Dr. Frascino, I'm trying yet again with hopes you'll answer my question. My last possible HIV exposure (oral & vaginal intercourse) with a girl of unknown HIV status was exactly a year ago (I'm uncircumsized). After about 4 weeks later I came down with sever flu-like symptoms: severe diarrhea, extreme fatigue, fever, complete loss of apetite for about two weeks, swollen lymph nodes in the neck (don't know about underarms and groin nodes) and severe night sweats.

I got tested at 3,4,6,8,10 months and also had a PCR DNA test at 4 months after possible exposure. I've also had HEP A,B,C tests done at 10 months. All came back perfectly negative which is all absolutely great but I have numerous symptoms that keep persisting without any noticeable relief. I'm sweating for no reason especially in my groing area (by literally sitting, no physical exertion at all), have ongoing diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes in my neck and occasional pain underarms (recently noticed a swelling under one armpit) and groin area (other lymph clusters). I also keep having mild night sweats and can't get a good night sleep. I'm also unusually fatigued for no apparent reason. For the past couple of months I've noticed a persistent burning sensation on my toungue. I've also had a white coating on my toungue ever since the initial symptoms started. I've been in and out of my doc's office and originally got some anti-depressants(depression diagnosis), and had colonoscopy done recently because of my continued diarrhea. The results came back negative also. I realize that the 6 months testing is the 'extended' HIV period norm but I still got tested through month 10 again to solidify the accuracy of results (came back negative as well). Do I need to get tested again? Is there another test I can try for HIV or am I just a complete mental case to even continue thinking about an HIV infection? Over this last year I've had many thoughts of ending my life should it turn out to be HIV!

I appreciate your response greatly! I'll be definitely donating to your charity very soon as well.

Hello,

Do you need additional HIV tests? Of course not. Youve had way too many already. Continue to get tests and youll continue to get negative results. Its just that simple. Yes, you had an exposure, but HIV really is not all that easy to catch, and luckily, you didnt. And youve proved over and over and over and over and over again you didnt. Yet, what about those "symptoms?" Your symptoms are quite classic for anxiety, stress, and depression sweating, diarrhea, aches & pains, mild sweats, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, burning sensations, and thoughts of ending your life. These are not symptoms of HIV. Your visits to your medical doctor havent found a physical cause for your problems. The next step is to get psychiatric help to help you cope with your irrational fears, guilt, anxiety, and depression. I urge you to get the help you need. The path back to good health is right in front of you!

Thank you for your kind donation. Feel better soon. Show this post and response to your physician.

Dr. Bob