Right, this is getting silly.....

1) i KNOW im fine, logically, on the advice i've got and all other factors...

however...

2) past week or so, been feeling run-down, armpits achy, sore throat, neck & back achy - and past couple of days, been feelin 'ill' - approximately 8wks "post-exposure".

(oh, also had an odd rash on my left arm - around the bicep area - somewhat like red 'spots' not raised or itchy or anything - and also teh same on my shoulders)

((also also.... have had about 3 mouth ulcers in the last month))

Now.... even though logic says, "dude, you've got a virus, or a cold, or somethign of that nature" - my past 'research' on the internet (note: i've been staying off symptom checking, but cant forget what ive remembered)

says...

ARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

however.... im pretty sure ALL the above can also be attributed to stress

Mate nothing more can be said than what you know. You are clued up enough now to know that this could not possibly be ARS due to the fact that you had no real risk to begin with! ARS, btw can only occur a couple of weeks post exposure, and it disappears, if it even occurs at all. Your near the finish line dude, so smile :) HIV is not the only thing out there, I still have swollen glands and have had for ages! Im thinking CMV right now, but Im not a doctor so I will speak with him. Symptoms mean jack. Im negative and thats that :)

you know al the rubbish ive mentioned above, rash etc etc etc etc - im guessing you had all those too when u were stressed?

ps - the thing thats makin this even sillier..... i know the facts - and even though symptoms mean jack.... still worried beyond belief!

that's the crazy part of it...we know when we're being ridiculous but we can't stop perseverating on the "what ifs..." I even have played this game: "What if I'm wrong and I really am dieing." These are the things that keep therapists in Mercedes Benzes.
SOmetimes it is best NOT to trust your gut. chris

I cant tell you how many times a day the rational part of me fights with the insane part of me...I have this mole thats really scaring me, and I've convinced myself that its malignent, and that it's caused a brain tumor...we're all going to be scared, go crazy think illogically, but it's just not right...I've learned the hard way, don't freak out until you a) REALLY have to or b)a doctor tells you to....too many times i've been the girl who's cried wolf, and it's not fun
You're okay
-S-

that's the crazy part of it...we know when we're being ridiculous but we can't stop perseverating on the "what ifs..." I even have played this game: "What if I'm wrong and I really am dieing." These are the things that keep therapists in Mercedes Benzes.
SOmetimes it is best NOT to trust your gut. chris

I completely agree!

p.s. Chris, I'm so frustrated about our friend's needs...

that's SO right you know - im sure, an online porsche & mercedes dealer on this site would do a roaring trade.

I think i've just got to make the conscious decision that i DO have my health, you know? i go to the gym 3/4 times a week - generally im pretty well (apart from a STINKING cold at the moment) ((ps: note... i said "cold" and not ARS... progress!)) and ultimately, doctors & advisors DO know best.

I can totally relate to the brain tumor worry. I was CONVINCED for a while that i had a brain tumor, turns out it was actually really bad sinus problems - which the doc had said from day one - but i wouldn't accept that fact until they sent me for an MRI....

The rash on your bicep could be because your arms are developing, it happens to me.