Possibly Hiv Infected

[aNoma]

Hello,

First I would like to thank you Sheryl for so much information.

Recently I got myself into trouble. I experienced some symptoms of HIV infection, but many of them I had before. I read that symptoms sometimes don't mean much, and what is needed is a test. What made me worry is the rash, which looked weird and symetrical on both sides of my body. I went on the internet and got manic researching the HIV subject.

I went to the Bumrungrad Hospital to see a doctor and have my test done. That was a few days ago and I didn't see all the info on the internet I am seeing now. I saw Dr. Boonrawd Lecksiwilai and I must say I wasn't impressed. He didn't do any physical examination, and didn't really wait to hear all the story. He said that I don't have infection and not to worry and the test will be negative. He said the rash could be an allergy to insect bites I had. I had my test done, and it came negative. I was told, over the phone, to do another test in 3 months. As I read more, now I know that after two weeks of possible infection the test would be negative!

The doctor charged 950 Baht for the visit, plus 170 facility fee and 775 for the HIV Ag/Ab test.

Needless to say, I am pissed off with the way I was treated. I wish I came across your board and went to one of the recommended doctors. I will do it next time.

I am really worried because I had other symptoms. I had very similar symptoms before, but this time all seems to be to coincidental, and I angaged in a 100% risk situation, which is no condom sex with more than one woman over the course of a week long blind drinking binge. (please don't comment abut this)

So now I am drifting from panic to comfort, freaking out about anything that fits the symptoms, and I read that having symptoms actually doesn't always mean the virus is there. As I said, I had spots on my tongue before and I never been infected. Now, I don't have fever, my lymph nods are not detectable, I had upset stomach and diarhea for a couple days, sweating in the daytime (no night sweating, and I wear jeans), and high blood pressure, no sleep. But all this happened to me before a few times, as a direct result of my drinking. I am hoping now for the same.

I really worry now, and I have been researching HIV subject almost 24/7. I panic, because being infected would have a profound impact on my life. But reading more I calm down. Seems like it's not the end of the world. But the key to success is a good doctor, all the tests done, proper diagnosis and choice of drugs. It seems like Bangkok is a good place to take care of this.

I don't have health insurance, and I am almost broke. I will be looking for a job. I am trying to put together a plan of action for cheapest possible way of taking care of it. I just can't afford anything more or luxury at the moment.

Please correct me if I am wrong and help me sort this out:

1- I can have the HIV blood test, CD4 + VL, PCR tests done at the Red Cross. Do I need a doctors note for that or could I go to the Red Cross on the 3rd saturday of the month and ask myself? If so, which tests need a doctors recommendation and which don't?

2- I should visit and choose a doctor. What are the prices of consultation? I read about 300 per visit, but the one I visited for the test took 900. Was I overcharged? In such case, can I ask for refund? (as I said, he did nothing) I am thinking about seeing Dr. Mattana Hanavich or Dr.Asda Vibhagool.

3- If I am diagnosed, my doctor will tell me about the ARV options, I know it. I am just curios now, planning ahead, what could be the monthly cost of the drugs using whatever is available as generic. I have seen many different numbers, and I know it's difficult to calculate it because the costs of different drugs vary and different people get a different mix. What I want to know is a rough number, what I should expect as minimum or average.

4 - The list of drug costs on the forum is one year old. Are these prices still effective?

5- I am trying to adjust my life to as if I was infected. If nothing else, I will have a healthy life style and try to keep it this way if found results negative. No more booze, at all. I would like to hear any suggestions what to do, take, for the next 3 month till the next test. If I am positive, why not to be a bit ahead in the staying healthy game? Would you recommend that I already make an appointment with a Dr. now, or wait? I know they must be busy, so I don't want to go there just for personal comfort. (although I imagine they could put some light on my doubts already and advise me what to do until the next test, help me with a head start if I am found infected)

6- Is the mentione before Silom Community Clinic, the anonympous testing clink, still open? Is it available to foraigners, and if not are there any other options for free anonymous testing?

7- the DIY tests - how effective they are, how much they cost, where can I buy them? I have been thiking about buying one and testing myself in a month. If it is positive, then I can go sooner for the test at the hospital to confirm, or do straight the CD4 count test.

