In late February, while in Thailand I had made, what is now considered a big mistake. On 19 March (about 3 week after potential exposure), I was back stateside and got a complete physical (to include STD's). I tested negative for everything except HIV (which was Indeterminant through Elisa/Western Blot). During that time, I was having a light gout attack. About a week later, I developed prostatitus. Nervous and needing a second opinion, I tried an "at home" test about 7 April which resulted in Negative. Confused, I decided to try another "at home" test again around 21 April which was also negative and then I had a scheduled follow up test with the doctor 24 April which was also negative. During all of this time, I've experienced some of the symptoms that are said to be common with HIV. Some night sweats, though the temperature has gotten warmer. A somtimes common swollen lymph node in neck (none noticed elsewhere). Trouble sleeping (though it could have been anxiety from the earlier test, sleep has gotten better). Light if any flu symptoms.
Ok. So concerns are, can Antibiotics (CIPRO or Floxcin) effect testing for HIV. Can Indomethicin (Gout) effect HIV testing. If I was on Indomethicin while tested the first time, could that have caused a false positive? Could the antibiotics be causing a false negative... Has enough time passed for testing.
Please Help...

I have a question...What was the big mistake exactly???

I had safe and unsafe sex with a bar lady (relationship for about a week). I do know how to contact her and we have been in communication but there is a language barrier. I asked her to get checked and she said she was negative but sent me results from HEP B not HIV.

Jake,

You really cannot diagnose AIDS from early symtoms and you haven't gotten any Positive HIV results.
Don't angst over swollen glands, prostatitis false negatives, false inteterminants et al...you'll drive yourself up the wall.

Wait a couple months, have a test, believe it, and put the whole thing behind you.

ps...why not get on allopurinol for that gout- it's a wonder drug!

[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 05-12-2003).]

Thanks for the info. As you know, It's tough to just put it behind you. I have a wife and 3 kids and the last thing I want to do is put any of them at risk. The only thing worse then having HIV (or the possibility) is the chance that you might give it to someone else. That "indeterminant" result has changed my perspective quite a bit. I feel better then I did (after getting repeated negatives) but had never had anything but a negative in the past. Is there a differnce between being exposed to HIV and being infected? Is it possible for an immune system to fight off HIV?

I had many sleepless nights after the Indeterminant result and the fact that chronic prostatitis causes an urge to urinate frequently didn't help. I had an odd feeling of being able to feel the blood run through my veins (and I don't drink)... as well as some mild fever and night sweats (which I still have, I think). I wear a t-shirt to bed which gets a little sweaty around the collar.

as for the PS. I was considering the Alopurinol but had not wanted to be "stuck" to a daily drug thing. After my latest attack (last week) I'm considering it even more. Thanks...

Jake which At Home test did you take? Was it Home Access? That is FDA approved so if that what you took, your results are accurate and you do not have HIV. Did you take it at around 90 days after exposure?

Your indetermenite means nothing but that HIV could not be detected. A western Blot is never supposed to be used unless you have a positive Elisa.

It does not sound to me like you have it. Alot of your symptoms are probably from stress and worrying about this non stop.

Thanks for info. There was a repeatedly positive Elisa prior to the confirmatory Western Blot that showed Indeterminant. That is why I'm still nervous. I've looked up a lot of data on the Internet and found that their are a number of reasons why an Elisa can turn up as "false positive". In fact, one study showed that all people would have a Positive Elisa if the serum (blood) was not diluted correctly (400:1). However, I've never experienced it in the past and it was alarming to say the least. I'm encouraged by the 3 negative tests (the 2 "Home Access tests that I took and the follow up from my doctor). The problem is that I haven't passed my 90 days. The last test was taken at about 55 days and I still have about 2 weeks until 90.