, fatigue, etc. My hiv test results have been negative up to 20 weeks give or take, but I have still been run down so much so that I have not been to work. Now, approximately six months after the exposure, I notice a light rash on my torso and pimple- like spots on my back and upper arms. i also have dry flaky skin on my forehead. Can HIV go into hiding and pop up after the 3 month conclusive tests? I really don't recognize my body anymore since all my upper body mass has gone to my waist it seems. Thanks ahead of time.
Thank you for your time with my questions. I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season. from a non- drinker
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It's good to hear you are in counseling. There are many causes of abnormal liver function tests other than viral hepatitis, your doctor(s) undoubtedly have told you. Given your acknowledged psychological issues, I would ask whether alcohol is involved. But that is a rhetorical question that does not require a reply. That's all for this thread; I will have no further comments.
oh yes- my ALT was 255 a few weeks ago- so I wonder if I contracted Hep B. I was tested in September, October, November, and the tests were negative. I did not know if I would be in a window period with Hep B.
Yes, you are correct. I am anxious and stressed- for the past six months. I am in counselling and taking medication to calm me and deal with other psychological issues- GAD and depression.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No. Your symptoms are entirely unrelated to sexual exposure you describe, unless possibly influenced by anxiety or stress over it.
Thank you Doctor. Are there any other STI's that would show symptoms I have described? Cheers
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You had accurate responses on the HIV community forum. If you had heeded the advice in the Important Disclaimer message at the top of the forum, you would have read the forum and could have seen literally hundreds of times that we have made the following points:
* Symptoms almost never are useful indicators either for or against a new HIV infection. That's because the symptoms of ARS are identical to those of at least a hundred other medical conditions, almost all of which are more common than HIV.
* Second, that if an HIV antibody test has been done enough time after the last exposure (usually 4-8 weeks, rarely up to 3 months), the test results ALWAYS outweigh both symptoms and risk history in judging whether or not someone is infected.
In other words, your negative test results prove you did not catch HIV last May and that HIV is not a possible explanation for your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or you otherwise remain concerned, see a health care provider. But you can forget HIV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
* Symptoms almost never are useful indicators either for or against a new HIV infection. That's because the symptoms of ARS are identical to those of at least a hundred other medical conditions, almost all of which are more common than HIV.
* Second, that if an HIV antibody test has been done enough time after the last exposure (usually 4-8 weeks, rarely up to 3 months), the test results ALWAYS outweigh both symptoms and risk history in judging whether or not someone is infected.
In other words, your negative test results prove you did not catch HIV last May and that HIV is not a possible explanation for your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or you otherwise remain concerned, see a health care provider. But you can forget HIV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
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Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