It is too bad that the 3rd saturday of this month has passed already.. I'd also go and talk to the people at the Red Cross.

Whatever the results will be, this has been a life changing experience for me. I have a feeling that I will join the group of HIV+ people. But miracles do exist, and I still have hope. If I am HIV-, I will be a life long supporter of all affected by this condition.

I guess it's time to thank you for reading my long post... and thank you in advance for any answers.

[Monokuro]

Hi aNoma,

I can't answer your questions - but I can say that I did have a similar experience a while back.

Got into a high risk situation (or a possible one - I guess it's fair to say that) and then panicked a few weeks later when I felt very sick (full on fever and sweats etc etc).

By then reading up on all the possible symptoms, I managed to convice myself I had them all (including the rash... which was of course just mosquito bites)

Like you, I had to endure months of worry and thinking that "that was it" - until I could go for the test (I think I went at the 4 month mark) and was then given the all clear.

Follow up 6 months later also was clear.

So I guess I'm saying - try not to worry too much - you already said you had a load of the symptoms before, so it's probable now your mind is just playing tricks on you - you've had a test and it was negative - so be happy about that

Go for a retest for sure, just to keep your mind sane ... but you're most likely in the clear, so don't beat yourself up about it!

[james24]

1. HIV is extremely difficult to catch from a woman, extremely

2. You dont know if any of them had so don't assume they did.

3. There will be a cure within 10-15 years according to the worlds best biologists, look it up.

4. HIV normally comes with other std's, have checks for them too.

5. Look up the story of Tommy Morrison.

6, Look up the story of Uk man about 5 years ago whose body apparently healed itself from HIV.

Neither men took any medication prescribed and recommended by whoever makes these decisions.

Remember, dont believe everything you are told, dig a little bit deeper than you are shown and some things are not quite as they seem.

The way the tests confirm whether you have HIV, in my opinion is not conclusive enough. The drugs apparently help but from the other side of things, you could argue whats in the drugs.

Be confident and always have good thoughts, amazing what the body is actually capable of if you oil it properly.

[britmaveric]

OP - no offense it takes a very long time before any symptoms would show up. HIV isn't smth that happens overnight after a week of unprotected shagging. I think your mind is your worst enemy and the internet. The window is like 3months to see if you have it. Even then symptoms don't necessarily arise....

[hhgz]

I'm trying to understand the OP's anger. He was tested and found to be negative. Frankly, I'd be doing backflips, but that's me. Since you paid almost 2000THB to get good news, would you have been happier to get bad news for the same amount of money? When you change your diet, and when you are filled with anger and angst, any symptom automatically indicates a death sentence - at least psychologically. Rather than planning to die - it's something that we'll all experience - why not plan to live? Rather than sitting around the house, why not fill your days doing an ACTIVE search for answers. For examples, rather than complaining that the AIDS/HIV drug prices are old and ask the TV community to find the answers for you, why not seek the answers, and then post updated information?

[Sheryl]

Some unhelpful posts have been deleted.

What the OP is worried about is that in the textbooks (and many websites) there are reports of people experiencing a mild flu-like illness at the time of the initial HIV infection.

In decades of work with HIV infected people I have yet to meet anyone who had this. What I have seen instead are a lot of scared people who had a high risk encounter and then either had an unrelated illness or stress-related symptoms.

aNoma, without knowing any of the details of your risk exposure(s) nor how many there were, I can't comment on the odds of your having been infected. But I can assure you that what you are experiencing now almost certainly has nothing to do with HIV.

The test you had was an antibody test and indeed antibodies do take sometime to form so can test will be negative very early after exposure. The standard advise is to wait and repeat at 3 months. If you are really nerve-wracked (as people often are), could repeat at 6 weeks and then again at 3 months. >90% of people will be positive at 6 weeks so, although you'll still need a repeat test to be really sure, you may feel better getting that reassurance in the mean time.

There is no need to spend a lot of money for the antibody test, can get it done at the Red Cross Clinic for just a few hundred baht at most.

If you really want to and are prepared to pay a lot for it, you can get what is called a PCR test at Bumrungrad. This is a viral load test but using first a special technology to replicate any virus present (in the test tube, not in your body, of course) so that it can be detected. It will cost a lot (somewhere in the 10,000 baht range I think). It is not medically indicated in your circumstances, but only you know what your state of mind is and how much it would be worth to you to have the test.

