Need some advice

[dudeinto]

Hi everyone, I just want to start off by saying that this is truly an amazing venue for people to voice their fears and have their situation analyzed by more experienced members. I can be as honest and as open as possible for an unbiased opinion.

So here's just a little background info . The first time I ever had sexual intercourse was with a guy about 23 months ago (late April 2011). He topped me and he did not use a condom (I know, very stupid). My common sense kicked in real quick and I stopped him after a minute and he did not ejaculate. Needless to say, I have had an HIV test done and that was about 2 months (late June 2011) after the experience and the results of the HIV Ag/Ab Combo Screen test was non-reactive with no HIV p24 antigen and no HIV1/HIV2 antibodies detected. From then on, I have only practiced safe sex, meaning condoms were used during any penetrative sex. Fast forward to mid-November 2011 I have developed an unusual rash. That had me worried and I waited till early 2012 (2 and a half months since the onset of the rash) for another HIV test. This time, I had the finger prick test. The results were also negative. It has been a year since I have had an HIV test done and during 2012, I haven't had more than 10 separate counts of penetrative sex, all safe sex (I know numbers doesn't matter, all it takes is one). The weird thing is, I continually experience the unspecific symptoms of HIV (occasional diarrhea, sometimes swollen lymph nodes, dry rashy, flaky skin, prolonged fatigue, sore muscle, ulcers in mouth and tongue, dry mouth and throat, significant weight loss). I haven't felt "myself" for the longest time and I am a generally healthy and active male in my early 20s who rarely gets sick. I have read through several posts mentioning that symptoms alone doesn't mean HIV but I can't shake the feeling off that it is.

Now I have just three burning questions:

1. The finger prick test that was done was really quick, I mean it didn't take the nurse more than 3 minutes to come back and interpret the results. I thought that it needs at least 20 minutes for the test to be done? So my question is, are the early 2012 results reliable considering it's only 2 and a half months after the unusual rash and that the test was done really that quickly? And if these test results were reliable, then I could inconclusively say that I did not contract HIV from my first encounter?

2.  According to the window period my last test being only 2 and a half months in is not within the conclusive territory and considering the symptoms that I have experienced, is it likely that I would be tested HIV positive?

3. Have anyone been experience these general symptoms but it turns out otherwise? I know that this is a site concerning HIV and I apologize for straying a little, but I just want to point out that it sounds like there are quite a bit of people experiencing the unspecific symptoms of HIV even without the risk. Just wanted to see if anyone can shed a light on the issue.

I know that for routine purposes, I am going to get tested and not just for HIV but for the array of STIs as well, which I do annually. But I guess I just want my situation to be analyzed so I can settle my emotions before I take the HIV test. I just want to thank all of those who have read it all the way to here beforehand and I appreciate any feedback.

[Jeff G]

Hi Dude . The HIV test you took are reliable test so just keep in mind the earliest you should test after a risk is six weeks. The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks, with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days.

A six week (or more) negative must be confirmed at the three month point, but is highly unlikely to change.

It no use discussing symptoms because the only way to diagnose HIV is by testing . We can not and do not discuss symptoms for this reason . Thanks .