asked
I had protected vaginal intercourse with a high-risk woman. I received an RNA PCR test at 11 days post-exposure and combo ELISA tests at 26, 47, and 60 days post-exposure, all of which were negative. I'm in a foreign country and worried that these results might not be accurate. The doctor here says a combo test is conclusive at 6 weeks, but American agencies state it's not conclusive until 12 weeks. I've also had a cold and slight temperature fluctuations. Could these symptoms be related to HIV, and should I retest at 12 weeks or later?
February 29th, 2024
I took a shower after about 15 days and when I gently cleaned my ears with a Q-tip, a lot of orange stuff came out of my left ear. Since then, my left ear's hearing has been diminishing on and off. Why is this happening and what should I do?
September 14th, 2024
I'm a 63-year-old female with symptoms of bowel changes and a sore area on the left lateral side of my rectal area. I had a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy with biopsies that showed mild inflammation, but my doctor felt a small lesion or lump during an exam and is concerned. I'm scheduled for a biopsy under anesthesia on Monday. I'm worried I might have cancer. What could the lump be, and should I proceed with the biopsy?
April 20th, 2024
I have been experiencing a chronic sore throat that eases up and comes back, accompanied by a cough, occasional soreness on the side of my neck, and hoarseness in my voice. I have completed two rounds of antibiotics two months apart, but the doctor still doesn't know what is wrong. What tests should I be getting and what could this be?
July 30th, 2024
I had unprotected sex with my ex-girlfriend on September 25th. After 10 days, I developed a sore throat with irritation of the uvula, dizziness, and ear pain when swallowing, which have since mostly resolved. I'm concerned about HIV acute infection. My ex-girlfriend is a bodybuilder who claims to be clean and hasn't been with anyone in a long time. Are my symptoms worrisome for HIV? What are the odds of contracting HIV if she was on her period, assuming she is HIV-positive, from a single exposure of about 10 minutes? Should I get tested, and if so, when? Additionally, I have experienced a stiff neck, tension in the head, mild headaches, and mild dizziness. Could these be related to HIV or anxiety? Finally, I found mold in my apartment and have symptoms similar to mold exposure. Would this show up in my blood tests, and do I need a different type of test to check for mold exposure?
November 15th, 2023
After a sports activity, I have a tight lower back. Should I go for a sports massage, see an osteopath, or go to physiotherapy for immediate relief? How does MAT compare to these options?
July 9th, 2023