The Red Cross does the basic antiboidy test on demand but all other lab work requires a doctor's prescription. Although they do viral loads, I'm not sure they have the capacity to do PCRs. Even if they do I doubt they'd agree to run one on you as, as a non-profit they need to conserve resources for medical priorities. PCRs are used in only very special situations where the outcome will make a difference to treatment. Which it would not in your case.

A CD4 has no relevance at all in your situation as it takes years of HIV infection for it to drop. Neither does a standard viral load, as in very early infection the loads may not be detectable.

Consultations with top specialists at Bumrungrad and other top tier hospitals do run to 800 - 1,200 baht these days, but you do not need an HIV specialist at this point, would be a waste of your money and his/her time. If you decide you want to spend the money for a PCR, try contacting the hospital directly to see if you can get it done on request without consultation. The only thing a consultation will do is the doctor will tell you the test isn't medically indicated (true), you'l lsay you want it anyway and will pay. So see if you can cut that step out. IF you can't settle on just repeating the antibody test at 6 weeks which would be my advice.

I'm more than happy to answer your other questions should it prove necessary but odds are it won't and I think you would do best not to get wrapped up in worst case scenarios. you would have literally years in which to get informed on the topic if it turned out you had recently contacted HIV.

[jayinoz]

Not true once infection enters the body u can often get flu like symptons- same as any bug entering your body--- your antibodies will try get it out but will fail then it lies in a dormant state for some years..... some people do not however and simply find out years down the line...

First hand I can tell you that it very difficult to catch from a women- u need to have a sore or open wound on your fella. Not easy for a man to be infected- takes some doing but it possible. Medical people do not like to tell men this as then many may take more risks.

Anyway I was with an infected person for 2 years and never caught a thing- unprotected always. Naturally I did not know and was shocked to find out when she was positive after being told by a previous bf before me to check herself. So there u go.

That maybe a decade ago now- she not around now due to one guy infecting maybe 100s of girls out of spite- guys like that who know they have be infected should be shot IMO.

Anyway get tested and try not to worry- statistically 1 from 100 shot---- if u have do not be a loser and infect others as they do not have as easy access to those medicine's as we do from our government. I know guys whom blame the girls in Asia then go wild infecting 100s- thus as I said they should be shot. Stay coooool...

[jayinoz]

If concerned about cost- as obviously you are- go home and let your government foot the bill.... like so many Farangs do when they fall ill and cannot afford to stay in Thai anymore. Sounds like u do not have the money to be here IMO- I am amazed that people risk being here with no backup funds or people to help them when in trouble... I will say this however- if infected leave and let ur government care for U. As your depression will obviously lead to you harming others- fatally. 1st hand experience seeing others die from evils of others...

How many times have I heard guys fearing they infected by drunkin Orgies only to hear they do it again later down the track. Shape up or ship out- it not your world, do not abuse them.

[aNoma]

Thank you for all the reply's.

First a couple of words to hhgz and jayinoz. You are more assuming and panicking than me I think. I come here, and post, as part of my research. Do I panic? - sure. It's a normal part of the process of dealing with new potentially complicated situations. If you don't understand this, then open up and do your own research.

'Shape up or ship out- it not your world, do not abuse them' - you know nothing about me. Don't judge me by with whom you associate, perhaps. I have probably been in Asia more years than you, and that includes being quite fluent in one of the languages here. I haven't been to 'my country' for more than 25 years now. Please think before you say something.

I am asking a bunch of questions, some silly, anything, searching for answers. I do this because I want to hear constructive advise and opinion from intelligent people who know more than me on this subject. It's called learning, and that's a process where no question is stupid and without merit. If I am wrong or unnecessarily worried - I am glad to hear it. That's why I came here, to hear opinions. Not being judged by opinionated, especially ill opinionated, people who think who are it. It might be very shocking to you to hear this, but you too don't own Asia.

Do I think a lot, too much, ask too much? Yes. It's because I am a thoughtful person.

So thank you for whatever positive input you had, and thank you not for the useless negativity. And thank you Sheryl for weeding out the unhelpful comments.

