Hi Dr Jose & Dr Sean,
I have posted here a few months ago and have seen Dr Jose.
My history is I had unprotected sex with a lapdancer (ex drug addict) in spain. 10 days later Cly, ghon and Hiv tests at GUM clinic all neg. 12 weeks Hiv (duo), hep & shyp test at GUM clinic also all neg. Still suffering a lot of symptoms so came and saw Dr Jose - HIV, Hep & "well man" blood tests, again all neg and blood only showed low lymphocytes. Had a good talk with Dr Jose and a couple of further e-mail questions, which really helped and tried to move on. I told my wife (who took it well), reduced my stress levels, rested more,stopped trawling the internet for answers and saw a therapist for CBT. Things started to improve, no fatigue or nausea and started to get back to normal life/ routine. Still had itchy skin/ head/ anus/ soles of feet and skin changes (dry, wrinkly but smooth) but put this down to still a bit of underlying anxiety plus fact stressed for so long - so not really an issue - dealt with during CBT etc.
Trouble started at weekend, 29 weeks, when I was in bed for 3 days with high temp (39), very sore throat (still sore) and bit of rash. Tried to be postive and tell myself just flu and used all the CBT therapy but I just can't get it out of my head. Disappointed with myself as thought I was moving on well.
My questions are
1. Could this be a late presentation of HIV etc?
2. Would I need more tests?
3. Could something obscure have been missed or not tested for?
I know when I read this to myself that it all sounds irrational but can't get thought out my head - something I read went on about 6 months presention and delayed if HIV & Hep together- clarification about this would help too. Don't want to step backwards and started searching internet again - want to nip this in bud now.
I carry a card with all the positive advice and facts I have received from you written on it, which I read if I start to regress into negative ways - which really helps - This is why I am seeking your further help
Many thanks
David B
Hi David,
I'm afraid it's Dr José once again!
Let me answer each of your questions here below:
1. Could this be a late presentation of HIV etc?
Not at all. It's impossible. First of all, it would be far too late for anyone to have acute sero-conversion symptoms. They only occur between 2 and 6 weeks following the infection. Besides your negative test results were final and fully conclusive.
2. Would I need more tests?
Not at all. No need to have any more tests. it will really be a waste of time and money
3. Could something obscure have been missed or not tested for?
I don't think so. It sounds like you have just had a viral infection, and there are millions of those
You have been doing extremely well. You need to keep at it. You need to forget about this epsiode and move on.
Best wishes,
José
Thanks for yor reply and words of encouragement. I knew about symptoms not presenting as early as people think from watching Sean's video but as mentioned thought I'd read something about that it could take upto 6 months to show - good to read your reply re this being false.
I take it my other thought about HIV and hep together is totally off track too?
As I said when i sit down and think about it I know myself that all this is irrational but couldn't get thought out my head subconsciously, which disappointed me as I was doing really well and thought I was stronger than this. That said just a small step back and will get back on track and keep moving on. Still 100% better than when I saw you at your practice.
Thanks, once again!!
The case of concomitant Hep B and HIV might cause a delyed sero-conversion. However that is rare and would not apply to your case because the tests that you had were testing for the antigens (p24 Ag and HepBsAg), which are totally independent of sero-conversion. These were negative for both HIV and Hep B.
Best wishes,
José
thank you for clarifying this. Didn't realise that the hep test was an antigen test, which is more reassuring. Definitely no need for me to worry! Back on the straight and narrow now.
Thanks for helping me over this little setback.
Sorry you're having to be more of a psychologist but really appreciate it!
best wishes
further help
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