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PCR OR NOT?
#29022 - 02/28/02 09:34 AM
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Would it make sense to get a pcr test after several negative results with the antibody(elisa)test but symptoms of hiv infection:floaters, white hairy tongue, yellow bands on both side of the bottom of mouth, unable to gain weight, loss of body fat in the year, mouth sores, stiff neck. I thought a non-reactive result after six months with no further exposure was conclusive, but I read that some people who are infected don't test positive on the elisa test(Other than the problems I listed above, I work everyday and I don't get sick alot) and my cbc count last year was in the normal range. Or is a p24 antigen test recommended at this point? I'm just praying that all the negative results are truly negative. Thank you and GOD Bless all and your families.
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There have been one or two people in history that did have HIV after a -ve test at 6 months, possibly due to another exposure. Floaters are not a symptom of early HIV. Calm down. You are -ve.
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I agree. These aren't symptoms of HIV infection, especially with the six month negative.
And would you be convinced by an undetectable PCR? You read some people and they are undetectable and instead of finally accepting they're negative they just assume they're HIV+ undetectable.
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You can rely on your negative antibody test after 6 months (and really after 3 months). The only possible ways to get a negative result after that would be: 1) if you were given PEP after your potential exposure or 2) if you have another disease of the immune system that would cause supression (which you would already be aware of). If neither of these are true, then you are indeed negative. If your problems persist, see your doctor to find the root of the problem, but it is not HIV (probably stress/anxiety).
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I was in the same boat as you at my 6 month mark. I was freaked out to the point I had lost all hope. Wierd symptoms I had never experienced before following a so-called exposure. The worst of all was the sudden onset of floaters in both eyes. I had never encountered anything of the sort, and it happened in the 4th month. I had no clue what they were, but they were eveywhere - not just one little spec but rather several in both eyes. I am an avid scuba diver and on my last get away I was so depressed I couldn't even dive. My vision was screwed - all I could focus on were the amoeba like critters dancing across my field of view. I would have recognized them before, especially after diving so much.
When I got back from my trip I immediately began scouring the net for any and all information I could find on the subject of eye floaters. I even went to 3 different Opthamologists (1 was a retina specialist) which said my eyes retinas were fine - no sign of infection. Floaters are caused by vitreous layer detachment, which is a jelly like substance pulling away from the retina.
However I didn't believe any of these so-called specialists. I continued to search for the truth - to somehow prove floaters are indeed linked to HIV infection. This despite testing negative 10 times via ELISA (and I'm talking about all types of ELISAs: HIV 1/2 3rd generation, Home Access, Orasure) and even went down the DNA PCR and RNA PCR road. I tested ELISA and PCR and both 6 months and 1 year post exposure. Oh yeah and my exposure: drunk idiot who received a blowjob from a prostitute at a buddy's bachelor party.
Thus here is my advice: take the PCR if you truly believe it will help you overcome your fears and will truly help you reach closure. Afterall it will only tell you what you already know - your negative HIV status. Please learn from me. I was in the same boat you find yourself in now. I called it the great debate. However, if you do decide to do it make damn well sure you will believe the results. If not then you will only be wasting your time and money since you will no doubt find an excuse as to why the test wasn't performed correctly or wonder if that type of PCR can detect ALL strains of HIV.
I fit the classic worried-well description and have paid dearly for it. Only now am I battling to gain my life back. Guilt can be devastating. I have survived only with the help of friends and family. Just wanted to share my thoughts...it helps...it really does...
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