Back to the subject. The first test, which turned out to be negative, didn't give make me do the 'back flips' because it has to do only with my past and not the present possible infection. I had no HIV before, and it confirmed, and it didn't indicate anything about my current status because it's way too early.

Reading, digesting the information and my emotions, I am feeling much better now. The panic is gone, and if I am infected I will just deal with it. And it will be all right.

I will test again in three months and go from there. In the meantime, I will check for any possible other STD's. I understand that all the other tests are not necessary at the moment. I just need patience. The one thing that I have noticed is jumps in my body temperature and profound sweating, but this, as you pointed it out, could mean anything, including just being tired (these are not night sweats, it happens in daytime).

Thank you very much for all the good input, and great thanks to you Sheryl.

I will keep you posted re: the followup, so please don't close this topic.

PS. One of the reasons many farangs stay here is because they can afford here what they can't afford in whatever expensive Western country they came from. And that's why tourists come here too.

Edited October 23, 2010 by aNoma

[OxfordWill]

You can get the PCR test done at some of the "Thai" little shop STD clinic. There are many dotted around, Ramkhamhaeng, sukhumvit has several.. you should have no trouble finding them. Ask a Thai friend if possible. The average price is 1500 baht.

The absolutely most important thing you should do is get a PCR test. It is probable to be negative and probable to set your mind at ease. All this worrying and 24/7 checking is futile.. you either have it or you do not, but until you know either way all you are going to do is stress out and become ill.

(once the pcr is negative, don't forget to put the final worry to rest with an antibody test after total 3 months.)

Edited October 23, 2010 by OxfordWill

[aNoma]

Thank you OxfordWill. I will wait a little and then do the regular blood test and then PCR. Depending how I feel, dealing with it, I will see when. If I am OK, perhaps all the way after the three month period.

I get overwhelmed, but then calm down naturally. I don't bottle up my emotions, I think in the bigger picture it's healthier this a way. I will be calm and strong.

Thank you for your compassion.

[ableguy]

Thank you for all the reply's.

First a couple of words to hhgz and jayinoz. You are more assuming and panicking than me I think. I come here, and post, as part of my research. Do I panic? - sure. It's a normal part of the process of dealing with new potentially complicated situations. If you don't understand this, then open up and do your own research.

'Shape up or ship out- it not your world, do not abuse them' - you know nothing about me. Don't judge me by with whom you associate, perhaps. I have probably been in Asia more years than you, and that includes being quite fluent in one of the languages here. I haven't been to 'my country' for more than 25 years now. Please think before you say something.

I am asking a bunch of questions, some silly, anything, searching for answers. I do this because I want to hear constructive advise and opinion from intelligent people who know more than me on this subject. It's called learning, and that's a process where no question is stupid and without merit. If I am wrong or unnecessarily worried - I am glad to hear it. That's why I came here, to hear opinions. Not being judged by opinionated, especially ill opinionated, people who think who are it. It might be very shocking to you to hear this, but you too don't own Asia.

Do I think a lot, too much, ask too much? Yes. It's because I am a thoughtful person.

So thank you for whatever positive input you had, and thank you not for the useless negativity. And thank you Sheryl for weeding out the unhelpful comments.

Back to the subject. The first test, which turned out to be negative, didn't give make me do the 'back flips' because it has to do only with my past and not the present possible infection. I had no HIV before, and it confirmed, and it didn't indicate anything about my current status because it's way too early.

Reading, digesting the information and my emotions, I am feeling much better now. The panic is gone, and if I am infected I will just deal with it. And it will be all right.

I will test again in three months and go from there. In the meantime, I will check for any possible other STD's. I understand that all the other tests are not necessary at the moment. I just need patience. The one thing that I have noticed is jumps in my body temperature and profound sweating, but this, as you pointed it out, could mean anything, including just being tired (these are not night sweats, it happens in daytime).

Thank you very much for all the good input, and great thanks to you Sheryl.

I will keep you posted re: the followup, so please don't close this topic.

PS. One of the reasons many farangs stay here is because they can afford here what they can't afford in whatever expensive Western country they came from. And that's why tourists come here too.

