Question: i am a 55 YO male. I am worried about a potential exposure over 30 years ago of syphyllis that i want to rule out. I found out about 10 years ago that a prior relationship may have been exposed. During that time, while i cant recall all the details, i remember having a rash on my buttocks but not a chancre on penis or any rash on my hand or feet as symptoms described on line indicate. Regardless, i wanted to be sure and about 10 years ago i got a RPR test and it was negative.

Fast forwarding to now, I started to second guess the RPR test bc i read its not accurate in detecting late stage syphyllis which this would be if i had it. i read that only a lumbar puncture or CSF test is accurate.

Last month i got another RPR test and that too was negative. I am, however concerned bc im confused if im negative or not or if i need the lumbar puncture to verify which i really dont want to do.

ive recently have had to change my thyroid meds from nature thyroid to levothyroxine due to two episodes of atrial fib. During this transition i think the conversion dosage of 200 mcg was too high as ive experienced lots of tingling sensations, weight loss and general anxiety. my doctor just dripped the dosage down to 100mcg. During covid in the last few months Ive lost over lost over 20 lbs and also notice significant muscle loss in my arms, legs and body.

additionally i was tested last septemeber and had significant hearing loss in my left ear which i didnt know or realize or have any explanation for.

so, with the weigh loss, tingling sensations in my arms legs and face plus uncertainty around the muscle loss i started worrying again about potential late stage syphyllis.

is the RPR negative test sufficent to make me feel at ease that these symptoms are most likely from the thryoid adjustments or do i need further testing. i hage also been having fanthom smells of late and keep smelling smoke. i am headong to an ENT visit tonorrow ar Mayo Clinic.

please advise. im worried about this as ive read it could be very serious.

hi
thank you for your answer. so please confirm. if you had a negstvir rpr test regardless of how long from the time you may have been infected, you are okay and no need to worry?

thanks

hi
i never was infected. just had a possible convern from 30 years ago. so just to confirm, if i had negstive rpr tedt 10 years ago and another negative rpr last month im am ok?

thanks. jist want to be sure.