Can HIV cause leg cramps and back pain as side effects?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have some concerns regarding my Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status. I was exposed six years ago, and since then, I have experienced mild symptoms such as night pruritus, leg cramps, headaches, and back pain. Last year, I underwent lung surgery for a lung carcinoid tumor. The recovery was slow, with night sweats, cough, pleurisy, and loss of appetite. I have taken several HIV antibody tests, all of which were negative. Additionally, I have had four polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quantitative tests, all undetectable. However, I still feel sick, experiencing digestive issues, oral candidiasis (Glabrata) that is Fluconazole-resistant, tiredness, cold sensations, tinnitus, insomnia, and elevated inflammation markers (D-dimer).

I have also checked my cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count four times, and it has been between 700 and 998, with a CD4/CD8 ratio of around 1.6.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You were exposed six years ago and have undergone numerous tests, all of which were negative, meaning no Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was detected. Despite experiencing various symptoms, including a lung carcinoid tumor, your tests remained negative even during a critical condition and surgery. Typically, in such situations, if HIV were present, it would flare up, and the test would turn positive. Additionally, your CD4 count is too good for an HIV-positive individual, as such high levels are not common in cases of HIV.

All the tests you have taken are conclusive, with an accuracy of 99.9 percent. There is no other way to detect HIV except through blood tests. Your symptoms may be concerning, but they are not related to HIV. It is you who is associating every symptom with that past exposure, whereas many other medical conditions could explain them. For absolute confirmation, a Western blot test is the only test for HIV that is 100 percent conclusive. One more thing to consider is that you have been alive and managing without antiretroviral therapy (ART), which in itself is proof that HIV is not possible in your case.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.