Have you considered that the sweats may be caused by your avoidence of alcohol? ref the comments about go home and let your government take care of you, if youare from the UK and are out of the country for more than two years you will be struck off the NHS. When you now enter any hospital in the UK your national insurance number is required on the admitance form and checked to see if you are covered under NHS rules not covered no admitance. Also as you have been gone so long I believe you said 25 years I assume you do not have a GP so you would have to register again you would be refused, am not familiar with EU laws so not qualified to give advice here. All you readers who will no doubt comment on this I can assure you it happned recently to a freind of mine. So to close hope your fears are misfounded and the rest of your life is a happy one.

[onnut]

Have you considered that the sweats may be caused by your avoidence of alcohol? ref the comments about go home and let your government take care of you, if youare from the UK and are out of the country for more than two years you will be struck off the NHS. When you now enter any hospital in the UK your national insurance number is required on the admitance form and checked to see if you are covered under NHS rules not covered no admitance. Also as you have been gone so long I believe you said 25 years I assume you do not have a GP so you would have to register again you would be refused, am not familiar with EU laws so not qualified to give advice here. All you readers who will no doubt comment on this I can assure you it happned recently to a freind of mine. So to close hope your fears are misfounded and the rest of your life is a happy one.

And yet, they allow almost any other nationality to take advantage of the NHS straight off the boat!

I think if you have a British Pasport then you should be able to go back anytime, but I am not running the country so have no say. I have not lived there for about 16 years!

To the OP, I dont know you, but just by reading your posts here, this is my advice.

You have had the first test and it was negative. wait 3 months in total and go do another test. I would bet money it will be negative as well.there is nothing you can do now but wait. so block it out from your mind and do the next test after three months. just carry on as before with your life but leave the ladies alone for a while until you are sure.

we have all had scares from time to time, use this as a lesson and wear a hat next time.

you will be fine, I am sure you worry over nothing.

[Tolley]

Sheryl

A question for you as you have a lot of experience with HIV infection.

Does a strong immune system protect against HIV infection?

Or regardless of immunity status if you come in contact with the virus via open sores then you will become HIV positive?

Or don't we know the answer to this question?

[Jingthing]

The vast majority of HIV infections in Thailand are caused by unprotected HETEROSEXUAL sex and most people infected are MALE, so you do the math. Do not believe that it is that difficult for men to get infected through heterosexual sex; that is totally false.

* The majority of Thailand’s HIV infections (around 80%) occur through heterosexual sex.

* HIV affects more men than women in Thailand; the male-female ratio is 7:5

* HIV prevalence among pregnant women, which reached a peak of 3.4% in 1992, had fallen to 0.87% by 2006

* An estimated 1 in 5 new HIV infections in Thailand are attributable to unprotected sex between men.

http://www.avert.org/thailand-aids-hiv.htm

That all said, the OP is probably not infected, but should get tested later for peace of mind.

I happen also to disagree about early infection flu-like symptoms (that pass). My understanding is that they are indeed common.

Edited October 23, 2010 by Jingthing

[aNoma]

Yes, I am going to semi-block it and get on with my life.

I'll do general STD check since I get 37.7C a few times during the day. That's when I sweat. Then it drops again to healthy numbers. The post alcohol sweating, if happened, is long gone.

I am not constantly drinking to have any withdrawals now., but a week of abuse always gave me a few upsets, which fade away after a few days.

I will do the next test after 6 weeks, or if I feel good and everything settles by then, after 3 months.

I haven't drank since and I am intending to keep this way. Not just because of this, but in general, for health reasons. And the ladies - I am not even thinking about it now. With time I will, but I am looking for something more meaningful. And rest assure you, I would never put anyone at risk, and once I get the clean bill, if I get it, I will never put myself at risk.

Putting it all together, I see that while the odds are on my side, nothing is for certain. Time and tests will tell.

[Sheryl]

You can get the PCR test done at some of the "Thai" little shop STD clinic. There are many dotted around, Ramkhamhaeng, sukhumvit has several.. you should have no trouble finding them. Ask a Thai friend if possible. The average price is 1500 baht.

The absolutely most important thing you should do is get a PCR test. It is probable to be negative and probable to set your mind at ease. All this worrying and 24/7 checking is futile.. you either have it or you do not, but until you know either way all you are going to do is stress out and become ill.

