Questions regarding possible HIV infection
Hello everyone,
I’d like to start a rather private discussion about a possible HIV infection. I’m a 32-year-old male. About 54 days ago in Thailand, I was drugged with knockout drops, robbed, and raped. I don’t want to go into too many details, but I noticed blood on my genitals and fingers (perhaps I got blood in my mouth?). Anyway, about 30 hours after the possible exposure, I went to the hospital because I couldn't stop thinking about the situation. Once there, I got examined, and the doctor prescribed me PEP medication. I had to take it for 28 days. About 16 days into the PEP treatment, I noticed a white discharge at the tip of my genital area. I immediately went to the hospital, and it turned out that I had gonorrhea. I started treatment with an injection and 7 days of pills. After the treatment (day 23 of PEP), the test was supposedly negative, although a few gonorrhea bacteria remained?! I have to admit that while I took the pills every day, I didn’t always take them at the same time. A few days later, I did another test with the same result. The doctor urged me to do another 7-day treatment without the injection, which I completed successfully and on time. By then, I had also finished the PEP treatment. However, a few days after the gonorrhea treatment, I noticed there was still something wrong. I waited because the doctor said it needed time to heal. Two weeks after PEP, I noticed gonorrhea discharge again at the tip of my genitals. Moreover, 16 days after PEP, I suddenly experienced severe pain in my arm, shoulder, and neck region. The pain was intense and lasted for four days, so I went to the hospital to get checked out. Everything seemed fine with my joints, so I had an HIV test done (3 weeks after PEP), and it came back negative. The pain persisted for another five days. I realized that it wasn’t muscle pain but rather swollen lymph nodes under my arms, in my upper arms, and behind my shoulders. After about 9 or 10 days, yesterday, the swelling suddenly subsided. It doesn’t hurt as much now, and I can move my head and body better, though the swelling is still somewhat noticeable but much more bearable. Since the swelling began about 16 days after finishing PEP, I’m worried it could be a sign of a possible HIV infection. What’s your take on this? I didn’t have a fever or swollen lymph nodes in my neck, and I haven’t had any rashes. But I’ve read that you should wait 6 weeks after PEP to do an HIV test. My first test was only 3 weeks after PEP. Can any of you share your experience or offer advice? I’m a bit worried as I may need to come to terms with this situation.
Hi
. What you describe is certainly a traumatic experience. I need to note that we are not medical professionals and, for your protection, cannot give medical advice over the internet. I do want to note that HIV testing after PEP should be taken 4 to 6 weeks after the potential exposure and again at three months (see https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hiv-aids/pep and https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hiv/prevention/hiv-post-exposure-prophylaxis-or-hiv-pep for example). This would mean that your negative test is within this window. Of course, the follow up test would still be recommended. I also want to note that a gonorrhea infection can result in swollen lymph nodes (see: https://www.health.com/gonorrhea-symptoms-7368800).
Concerning trauma, I also want to let you know that you are not alone. Our patient leader DeKeitra wrote about a somewhat similar experience here and overcoming trauma: https://h-i-v.net/living/overcoming-trauma-and-finding-purpose. Please know that if the time comes that you need it help and support is available. I hope this information is helpful and that you continue to get the care you need. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Alafia (Peace
I am so glad you found the courage to reach out to us here at H-I-V.net. I am sorry to hear about what you have experienced. It seems like you have done all you can with regards to being tested. Have you received the results from the test you have taken? Coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis takes time. Do know that it is a manageable condition. Please let us know how you are doing and how things turn out. We are here for you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
