The other way around

[Paul9000]

Dear Doctors

I have sort of  "another way around" question. Not sure if this is the right forum though.

I am from the Netherlands and have the follwoing challenge. FIve years ago I had an unsafe encounter ewith a prostitute in Columbia. Shortly thereafter I have experienced some symptom (including high fever)  which triggered me to visit my Doctor. He insisted on an HIV test (4th generation including p24) and it came back negative. This was 2 weeks after the encounter. He asked for an additional test after 12 weeks and after 6 months. After 6 Months also a PCR RNA test was done. All negative. Still the symptoms are persistent and have been confirmed by several specialists.  Because all this tests really got me nervous I was put on Xanax and had some withdrawal symtoms (tingling and numbness in hands, insomnia) etc.  when the Xnanx cicle was over. The Xanax hurt more than it helped.

The symptoms (all confirmed are) still here after 5 years are:

- Sensitivity to light
- Floaters
- severe dry mouth and eyes
- stomach problems and soft stool
- catch infections very frequently

During a check up recently, I asked my doctor again about this symptoms and he asked for again one more HIV test, Because all the stress all this caused the last time and because  I had no risky encounter in the meantime im not sure I want to do this.

I think the question is, can under any circumstance be HIV the cause despite all those tests? Or what other more likely causes can I check. I live on the Countryside and the doctors here are not very experienced with this issues.

I asked under undiagnosed symptoms alread not realizing it was the wrong forum. My bad, sorry. I guess I need the advice of an STD EXpert.
Thanks you for your help

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm not sure what is "the other way around" in your question.  The forum gets questions all the time about prolonged negative HIV tests in people who nevertheless are infected.  Although it very rarely can take more than 8 weeks or even 3-6 months for the test to become positive, the idea of a persistently never-positive seronegative state is an urban myth. Assuming you have had no potential exposures to HIV in the past few years, it is impossible that you have HIV.

Anyway, your symptoms really don't suggest HIV.  They could be due to any number of other, common, mostly mild problems.  Continue to work with your doctors; even "countryside" doctors are likely to be perfectly compenent in managing such symptoms and finding the cause.  But put HIV out of your mind.  It isn't possible.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Yes.  You're just re-wording my sentence.  Of course I don't know; that's just a logical assumption about why your doctor might have tested you.  Certainly he did not really believe it was likely you had HIV.

That's all for this forum.  You don't have HIV.  Work with your doctor about other explanations for your symptoms.

[Paul9000]

Dear Dr. HHH

I don't understand that statement:

" Most likely she or he suggested the additional HIV test not because s/he wants the negative result to help you get past your anxieties about it."

Did you mean that he ordered the test so i can get over my anxiety?

Best
Paul

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You should follow your doctor's advice.  Most likely she or he suggested the additional HIV test not because s/he wants the negative result to help you get past your anxieties about it.

[Paul9000]

Dear Doctor

Thank you for the reassurance.

with "the other way around" I wanted to explain that it is not me asking for another HIV test - It was my doc suggesting it. That put me back in nervous mode.

Again thank you.I will not take the suggested test and looking elsewhere for possible causes.

Best wishes from the Netherlands