(once the pcr is negative, don't forget to put the final worry to rest with an antibody test after total 3 months.)

A PCR cannot possibly be done for 1500 baht. this is an intensely time-consuming test that takes days of lab work. It also takes a very expensively equipped, sophisticated lab such as will nto be found outside a major hospital and not even in all of those.

Put that together with the (deservedly) poor reputation stand alone "STD Clinics" here have and I think it safe to assume that whatever they are doing with those blood samples, it is not a PCR.

aNoma, if you have not had the Hep vaccine you should (1) get tested for antigen and antibodies and (2) if negative get the vaccine. Hep B is transmitted in the same way as HIV but is the more easily transmitted of the two virus. The same people who present a risk in terms of HIV present an even greater risk in terms of Hep B. The vaccine is highly effective.

[aNoma]

Sheryl,

I have Tetanus/Polio, Twinrix (Hep A + B - A for 20 years and B for life), Typhoid, Yellow Fever.

In this case I don't have to test for for antigen and antibodies, right?

[mommysboy]

It's very unlikely that you will test positive for HIV.

Possibly this more likely a psychic/pyschological phenomenon, and you could do with letting go in some ways and tightening up on others.

When you have got over this, always remember to use a condom no matter how drunk you are.

[aNoma]

I am calm, but educating myself.I am sure I am not the only one going through such doubts at the moment, so I am hoping that it will also help anyone who reads this.

I'd like to go back to why I panicked in the first place. It was the rash. I hopped on the internet and came across a page where someone described his rash.

Quote:

"I have had unprotected sex one time recently, and at about 2 weeks later I now have a rash of small, red, clustered bumps from my arm pit on the right side down to my wrist and only on the under side of the arm. It actually resembles a poison ivy rash, but I know it is not poison ivy and it only itches a little bit. It is like a million little tiny bumps all down my arm. I just don't know if it is possible just to have the rash on one arm and no where else."

The doctor replied:

"The symptoms described in this question seem to be limited to a unilateral rash. Therefore, it seems extremely unlikely that this rash is a manifestation of the acute retroviral syndrome. It is difficult to determine from the description given the exact cause of the rash....... The signs and symptoms of the acute retroviral syndrome are non-specific. There is no minimum number of signs and symptoms necessary for diagnosis, but fever (usually high) typically is present in over 90% of the cases, and multiple other signs and symptoms typically are present. These signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to: a non-specific, generalized rash; lymphadenopathy; pharyngitis; gastrointestinal complaints; hepatosplenomegaly; arthralgias and myalgias; headache. The rash, when present, is diffuse and not unilateral (one-sided)."

My rash was exactly the same as the person described his. With this one difference - mine wasn't unilateral. I had it on both sides of my body, almost like a carbon copy. This doctor says that HIV related rash is not one sided, and that made me worrk.

What do you think about this?

[britmaveric]

Sounds like bed bug created rash.......

[aNoma]

I had been bitten by bedbugs before, totally different.

I had pimples break out in an incredibly symmetrical fashion in the past, so again, more gray area. Still, a food for thought.

Edited October 24, 2010 by aNoma

[onnut]

Heat Rash! stop worrying as I am sure you will be fine.

I went through this about 12 years ago by the way. I had lived in a foreign country for about 8 years and because I was different! I had a lot of fun but never once did I wear a hat!!!

at the time I thought nothing of it, just worked and had fun until one day when I had to have an HIV test for insurance purposes. The doctor was very good at his job. asked me a lot of questions regarding my sex life, took some blood and said see you same time next week for results.

so I waited for a week not thinking much of it until I went in to get my results. the women in reception came over all strange when I said my name and told me I had to wait in the next room as the doctor had to speak to me personaly!! I shat myself, it finely hit me that not wearing protection is not smart. 30 minutes I sat there waiting for this doctor and there was nothing but posters and leaflets on HIV and Aids.

the doctor came out and asked me to sit down and he went through his files slowly, a really good actor by the way, and then said, your all clear, the test was negative. next time please wear protection! he then smiled and said that worried you didnt it? I was like, er yeah of course!

