Resolved question:
Hi, I'm a 27 year old female and have been in reasonably good health until lately. I've been undergoing a number of tests lately to try and figure our what is going on. Have had diarrhea in the mornings for about 3 months (dr thinks IBS), headaches for about 5 weeks, concentration issues for about 3 weeks, numbness in my legs when lying down for 2 weeks and a swollen right occipital lymph node for 1 week (have noticed that I have dandruff and what seem to be pimples in my hair). Another thing is I have a light brown splotch above my upper lip that I've always considered to be a melasma a It appeared when I switched from implanting to the pill but apparently this is also a sign of hiv. I've had a complete blood work up, specifically including white blood cells, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function. I have not however had any tests for hiv and other std's, etc. I realised yesterday that some of my symtpoms correlate with hiv. I having a blood test today but won't get the results until mid next week. I am wanting to know if I did have hiv would something have shown up in the inflammatory marker, white blood cell, liver and kidney tests if hiv had already progressed as far as it has to cause the above symtpoms. Also, the time frame since exposure would only be about 2.5 years. Is that reasonable for hiv to progress that quickly. I just need some answered for my own peace of mind seeing as my symtpoms correspond with hiv but also other conditions as well. Thank you.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
HIV- AIDS Specialist
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
I have gone through your medical history and description of the symptoms. These symptoms are NOT specific or suggestive of HIV infection. However as you might know in order to be sure 100% you will need to get the test results. Chronic diarrhoea is a suggestive symptom but you have morning only diarrhea which could be from a functional bowel problem.
One or two swollen nodes does not have any serious implications (denotes local infection or inflammation). Other symptoms are not diagnostic of HIV.
Regarding the blood tests, yes it is very much possible that the WBC, the inflammatory markers all can remain normal even with a HIV infection. But in general pattern within 2-3 years of HIV acquisition there will be some specific signs or symptoms. You seem to be lacking them and that is the reason I feel you are NOT likely to be HIV positive.
However a conlsuive opinion will need the test result at hand
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups / clarifications.
Thank you