Hi docs,

I'm getting quite anxious resulting from the symptoms I'm experiencing.
Basically, about 4 1/2 years ago I had drunken sex with a possible African sex worker in continental Europe. I developed flu symptoms at 4 weeks but, I had a test at 12 weeks that was neg (GUM clinic - duo I think). Anyway, I started to get odd bowel movements months after this. Then after a couple of years I noticed my gums were receeding rather quickly and I was often getting swollen gums with ulcers so I tested again at my local gum, again a duo and again negative.
Anyway. To cut a long story short these gums issues have worsened plus, I've developed seborrhoic dermatitis on my head and face and suffered a bout of oral thrush all diagnosed by my GP. I've now tested a number if times including insti's, duo's a TDL confirmation test (three antibody tests) and a MPX via TDL. Everything negative out to 4 1/2 years. But, my symptoms are worsening to the point that im going to lose teeth and the seb derm is evident on my arms now. In addition, my wife has started to develop the same symptoms!!
I can't believe it is a coincidence. It must be contagious!! Should I test with a western blot and CD4/CD8 ratio to check or eliminate the possibility of a diverse strain?

[Dr Jose]

Hello,
Thank you or your post.
No, you do not need any further tests. There is no doubt at all whatsoever that you do not have HIV. All the tests that you have had are totally reliable, final and conclusive. Your symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with HIV. You need to go back to your GP and be referred to a specialist to try to find out the cause of your problems. Any further HIV tests will be a total waste of time.
Best wishes,
José

Hi Dr Jose, thanks for the reply.
I have been referred to a general medicine doctor but, it's such a slow process.
Other symptoms I forgot to mention were peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency. I understand though that PN is a symptom of low vit. B12 though.
I guess the driver for my concerns are my receeding gums. It appears that it is a rare condition to have such agressive recession in the general population. But, much more common in HIV infected people. Plus, the fact that the same is happening to my wife too. Hence my reasoning for the western blot and CD4/CD8 question.