[Question #6692] Steroids and testing
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65 months ago
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Hi, I'm sorry to find myself back but I would like to ask a question in regards to my test results. I tested positive for TB threw blood sample and negative sputum but I did test postive for MAC threw the sputum. I have been taking steroid injections the past year in my shoulder for inflammation every three months the last one was 7 months ago. Can steroids mask infections in the blood? I'm not being treated for TB or Mac because it didn't show on the xray. I've lost over 50lbs now and my weight and physical appearance is deteriorating. I'm in constant pain from intermittent headaches, stiff neck, facial pain, muscle twitching, joint and muscle pain and weakness. I'm worried something is being missed and would like your thoughts.
Thank you..
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
65 months ago
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Welcome back, but sorry you found it necessary -- especially since everything you ask here was answered in your previous thread, either directly or with understanding of those replies. Here are three quotes from our last discussion:
"There are no co-infections or any medical condtiions -- NONE -- that cause these test results to be false. Also no medications that can do this.""The various HIV tests -- some of them individually and all of them when done in combination -- are among the most accurate diagnostic tests ever developed, for any medical condition. When done sufficiently long after the last exposure, the results overrule all other considerations: no matter how high the risk of infection at the time, and no matter how typical one's symptoms might seem to be, the test results tell the truth. Your results are 100% conclusive....""it's clear you have a significant medical problem -- or maybe more than one." And "You definitely should be seeing a physician to figure out what's going on and how to address it."
Don't get me wrong. I'm definitely not denying you have significant symptoms that might indicate a serious health problem, perhaps more than one. The statement about medications includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs, even if given in far higher doses than used to inject joints. But despite your sexual exposure to an HIV infected person, these problems are not the result of HIV or any other STD from that relationship. Some of your symptoms might be explained by your obvious stress, anxiety, or perhaps depression about that relationship, something to discuss with your doctor(s). But not to any infection. As for other potential causes, this forum is strictly limited to HIV and other STDs. I have nothing to say about other possible conditions that may explain any of this.
I'm sorry I can't give you the definitive answers you seek, but that's what your doctors are for. I hope these comments are a little bit helpful.
HHH, MD
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65 months ago
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Thank you.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
65 months ago
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You're welcome. Thanks for the thanks.---