Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 8/29/2008

Question
I am a 22 year old straight male who was drugged while at a bar and anally
raped. Immediately the next day I had an HIV test (for a baseline) and of
course the test was negative.  I have had one sex partner for the past 2 years.

I have been under intense stress worrying about HIV so I have had several  of
the common symptoms of HIV like headaches, loss of appetite, some muscle
aches, constipation. It's day 38 and I can eat though I'm usually not thinking
of food.  I also occasionally have headaches now but I take comfort in
associating them with constipation (which is hopefully cause by
stress...hopefully.) Is constipation an HIV symptom? Or is there still lubricant
in my anus??  I have had one bad night sweat.  I've been taking a sleep aid
and ibuprofen probably every other night.

I had an HIV test at 35 days.  I am trying to go to school and stay focused but
it's very difficult.  I plan to go back at day 56 for another test before going for
the 3 month test.

How much comfort can I take in the fact that my 35 day oraquick test came
back negative?

Everyone says something different. It's not like at day 89 you're body is gonna
say you have HIV right? I plan to go back at day 56 and finally at 3 months.

The nurse said I should come back in 3 MORE months...I was like "I ALREADY
WAITED A MONTH!! WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT 3 MORE!"  

Answer
Ok, I hope I can address all of your concerns.

The usual symptoms associated with HIV infection are flu-like symptoms and diarrhea (not constipation). And these are usually short lasting. Most HIV-related symptoms do not appear until years down the road.

Yes, you can take some comfort in your initial tests. The VAST majority of people will seroconvert by 3 months. Only a very small number take as long as 6 months to seroconvert- that is why it was suggested that you take an additional test at that time. We never know the people that will seroconvert quickly or those who will take longer.

I hope you are seeing a counselor about what happened. Im sorry to hear that and hope you are on your way to healing physically and emotionally.