Test after Test, Can I Stop

[UnwellDell]

Hello everyone.  This site seems to be filled wiht people who know the subject of hiv inside and out.  This is my first post and I would like to thnak everyone for their responses in advance as I am a little anxious right now. 

My situation:  Possible exposure 24 weeks ago
Tested 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks, and 24 weeks all rapid finger stick tests.  All negative. 

My questions: (1)  Last night I had some drinks before going to bed and got a little drunk due to pre test anxiety.  Is it possible that alcohaul had an effect on the negative result of the rapid test the following day? 

(2)  I have a slightly furrowed tongue.  I have read some vague literature that suggests that those with this condition (geo tongue as well) may not have sufficient b6 vitamins which aid in the production of antibodies.  Is it possible that I don't produce antibodies and an antibody test will not reveal my true status? 

(3)  In your expert opinions, is there any possibility that I am infected with hiv after the tests I have taken?  Are the rapid tests good enough?  Can I put an end to this chapter of my life? 

Again, thanks to all.  I appreciate your wisdom. 

[Ann]

Un,

You are conclusively hiv negative. You should have stopped testing at three months.

Alcohol consumption, excess or otherwise, will not affect the results of an hiv test.

May I ask what you think was a risk?

Ann

[UnwellDell]

one nighter, unprotected.

[Bucko]

You're conclusively negative, Dellie.

Remember to use condoms and water soluble lube for future one-nighters and you should be good to go.

Brent
(Who likes the easy ones)

[Ann]

Un,

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're ok this time out - you are hiv negative and you do not need further testing over this incident.

The key to hiv prevention is using condoms correctly and consistently. It's up to you to stay hiv negative.

Ann

[UnwellDell]

Thanks for the answers guys.  I know I should use condoms.  Actually this was an extramarital slip that has never happened before.  Very drunk, very stupid, and now my wife is having swollen nodes in her neck.  That is really freaking me out.  I tried to be as careful as I could, and followed the testing guidelines to the letter.  After the 5 month test I thought it was cool to be with my wife unprotected, but now she is throwing out symptoms like crazy, and she's not a hypochondriac like me.  In light of these new details, do you guys  still think I am ok?

[Bucko]

Details don't change a negative test result. You are conclusively negative.

[Ann]

Un,

You ARE hiv negative. Symptoms - or even the LACK of symptoms - don't mean a thing when it comes to hiv. Only the testing will reveal whether or not you have hiv - and you do NOT have hiv. No doubt in my mind.

All sorts of things will cause swollen glands. If yours or your wife's are swollen, talk to a doctor. We cannot diagnose your glands here.

You ARE hiv negative - no matter what your feelings of guilt may lead you to believe.

Ann