Hi everyone, I am new to this board and this type of forum. My story is as follows. I am married with my first child on the way in November. In April, I went to a strip club with a bunch of guys and suffice to say got really drunk...believe it or not they had "private" booths where you get a little more attention...well one thing lead to another and I had unprotected sex with this stranger. I ask myself everyday what I was thinking and I dont have any answers. Im not that type of person but obviously something is wrong with me. Anyways, 35 days later I get a headache, diarrhea, fever, muscle fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in neck and nausea. Of course I panic and get tested on the 37th day. My symptoms are all but gone after two days. Test is negative. Now my life is hell and I get tested again at 7 weeks or 49 days. Test is negative. My obsession with thinking I have it is driving me crazy and my family who I told I had an exposure at work...I am a police officer to boot....nice morals huh? So I get tested again on the 70th day post incident...10 weeks...and was told today I am still negative...all the literature I read says that I am at least close to out of the woods but I still feel I have it..I am seeing a psychiatrist and working through this. What I would like is some feedback on what you guys and gals think...can it be a mere coincidence I had those symptoms? I know what I did was so wrong so no reason to jump on me...I have tortured myself every waking moment and will continue to do so for my actions. Please add some input and my thoughts are with all who are positive and are awaiting results. I have learned so much the past 10 weeks and pray that I am a changed healthy man. Thank you.

Hey man, welcome to this board. I have to say you have come to the best place possible,the people here are knowledgable and most of all comforting. They know so much and know exactly what you are going through, myself included on that score. As far as your health is concerned, the symptoms you described are not specific to HIV, they apply to almost anything and everything!HIV has no specific symptoms at all, read the other posts for clarification on this one, and the symptoms disappeared all too quickly to be indicative of your concerns. Plus your testing results are comforting because you have tested since the time you felt unwell and you would more than likely test positive long before now if there was a problem. Three months is seen as the standard for clearing in this so to reassure yourself test after three months has passed, and then walk away.

I am currently waiting out my window and this post has been an invaluable source of information and comfort during these dark times. I too hope that I come out of this experience unscathed and am allowed to help educate others in the manner I have just attempted :)

And no one here will ever judge you,I promise you that. They may give you a slap to bring you to your senses every now and then (Chris ;) ), but they will never ever judge.

How was that guys? (Sarah,Chris,Spectacular and Lost spirit,over to you)

I would say your fine, and remember symptoms mean nothing!!!Let go of the stress and worry, and you will be surprised! Easier said than done but listen to the guys here, they know what they are talking about.

One month left...keep posting.

Symptoms are not really a good indicator of HIV. I cannot tell yow how many people come on this board thinking they are positive because they have teh same exact symptoms they either read about on the net or just plain knew. Your test is VERY reassuring, and i'm sure that the guilt you're feeling is playing a huge role in this. Our midns are amazing things, if we're convinced enough, we can become pregnant or give ourselves HIV. Your negative test results are VERY reassuring. Anyhow, antibodies show up on a test when someone is experiencing ARS. Just hang in there, but i'm sure you're fine
-Sarah

spitfire, you will be in my prayers. I really don't know much at all about HIV symptoms, but I do know that a lot of what you are feeling could be a result of guilt. Is that possible? Like Sarah said, the mind is very powerful. I also know that your negative test result at 10 weeks is a good sign.

Hang in there - you are doing the right thing despite how hard it is. We're all here with you.

******

MrJon, I feel like a proud mama. :D :D :D

Well thank you momma :) I do try x

Thanks to everyone who replied. You have made me feel much better. Like I said if I come out of this healthy I will and am a changed man. There is so much more I want to appreciate and moreso help people that are afflicted with this disease. Im sure Ill be looking to you guys as to where to start. Again, thank you so much for your input. Your right the mind is so powerful and can cause so many physical changes in your body. JUst since yesterday when I got the good news I feel "alive" again and my chest not as heavy. Anyways, Ill be a regular to this board now so thanks for the welcome!

Good man,I am staying on the board to and intend to do so for a very long time!

Hey Everyone, thanks again for your help. Is it true that once u have ARS then you should start producing detectable antibdies? I had ARS on the 33-35th day and was tested on the 49th and 70th day and came back negative. Shouldnt I have tested for antibodies if this is true? Or am I reading this wrong? Does it matter if a person is very healthy and active as I am. Would it take longer or quicker to produce? Thanks and hope all is well.

Im under the impression that if the body is undergoing ARS then antibodies should be detecable, but im not sure.Get tested at the three month mark to be sure and then shut the door on this chapter...

Yes, MrJon is right...you're so close, it's almost a safe bet to say your negative, but if you're going by the books,you should test again. And it's always a good idea, just to be sure. It'll be a tough period to get through, but once it's done, you'll come out much stronger, and a much better person. I think we all have, whether our result has been +/-
Sarah