HIV negative, symptoms?

[Phorus]

Hello,

I don't know if my problem is related to HIV or simply to anxiety. Two years ago, I had two sexual exposures with escort-girls: one was fully protected (even oral), the other was also protected, except the fellatio I received. Although it is not a risk, I was beginning to think that the condoms I used could have break without my knowing. Therefore, I took a test for HIV seven weeks after the last "risk", and it was negative. It was a "combo" test, because fourth generation is the rule in France, and six weeks is considered as conclusive. I also made screening for chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis C -- all negative.

But, one year after (so, one year ago), I got another test because I experienced some "symptoms" that I will describe. It was an ELFA - Vidas test conducted in France, approximately 13 months after the sexual exposure. I didn't have sex in the meantime. Again, negative.

It was a complete relief for me, because after the first test, I still had doubts about the reliability of results at seven weeks; I wanted to comply with American most conservative guidelines (6 months).

However, my fear reappeared recently. I have developed, during my exams, a seborrheic dermatitis associated with a blepharitis. It is not severe, but it lasts (I have just begun treatment), and it is often linked with HIV. Moreover, during winter, I had an angular cheilitis, and I recently saw that it could be associated with HIV (WHO - Stage II of infection). It receded without treatment. I had sometimes oral ulcers. Since the "incident", I have been rarely sick, perhaps one or two "colds" (rhinitis). I had acne on the torso and on the back, that comes and go without explanation. I don't know if I had them before, but I can feel my mobile, little lymph nodes under jaw (I used to have a tooth infection several years ago).

Furthermore, I know I shouldn't, but I read some stories on this forum, and I discovered that false negatives do exist. Is it possible that my two negative HIV tests are unreliable? How can you explain stories of individuals who claim to be HIV-positive although they had HIV-negative tests?

Thank you for your support and congratulations for this forum.

[Ann]

Phorus,

You tested hiv negative far outside the window period - when you never had a risk in the first place. Broken condoms are VERY obvious and you would have noticed.

Keep working with your doctor to find out what is actually going on with you. Whatever that may be, you have already ruled hiv out as a possible cause.

How can you explain stories of individuals who claim to be HIV-positive although they had HIV-negative tests?

They're either lying or don't know what they're talking about. Or you didn't understand the conversation. An undetectable viral load doesn't mean a person isn't hiv positive.

Ann

[Phorus]

Thank you very much, Ann. I know I am worried about nothing, but each time a new physical "sign" appears, I associate it with HIV. Do you think I need mental help?

Regarding the stories of false negatives, I know the difference between undetectable viral load and negative test. My anxiety at least allows me to learn almost everything (perhaps too much) about HIV.

They could lie, but they give so much details, and I don't know what could be their interest...

[Ann]

Phorus,

Yes, perhaps you need therapy to understand why you want to think you have a virus that you have completely and utterly ruled out of the picture - and you never had a risk in the first place. 

Keep working with your doctor to find out what, if anything, is actually wrong with you. Whatever that may be, it is NOT hiv.

You do NOT have hiv!

Ann

[Phorus]

OK, thank you so much.