Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does This Blood Report Indicate?
Question: Hi ,
I'm really worried lately that my symptoms are a result of having HIV and I'm too scared to test. I don't know if I'm suffering anxiety or something or I'm genuinely sick. I've had a feeling of a slight swell in my throat that often results in difficulty swallowing symptom. Although there are no physical lumps or bumps. I'm always feeling tired and run down and often get headaches. I was given acid reflux medication but so far has not helped my throat fully. The tissue inside of my cheeks in my mouth also feels a little swollen and soft but doesn't hurt and there are no marks.
Obviously the HIV worry comes from having unprotected sex with maybe 5 different females over the last 5 years, more specifically on a trip around Europe in 2013.
I've had normal blood tests and STI tests done which are negative and results are below.
Are these tests and my symptoms enough for you to suggest it's anxiety or is my worry a genuine concern.
I've listed here the results of my blood tests one done in 2015 and one in 2012.
Test done - 06/05/15. - 20/04/12
RBC 153. 167
PCV. 0.45. 0.46
MCV 85. 82
MCH. 28.9. 29.9
RDW. 12.6. 12.6
WCC. 6.3. 6.0
Neutrophils. 4.1. 3.5
Lymphocytes. 1.7. 1.7
Monocytes. 0.4. 0.4
Eosinophils. 0.1. 0.4
Platelets 351. 294
I'm really worried lately that my symptoms are a result of having HIV and I'm too scared to test. I don't know if I'm suffering anxiety or something or I'm genuinely sick. I've had a feeling of a slight swell in my throat that often results in difficulty swallowing symptom. Although there are no physical lumps or bumps. I'm always feeling tired and run down and often get headaches. I was given acid reflux medication but so far has not helped my throat fully. The tissue inside of my cheeks in my mouth also feels a little swollen and soft but doesn't hurt and there are no marks.
Obviously the HIV worry comes from having unprotected sex with maybe 5 different females over the last 5 years, more specifically on a trip around Europe in 2013.
I've had normal blood tests and STI tests done which are negative and results are below.
Are these tests and my symptoms enough for you to suggest it's anxiety or is my worry a genuine concern.
I've listed here the results of my blood tests one done in 2015 and one in 2012.
Test done - 06/05/15. - 20/04/12
RBC 153. 167
PCV. 0.45. 0.46
MCV 85. 82
MCH. 28.9. 29.9
RDW. 12.6. 12.6
WCC. 6.3. 6.0
Neutrophils. 4.1. 3.5
Lymphocytes. 1.7. 1.7
Monocytes. 0.4. 0.4
Eosinophils. 0.1. 0.4
Platelets 351. 294
Brief Answer:
You should go for HIV testing to relieve your anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your query and understand the concern you are worried about. Being your physician I will try to alleviate your fear.
I agree that you had risky encounter but the symptoms mentioned by you are non specific and not related to HIV. These may be due to anxiety or viral infection of upper respiratory tract because your blood and STI tests are also negative.
Don't get scared or worried about HIV because the risk of getting HIV is very low even from unprotected sex with positive individual. The best way to relieve your anxiety is to get tested so without any fear or tension go for HIV testing.
Having multiple sexual partners is high risk for HIV so as your friend I will advice you to stay away from such unsafe sexual practices to prevent the future risk of HIV or other STDs. Hope this info will help you. For any further query get back to me again and I am always available here to help you out straight way.
Thank You
You should go for HIV testing to relieve your anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your query and understand the concern you are worried about. Being your physician I will try to alleviate your fear.
I agree that you had risky encounter but the symptoms mentioned by you are non specific and not related to HIV. These may be due to anxiety or viral infection of upper respiratory tract because your blood and STI tests are also negative.
Don't get scared or worried about HIV because the risk of getting HIV is very low even from unprotected sex with positive individual. The best way to relieve your anxiety is to get tested so without any fear or tension go for HIV testing.
Having multiple sexual partners is high risk for HIV so as your friend I will advice you to stay away from such unsafe sexual practices to prevent the future risk of HIV or other STDs. Hope this info will help you. For any further query get back to me again and I am always available here to help you out straight way.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Hi , thanks for your kind words of wisdom.
Just wondering , what symptoms would be specific to HIV that would make you worry for me ?
Also , what type of viral infection or upper respiratory infection is possible ?
Appreciate your service
Just wondering , what symptoms would be specific to HIV that would make you worry for me ?
Also , what type of viral infection or upper respiratory infection is possible ?
Appreciate your service
Brief Answer:
Don't get anxious or worried.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
Fever for more than one month, unexpected and unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea for more than one month, soreness of mouth, anus or genitals are the specific symptoms of HIV. Consult ENT specialist for your throat problem and follow the treatment regime, you will be fine soon. Be relaxed and calm down.
Thank You
Don't get anxious or worried.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
Fever for more than one month, unexpected and unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea for more than one month, soreness of mouth, anus or genitals are the specific symptoms of HIV. Consult ENT specialist for your throat problem and follow the treatment regime, you will be fine soon. Be relaxed and calm down.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thanks so much. I definitely feel better. But I must admit I still feel worries that it could be HIV.
Final Q to you is about the TLC in which I had a resding of 1.7 (healthy range 1-4)
The fact that it has stayed exact between 2012 and 2015 does this totally rule out possible virus infection possibly got in 2013 or is the CD4 count totally separate test that is required?
Final Q to you is about the TLC in which I had a resding of 1.7 (healthy range 1-4)
The fact that it has stayed exact between 2012 and 2015 does this totally rule out possible virus infection possibly got in 2013 or is the CD4 count totally separate test that is required?
Brief Answer:
CD4 count is specific for HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
High TLC count is due to some infection and it is totally different from CD4 count which is specific for HIV only. Don't get worried as the risk is very unlikely so be relaxed and move ahead in life.
Thank You
CD4 count is specific for HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
High TLC count is due to some infection and it is totally different from CD4 count which is specific for HIV only. Don't get worried as the risk is very unlikely so be relaxed and move ahead in life.
Thank You
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