I have always worn protection since that day unless with a long term partner, I am married now anyway so dont think about playing around. but that day did shit me up.

I know my story is different from yours, but I really think you worry over nothing.

the rash could be heat rash, something you ate or even because you need some alcohol!

I get heat rash and if I eat or even touch a lobster I get a thick rash down my arms, both of them for a day or two.

I hope my story makes you feel a little better.

[orchis]

OP seems to have the impression Anonymous Clinic is open only 3 rd Sat of the month,that's not correct;

it is open every day except Sunday and official holidays, I'm sure it's open between 8

am to 4 pm, (it actually is open longer but I'm not sure of those exact opening hours).

Blood tests only until 4 pm, that I'm sure of. No prescription needed.

[aNoma]

Thank you onnut, that definitely is a good point! I thought about the same till I read about the symmetrical thing. But then, a heat rash would most likely by symmetrical too as it affects the whole body, not just one side.

orchis, thanks. I am going to go there without waiting for the 3rd Saturday. I know they open on other days, but the 3rd is supposed to be the 'English speaking' day. I am sure they will understand what I want if I say 'STD test'.

PS. I am not on a British passport

Edited October 24, 2010 by aNoma

[orchis]

Thank you onnut, that definitely is a good point! I thought about the same till I read about the symmetrical thing. But then, a heat rash would most likely by symmetrical too as it affects the whole body, not just one side.

orchis, thanks. I am going to go there without waiting for the 3rd Saturday. I am sure they will understand what I want if I say 'STD test'.

they will.

Edited October 24, 2010 by orchis

[Sheryl]

Sheryl,

I have Tetanus/Polio, Twinrix (Hep A + B - A for 20 years and B for life), Typhoid, Yellow Fever.

In this case I don't have to test for for antigen and antibodies, right?

Right.

The rash you have now described in now way sounds like anything associated with HIV.

When you go to the Thai Red Cross you will need to specify the test you want as there are more than 1 type of STD that can be tested for.

[mommysboy]

I am calm, but educating myself.I am sure I am not the only one going through such doubts at the moment, so I am hoping that it will also help anyone who reads this.

I'd like to go back to why I panicked in the first place. It was the rash. I hopped on the internet and came across a page where someone described his rash.

Quote:

"I have had unprotected sex one time recently, and at about 2 weeks later I now have a rash of small, red, clustered bumps from my arm pit on the right side down to my wrist and only on the under side of the arm. It actually resembles a poison ivy rash, but I know it is not poison ivy and it only itches a little bit. It is like a million little tiny bumps all down my arm. I just don't know if it is possible just to have the rash on one arm and no where else."

The doctor replied:

"The symptoms described in this question seem to be limited to a unilateral rash. Therefore, it seems extremely unlikely that this rash is a manifestation of the acute retroviral syndrome. It is difficult to determine from the description given the exact cause of the rash....... The signs and symptoms of the acute retroviral syndrome are non-specific. There is no minimum number of signs and symptoms necessary for diagnosis, but fever (usually high) typically is present in over 90% of the cases, and multiple other signs and symptoms typically are present. These signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to: a non-specific, generalized rash; lymphadenopathy; pharyngitis; gastrointestinal complaints; hepatosplenomegaly; arthralgias and myalgias; headache. The rash, when present, is diffuse and not unilateral (one-sided)."

My rash was exactly the same as the person described his. With this one difference - mine wasn't unilateral. I had it on both sides of my body, almost like a carbon copy. This doctor says that HIV related rash is not one sided, and that made me worrk.

What do you think about this?

Ooch that rash looks itchy!

I don't know what it is but could as well be related to toxins, shellfish, or viral infection (non hiv I hasten to add). But given it's in one area you couldn't rule out contact dermititis, where has it been resting?

Before I forget, those night sweats : cold fear!! experienced them myself and so have others.

I think stage one in getting to grips with this is to put HIV out of your mind, and try to ride out this period of extreme agitation. If you don't want to go back on the booze, then I reckon a mild sedative might be in order and plenty of light exercise.

[WarpSpeed]

I am calm, but educating myself.I am sure I am not the only one going through such doubts at the moment, so I am hoping that it will also help anyone who reads this.

