Hello Dr's firstly Id like to congratulate on all the good you do... what a wonderful forum!
MY problem is.. I had a condom failure with a Filipino Sex worker in Singapore. I started PEP, Combivar and Kaletra around 15 hours later and Completed the course. When i got back to the uk I was told PEP would not have been strongly advised, as it was unknown if the female had HIV and the philipines has a very low rate of HIV even in CSW.
My baseline HIV test was negative, I was then tested for Chlamydia, Gon, Syphilis and HIV (4th Gen) at 24 days exposure all neg. On completion of PEP 30 days post exposure....I was retested for HIV using the DUO at a private clinic as the NHS aren't due to test me until 6 weeks post PEP. This was also Negative.
The symptoms I have had have been, loose stools ( I put this down to the PEP) I have also had to bouts of a few days of itchy skin, however Im hoping this is the medication or simple winter itch! I have never seem to had a fever or sever sore throat or whole body rash... ( I have had small patches of rashing come and go after say 30 mins max on my chest but I think they might be simple heat rashes or anxiety!!!
My main worry is I have a possibly 2 swollen nodes under my left ear by the Jaw line.... this came mid PEP, went and has returned again.... should I be worried about this????
In your honest opinion do you think there is a chance my post PEP negative could turn Positive? Baring in mind the negative DUO completion on of PEP, normal Liver function tests and lack of the negative results for the other STI's. I had a Multiplex HIV/HEP test done last thursday sent to TDL and I'm currently waiting on results (worried why its taking so long but im hoping its with the festive period).... hopefully you will be of the opinion this will most likely be negative!
I think taking PEP post condom failure with a sex worker in the Philipines was the correct approach. We all take slightly different views but mine would be to take it. I agree though that the assessment that the risk was overall low is correct.
The combination you took is fine and established.
Logically, - though you should note that this is not the same as scientific evidence - if the PEP were to fail and you were contaminated with HIV during the episode then I would expect your HIV DUO to be returned as a positive. The fact that it was negative is hopeful.
I wouldn't read anything negative into the delay with the TDL Multiplex - the tests are sent to a central lab in Europe for processing - snow at either end, flight delays, bank holidays etc all interfere slightly. If that comes back as negative - as I believe is likely - then that bodes very well. However, because of the uncertainties as to whether you were exposed or not in the first place; the uncertainty regarding the action of PEP on the amount of virus etc then you will still need further testing and I'm afraid the UK Guidelines recommend testing at 4 months post PEP.
Thanks for the swift reply!..... I just hope all is well wit hthe Multiplex then... I read further back in the forum that you have never seen a Duo performed straight after PEP turn from negetive to positive so Im hopeful I wont be the first!!!! I hope you agree I most likely wont be.
Just finally do you think my syptoms sound typical of HIV or are maybe due to stress and the effects of PEP. Also for your info all my tests have including the Multiplex have been carried out back home in Edinburgh.
I have everything crossed I am fine! and the delay in the multiplex is due to it being sent over new year!..... I really thought after the Duo and the all clear from the common STD'd's along with the fact theres only approx 3000 HIV pos women in a country of 45million women with a prevelence of less than 0.2% in CSW Id have gotten lucky! Possibly not Im thinking now! I cant take this wait!!!!
No problem at all. You are right to say that where we have taken a DUO immediately or shortly after completion of PEP we have not then seen a change from a negative to a positive except where there has been another exposure in the interval where we have been able to firmly identify the other exposure as being the cause.
I think on balance all will be well. The lab have told us that we should have our multiplexes from this week back this week so hopefully you will be out of your misery soon.
Thankyou once agian! This forum you provide really is a blessing and your sesible, direct, frank and clearly caring advice is very much appreaciated!
Im very encouraged by the fact you have never had a duo turn positive after pep as you must have been involved with this many times even with definate exposures. I will keep everything crossed in hope as I have had zero sexual contact since so any change in status will be from my mishap!
Heres hoping I get the good news soon! I wont take up anymore of what must be a very busy day for you!Ill let you know how i get on.
Goon news my Multiplex returned today negative for everything.... I understand I still have to test out to 3 monts after PEP, but what do you think the chances of this Negetive changing to Positive, On the basis Ive now had a DUO on 1 Day post PEP and the Multiplex 10 days post PEP? Would a another DUO say at 4 week make things near 100% or am I almost there as it is in your experience.
Also one last thing... regarding other STD's Ill get a full check at 3 months agian just to be sure but do you think Im pretty much covered with the Multiplex 38 days post exposure (10 post PEP), HIV DUO, Syph, Gon and Chlam at 24 days post exposure.
Scared After PEP.... Help!
Linear Mode
