Hello, everyone. Scouring the internet, ever as I have been doing of late for new information, I replied to this discussion forum since this experience is so very close to mine. I hope to inform and help, if at all possible. To answer your question, the PCR HIV test is a test designed to look for a protein attached to the RNA strain of HIV itself. This tests effective window period ranges from 24 to 72 hours after your estimated exposure episode, and is intended to be followed up with your common antibody oraquick or Elisa test in the following months. The fact that it tested negative is a real encouraging sign, so far.
My experience is dated practically the same time as AN_246...'s, back in the summer. It was a possible oral transmission intact with a incidental bit lip which may have opened myself up for an infection. Within two days time, incredibly too soon considering, I understand, I developed a nasty case of muscle spasms, shivering episodes, ulcers, acne, and diaphoresis (lots of sweating), and diarrhea - similar to gastroenteritis. Within a weak, I got a full-blown flu: high fever, rash, muscle and joint aches, weakness, thirst, dizzy episodes, swollen lymph nodes (neck), and headaches. Once more, this suspected ARS flu came a week before expectation. The mainstay of the flu lasted two weeks, but a reduced fever, headache, rash, and dizzy episodes persisted for a total of 3 moths.
Unfortunately, the culprit which was causing some of the problems was fear, stress, and anxiety itself. Anxiety can cause some types of inflammatory problems, like in my case - central serous. That's right, I worried myself partially blind, although that is healing to some degree. Anxiety can also weaken your immune system, and cause many other problems in your life, and your ability to fight infection. Speaking from my own experience, searching for information and getting routine tests will help allay that anxiety. However, the persistant and chronic symptoms which cannot be easily explained or treated have a nasty affect of stressing me out again and bringing me into the fold of searching for more information to rationalize said symptoms; hence, I arrived to this disccusion forum
So far, I have tested out with Elisa when I went in to the urgent care during the flu episode at week 1 - negative, at 5 weeks with an oraquick - neg, at 2 months with Elisa again - neg, and at 4 months with another oraquick - neg. Statistically, it looks very good, for me. I am being diligent by waiting to test again at 6 months, which should be conclusive enough, and again at 1 year, just to be extra sure - given the ever-so-small chance that I am not one of those statistical outliers. I hope this helps. I would like to thank people like Gail for taking the time and effort to inform the public and reduce their worries, and I hope things turn out well for all of us.View Thread