Dr. Hook Follow Up Please-Brief Anal Poke

[Mark738]

Dear Dr. Hook:

With regard to my question about the brief anal poke in the shower, in retrospect I think there was momentary penetration, not painful (an I'm not used to it) but it shocked me and I did move right away. The lubricant (hair conditioner)  was there so that may have facilitated penetration.  How does this change things?  I am still beside myself with anxiety and anorexia and am checking my temperature every couple of hours and feeling for lymph nodes all the time.  I don't think much if any fluid could have been exchanged, but I remain scared.

Advice would be much appreciated.

Mark

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome back.  Dr. Hook and I take new questions randomly, without regard to requests for one or the other.  However, this question could have been posted as a follow-up comment on your previous thread.

In any case, I looked at the other discussion and this additional information doesn't change anything, and certainly would not change Dr. Hook's opinion or advice.  Such brief exposure carries little if any risk of HIV transmission.  But I agree with his main advice:  you need to be HIV tested, not because there was any appreciable risk, but for peace of mind.  It seems unlikely that any amount of verbal reassurance will settle this; only testing will do that.

You can have an accurate duo test (HIV antibody plus p24 antigen) at 4 weeks.  Feel free to report the result either in this thread or the other one.  But until then, there isn't anything more either of us can say.  In the meantime, stay mellow and stop examining yourself.  (Lymphadenopathy alone is rarely if ever the only symptom of ARS.)  If this is your only potential exposure, you can be certain you don't have HIV.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[Mark738]

Dear Drs.:

I got a rapid HIV (10 minute) test today at a local clinic (supported by the state) from a wonderful counselor and it was negative, as you both predicted.  This has been a life-altering experience, and I don't know how I could have gotten through the last six weeks without your advice.  The counselor did say I should repeat the test at 8 weeks, which now does not seem so frightening.

Thank you both so much.  You do wonderful work here.

-Mark

[Mark738]

Dear Dr. Handsfield:  Thank you so much for your rapid response.  I am so grateful. it has been 11 days and I will get the test you mention at 28 days.   The work that you do is so valuable.  If there is any institution of your choice to which I could contribute for your wonderful work I will do so.

Gratefully,

-Mark