Your opinion

[Highseas1970]

I had unprotected sex in the UK with a woman six months ago. At a private clinic I paid for a Duo test at 31 days, an antibody test at 72 days and another at 128 days (18.5 weeks) - all negative.
I’m finding it hard to draw a line and really put this behind me, even though the Doc’ said I would have to be from Mars to have HIV!

You deal with testing questions daily, reading this site has certainly helped and I would like your take on it.

Can I be 100% certain after all this testing, with a final 4.5 month test - that I am really in the clear?

I read from a previous poster that from a UK HIV helpline, they said in 10 years of testing throughout the UK there was not one instance of seroconversion after 3 months - is this true?
Yet some sites still say test at 6 months. Some quote 99% seroconvert at 3 months. Others 99.99%.

I know trawlling the web for information is the worst thing to do - but I really need some direction and value your expertise and opinion for a definative answer.

Many thanks

[Andy Velez]

I cannot fathom why you wouldn't be accepting your valid negative HIV test result unless perhaps there is something associated with the particular experience that you have uncomfortable feelings about.

The CDC is quite conservative with regard to testing and it has for sometime now recommended 13 weeks as a reliable testing point. You were past even that marker and you tested negative. You ARE HIV negative. Period. End of story.

This is happily not an HIV situation. You need to look elsewhere for an explanation as to why you are holding on to your unwarranted concern. Really.

Cheers,

[Highseas1970]

Thank you Andy,

There's just a lot of conflicting information out there over the right time to test, the time to get a conclusive answer and who to listen to.

I take all your advice on board.

- Time to stop looking and start living!

[Andy Velez]

You've got the right idea:

      "Time to stop looking and start living!"

Cheers,

[Highseas1970]

Hi Moderators,

Sorry to come back to my posting but I could just do with some help and hardcore advice please.

I intend to go to my GP about this I have been having slight aching, but not enlarged, lymph nodes on and off for a couple of weeks and tonight I noticed my tongue was coated, but to one side seemed raw. This has set my anxiety off again...

As I said in my last posting, I tested negative at 10 weeks and 18.5 weeks, with rapid tests undertaken at a private clinic and 2x4th Gen’ tests at 18 and 30 days. I’m very rarely sick. Never taken drugs and there was nothing in my one-off encounter that led me to believe that she was HIV+. I don’t know why I went down this endless testing route, but since this happened, six months ago, I have been feeling unwell.

I phoned THT last week and they said that there hasn’t been a reported case of seroconversion after 3 months in the past 10 years. Out of all the sites that are on the web this is the best informed and most helpful I have come across and once again I really respect your advice and expertise.

I guess what I am looking for is, after the tests I have taken, is HIV DEFINATELY out of the equation? I really want to feel 100% again, stop testing, thinking about this and focus on what really matters in life.

Sorry to ask - but once again, I really value your conclusions.

[Andy Velez]

Unless you have had unprotected intercourse since your last negative test, then you are still HIV negative. Period. End of story.

Swollen lymph nodes occur for any number of reasons and absolutely are not an HIV specific event.

While you are waiting to find out what is causing them be sure to keep your hands off of them. Handling, squeezing, pressing and otherwise molesting your lymph nodes can create or worsen a problem.

In any case, the problem is absolutely not HIV related. Seriously.

[Highseas1970]

Thanks for replying so soon Andy, you're a star.

Nope - I've abstained from sex for six months. I just which I could get to the bottom of why I have tender nodes, feel off colour and now this odd tongue!

One last piece of advice. I have been going to private clinics for testing and think I should now go to my GP about my general health.

If HIV is out of the equation, do you think should I mention previous tests to my GP - or start with his assessment anew?

I know from reading previous posts that GP's are often not educated HIV specialists!

[Ann]

High,

You do not need further hiv testing over this incident. You are reliably and conclusively hiv negative.

Go see your GP to find out what's going on. Hiv isn't the only illness out there.

Ann