I'd like to go back to why I panicked in the first place. It was the rash. I hopped on the internet and came across a page where someone described his rash.

Quote:

"I have had unprotected sex one time recently, and at about 2 weeks later I now have a rash of small, red, clustered bumps from my arm pit on the right side down to my wrist and only on the under side of the arm. It actually resembles a poison ivy rash, but I know it is not poison ivy and it only itches a little bit. It is like a million little tiny bumps all down my arm. I just don't know if it is possible just to have the rash on one arm and no where else."

The doctor replied:

"The symptoms described in this question seem to be limited to a unilateral rash. Therefore, it seems extremely unlikely that this rash is a manifestation of the acute retroviral syndrome. It is difficult to determine from the description given the exact cause of the rash....... The signs and symptoms of the acute retroviral syndrome are non-specific. There is no minimum number of signs and symptoms necessary for diagnosis, but fever (usually high) typically is present in over 90% of the cases, and multiple other signs and symptoms typically are present. These signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to: a non-specific, generalized rash; lymphadenopathy; pharyngitis; gastrointestinal complaints; hepatosplenomegaly; arthralgias and myalgias; headache. The rash, when present, is diffuse and not unilateral (one-sided)."

My rash was exactly the same as the person described his. With this one difference - mine wasn't unilateral. I had it on both sides of my body, almost like a carbon copy. This doctor says that HIV related rash is not one sided, and that made me worrk.

What do you think about this?

Did it itch slightly and feel like pins and needles? Maybe not though as it may have not been mature enough but it could possibly have been shingles a form of herpes that lives in the base of your spine, has no cure and comes and goes with high stress levels and depleted immune systems such as happens just before you get an illness of some sort.. Shingles is clusters of small blisters that look on the surface like a rash but if they get to maturity they become large painful blisters easily spread through contact so need to be taken very seriously but not as serious as HIV..

However HIV patients are very susceptible to shingles outbreaks and it is considered one of the determining symptoms of possible HIV infection..

This rash can also have a symmetrical look to it because it follows your nerve endings that contain a pattern that is somewhat consistent over your entire body..

Edited October 24, 2010 by WarpSpeed

[doublemint]

OMG...The same thing happened to me recently and let me tell you my story.

I was totally stupid and didn't use a condom one time. Exactly a week later I thought I came down with the flu but didn't think anything of it. Then a few days after getting the flu I came down with the symptoms of chlamydia (I'm a guy) and treated it myself by going to the pharmacy.

I was planning to get an HIV test sometime in the future so I was reading up about how long you have to wait when I came across the symptoms of the acute HIV infection that some of you have described here. I'd never heard of the acute symptoms before and it scared the living daylights out of me because they were so similar to the flu that i just had. I didn't have all the symptoms, but everything I read always said 'symptoms may include..."

So I did tons of more research and most sites said you have to wait 3 months for the test to be accurate but I found out about the virus load test that Sheryl mentioned that can detect the virus within 2 weeks of being infected. I went straight down to the Phaya Thai 2 Hospital at the Sanam Pao BTS station and had both the antibody and virus load tests done for just under 4000B. The next 3 days while waiting for the results were absolute hel_l and I went through the same phases of thought that the OP is going through. I spent most of my time in the gym to try and keep my mind off it.

Anyways, the antibody test was negative and the virus load was undetectable - the doc said the load is typically over 10,000 for an infected person and the detectable lower limit is 50, so being undetectable basically means I don't have it. What a relief! He said I don't have to get another antibody test in a few months but I'll probably get one anyways as part of a regular physical. I took the sheets with the results home with me so there's no question that those were the tests that were actually done. The feeling after that was almost like being born again and starting a new life.

I just had one question for the doctor - If the virus load test can detect the virus after just 2 weeks after infection, why do 1000's of ppl around the world have to wait 3 months for the antibody test? His reply was the test was time consuming and expensive and even in the States they don't use it for regular screening. Well, I'll tell you what - I'd gladly pay 4000B any day to avoid months of hel_l wondering if I had HIV!

To the OP - go down to the hospital I went to and you'll know in 3 days and it will just costs you over $100. Surely it's worth spending that to avoid all the pain in torture you're going through.

Edited October 25, 2010 by doublemint