Symptoms and Negative Tests

[ack!]

Hey all,

Thanks for supporting this forum. It's been a source of comfort in a few different ways during an incredibly stressful time.

I had an exposure at a bachelor party (strip club) 4+ months back. My symptoms started with testicle pain (2 weeks after) and escalated to neck pain, fatigue, nausea, and as of today, sores on my...you got it. I tested negative for HIV and a panel of other STDs at 5 weeks (blood), 11.5 weeks (finger prick), and 14 weeks (oral swab). I also tested neg. for a bacterial infection. The 6 month point would be somewhere in early October.

My lymph node pain--I believe that is what I am feeling--is slowly starting to subside in testicles but is there on occasion in my neck. I am wondering what other tests are needed. At this point, I may be beyond worry but just want some words of wisdom. It's kind of like, if not HIV than what? Thanks for any comments on what I need to do.

Good luck to everyone.

[Jeff G]

You are HIV negative and do not need further HIV testing for this incident .

What was the exposure ? , not that it matters because you have tested negative in the appropriate window period . The testing window period is 6 weeks past exposure and again at 3 months to confirm the results .   

[ack!]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for reading. For the past year I have dealt with swollen lymph nodes all over my body (neck and groin) as well as persistent fatigue and nausea. This all started about 3 weeks after an exposure at a strip club (yes I know). I took the advice of folks on this forum and got tested at 6 weeks, 3 months (blood), and 1 year (oral swab). All negative. This would all be extremely reassuring if I didn't wake up to painful testicles every morning and didn't need to sleep 12 hours a day. I was completely healthy before this happened.

I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks so much and best of luck to everyone.
-Looking for answers

[Jeff G]

Please only post in this thread no matter how long between visit or subject matter . You can find this thread by going to your profile and selecting show own post .


You do not have HIV so please go see a doctor and find out why you are sick . We can't help you with that .

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

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 without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

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

Although you did not have a risk and do not need to test for this specific incident , 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.

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. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

[ack!]

Thanks, Jeff.

I have been seeing doctors. Its tough. I've seen two primary care physicians and they are basically blindly throwing darts at a board. I've been given for 5 different scripts and no change in symptoms. Nonetheless, I'll keep at trying to find an answer.

Thanks again.

[Jeff G]

You have a hand full of negative HIV test so that is one thing thats ruled out . If you continue to suspect HIV then please talk to a therapist or mental health professional, its not healthy or logical to continue to dwell on whats not making you sick  .