I had neuro syphilis (rash lost some hearing stage 2 i believe it was) about 2 years ago and went on atripla at that time. There was a few months (from December 2012 until about June 2013) i was off the meds due to my insurance/cost etc. Back in October 2012 i had all my blood was negative for syphilis and all numbers were great. In March i had a sinus/ear infection went to the Doc and he gave me Bactrim and ear drops at that time ears never cleared up so went back in May (since they weren't really bothering me other than hearing) noticed no signs of anything else....I did have sex twice in this period (Nov 2012/March 2013) since my hearing is giving me issues (ringing same as when i had syphilis) and i did go back on the Altripla a few weeks ago my question is i feel like i have syphilis again. I read Atripla can conger up "old" infection symptoms but i worry that because i was on an antibiotic when they tested for it it may have come back as a false negative? The ear nose and throat Doc then also had me on a steroid which has given me blurry vision (sopped that of course) no other symptoms/rash headache etc but boy it sure feels the same. Should i do a spinal tap to be sure since on the antibiotics still? I worry about being off the meds and how quickly it can "spread" never saw a rash or cancher either but those can go unnoticed i've read.......freaking i may go total deaf and blind here
2015-02-12 05:29:14
Taking Atripla obviously you have HIV. Can you say more about it (viral load CD4 count how long you have had it)? Also give me some more information about your neurosyphilis 2 years ago. Did you have a spinal tap to confirm the diagnosis? How were you treated? What were your initial blood test results (RPR titer in particular) and were follow-up blood tests done to show the treatment was effective? And have any new syphilis blood tests been done recently? Regardless of what information you can provide my main advice is that you definitely need to see the doctor or clinic managing your HIV infection. The relationship between syphilis and HIV/AIDS is very complex and both can cause similar central nervous system symptoms. The symptoms you describe must not be taken lightly; you need are correct to worry that your hearing eyesight and other neurological functions may be in jeopardy. You need personal professional care without delay preferably by an HIV/infectious diseases specialist but for sure by someone within the next few days. To some of your specific comments and questions: "Atripla can conger up old symptoms": you may be referring to IRIS ("immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome"). Sometimes after starting ARV therapy the improved immune system reacts to existing infections making symptoms worse or causing a latent infection to flare up. Bactrim has no effect on syphilis but systemic steroid therapy could be a problem either for syphilis or HIV. I can't comment on the possible need for a spinal tap -- that would be a professional decision after careful examination and review of the kind of information I have requested above. Let me know the missing information as best you can and I may have further advice. But I repeat that regardless of what I say you need to see an expert right away. I'll be interested to hear how it goes after you have done that.
2015-02-12 05:30:05
