Why do symptoms remain even after negative HIV tests?

Hi, Doctor,

After 15 months of unprotected sex, I went for an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test called the Comb AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) test, but the result came back negative for both HIV-1 and 2. Again, after three months, I redid the test, but even this time, the result was negative. I was not satisfied, so I went for an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, and again, the results came back negative. I consulted two general physicians, who told me that I do not have HIV. But I am still worried because of the symptoms that I have. I am a male who weighs 136.6 lbs, and I am 6 feet tall.

The symptoms I am having are severe weakness, ulcers in my mouth and tongue, fatigue, pain in my legs while sleeping, itching in the private part, an occasional sore throat, occasional itching and pain in my ears, and black spots on my back. I remember having loose motions after a week of unprotected sex. At that time, the doctor told me that I had food poisoning and that I was alright after taking medicines.

1. Are these HIV tests done by me reliable?
2. Was the loose motion caused by HIV?
3. Is it possible that my immune system was too weak to detect antibodies during my HIV test?
4. Should I go for another test, such as the PCR RNA (Polymerase Chain Reaction Ribonucleic Acid) test?

Please help me; I am worried. Your kind response will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi, Doctor,

I have some more questions. Please reply. I used to pee frequently, and it produced a foul smell. It makes me feel that I may be HIV positive. I am taking a medicine called Amroid, which I think is a herbal or ayurvedic product, to cure my piles problem. I hear that when HIV becomes AIDS, the HIV antibody test result is negative. So, I am wondering if I may be at the AIDS stage. Honestly, I have no high-risk exposure after the unprotected sex dating 15 to 16 months back.

1. Is there any chance that the mentioned medicine would have made my HIV test false negative?
2. Are Comb AIDS tests and ELISA negative after 15 to 16 months of unprotected sex?
3. Is it too late to detect antibodies?
4. As you have assured me that there is no need for further testing, what do you think about the PCR RNA test?
5. Should I go for that test, or do I not need to do that?

I might be confusing you through my long statements, but I really need your help. I am very worried. I would be grateful if you would take a serious look at my case and give me a detailed reply.

Thank you.

Hi, doctor,

I have a few more questions.

1. Which generation is the Comb AIDS test?
2. Is it the third or fourth generation?
3. What about doctors suggesting a PCR RNA test?

A doctor told me that it is safe to say that I am HIV-negative, but if I want to be sure, then I had better go for a PCR RNA test. I got alarmed by that. But I also heard from other sources that a PCR RNA test is not required after six months of possible exposure. What do you say about this issue?

I am physically a weak person, so is there any chance that my body did not produce any antibodies to detect HIV during the Comb AIDS and ELISA tests? I am not very sure about the last exposure, but I am sure that the maximum time passed is 18 months.

Then what is the cause of my problems, such as ulcers in the mouth, throat pain, itch pain in my ears, black and red spots on my back, itching on the private part, pungent smell of urine, and extreme fatigue, waking up suddenly at night while sleeping? I have never experienced extreme fatigue like this before.

Would you please give the patient a reading and reply?

Thank you.