Confused--HMO knows little about HIV--Please Help

[repentant]

Hello everyone,

I’d very much appreciate your help and opinions as my health care provider is extremely limited in HIV knowledge—they’ve only had one case and they believe he was infected through snorting cocaine in the 80’s—so you can see why I’m seeking outside views.

On Jan 1st I had unprotected sex (w/female). In early May I came down with a severe flu/mono like illness, strep like tonsils, but tested negative for strep, negative for mono. I was concerned about this because it occurred after two 15 week negative tests via Ora Quick and ELISA.  I had been operating under the assumption that a 12 week test was conclusive.

n June I was diagnosed with an oral yeast infection which freaked me out. I hope it was due to strep antibiotics taken without having strep and smoking, but I was really scared it meant HIV.  I seem to be better but my right lymph node is still swollen and my tongue is coated.  My tonsils still look strange, but an ENT guy didn't think it was anything to worry about.

I’m freaked out because my doctor suggested another test in September!?!  I’ve been so worried and was hoping for some reassurance, not the promise of more months of worry.  For the record I have tested negative at 6, 15 (by ELISA and rapid), 20 (rapid), 24, and 27 weeks via ELISA.

1) Am I in the clear or is there a chance I may be infected?

2) What are the chances a six month ELISA could be wrong after repeated negative tests?

3) A curiosity: what is the difference between a definitive and a conclusive test?  Also, why do people here say "reliably tested negative" instead of conclusively?  Is there ever a conclusive HIV test?

[Ann]

Rep,

You are conclusively hiv negative and you have more than enough tests already to prove that. What ever has been going on with you has nothing to do with hiv and a six month test over this specific incident will also be negative.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through all three condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs. You don't need to test again for another year - but you will only need this testing if you are sexually active in the meantime.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse and you will remain hiv negative. It really is that simple.

Ann

[repentant]

Thanks Ann for your reassurance.

Do other people agree?  Have any comments?

Thanks!

Rep

[RapidRod]

repentant, there is not going to be a difference of opinions from what Ann has posted. You're conclusively negative. 

[repentant]

Thank you Rod and thank you Ann for your comments.

Here's my problem.  I seem to have thrush (throat culture positive for yeast).  This prompted the doctor to suggest a "come back in three months" HIV test.  This was in June.

My 'thrush' is evidently mild enough that an ENT specialist told me not to worry about it and that it would clear up.  But my tonsils still have spots on them that look like the yeast.

And my doc keeps telling me that this is a sign of HIV.  My risk was on Jan 1st--how in the world do I get the all-clear?  The worst of it is that my other doctor options seem even worse than this one.  And I can't control my anxiety having such an authority figure tell me I'm still at risk.

Would a PCR settle the issue?  I'm tired of being worried and just want to move on, but I can't do this with my doctor plunging me into doubt and I can't avoid the doctor if I need medical care.  Thoughts?

Thanks for reading...

[Andy Velez]

Rep, I don't care how many (ill-informed) doctors tell you that thrush is an HIV-specific symptom. It absolutely is not. Thrush happens to those who are HIV negative too. All the time.

AND you have reliably tested negative for HIV. There's no need for further HIV testing as long as you haven't done anything risky since your negative test results.

You need to find a doctor who can properly diagnose and treat your condition. It has nothing to do with HIV. Period. End of story.

I can appreciate how this stuff would rattle you up, but please believe us, HIV is not your issue, no matter what medical dumbdumbs tell you to the contrary. Really.

Cheers,