Is it possible to have HIV after being celibate for 13 years? I know I should go to the doctor but wanted opinions first. I have blurred vision, shortness of breath, weight loss bad petichae (bruising) and recurring vaginal infections. What do you think, Thanks Dyana

Dyana: yes it is possible to be HIV+ after thirteen years. However, it would seem highly irregular that you would be asymptomatic for thirteen years or until now without treatment.

I can't even begin to suggest that blurred vision is an HIV symptom because then everyone would, at one time or another, consider themselves HIV+.
THe weight loss (how much weight have you lost?) could be, but it also could be so many other things. The vaginal infections? How frequent? How severe? ANd what do you do to treat them? In other words, could it be a flare-up of the same infection that has never been treated and, therefore, has always been around? The petechia is more related to issue like thrombocytepenia or other blood dyscrasia issues.

So, when was the last time you talked to your doctor? When was the last time that you had a simple CBC (blood test), vaginal swab, etc? While I don't know your past sexual history or recreational drug history, it would seem to me to be a good place to start. AFter you see him/her, then, get HIV tested. You cannot treat what you don't know or hasn't been diagnosed. And what hasn't been diagnosed and isn't treated, could kill you. chris

thanks Cflas for responding. I am not a drug user and have been celibate for 13 years. My last partner was quite promiscus before me. I left him cuz he was violent. Yes I have had a CBC test and it was normal. Doctor thought maybe I had cancer. I have lost 30 pounds in 2 years and eat normally. I bruise badly, have night sweats etc. The big problem is the "yeast infection" that I have. I don't know for sure because I have not had an exam down below for 13 years either. I burn and itch till I draw blood. Sorry to be so graftic. Over the counter stuff does not help. I have tried yeast remedies etc. till the cows come home. Nothing helps. I was just wondering and I know I should be seen, at least have blood and urine checked. I have other health issues, severe back problems that are at the point I may have to go on SSD.
Once again thank you, Dyana

go to the doctor and get some prescription yeast infection medicine.
I like terazol, it usually works for me. The overthecounter stuff (monistat), just doesn't work for me either.

Dyana: Seriously, a CBC isn't going to give you a positive or a negative results with regards to HIV.

As for the yeast infections. Dyana is absolutely correct. SInce it appears as though you haven't dealt with this issue, I suspect that this is not a recurrent problem but one that hasn't gone away at all. Topicals and over-the-counter meds will not do the trick. Diflucan, Nizoral, or Terazol have to be prescribed by the doctor. Why are you waiting?

But, the ultimate issue is that you don't seem to be addressing your fears and concerns about HIV. Why don't you get tested?

Is this just a major issue of denial or what? chris

Chris, thanks again. No it is not an issue of denial. I went to the doctor 2 years ago and he gave me diflucan and something else but I don't remember. It went away only to return and stay. I am 51 and have been to a doctor once in 15 years. I just don't do doctors. And yes at my age I should just go get tested common sence huh? I have just tried to treat myself in many ways. Health is just diminishing and it has been a question that I have thought
about. Insurance dropped me cuz of bad back disease so I am short on $ when trying to pay major med bills from back surgery. I am going to be forced into SSD to get any assistance. So please don't think I am in denial, I just have WHITE COAT symdrome. Hugs to all, Dyana

Ahh its understandable about being scared. i never used to go to the dr either. i actually went over 8 years before getting myself checked "down there" and the only reason why i did was because i was pregnant. i even suffered through 15 years of daily migraines and never went to the dr until about 6 months ago because they are getting so intense that i forget what im doing or where im at.

after different meds the headaches are still here. not as bad though. ive gone to severe ones every day down to maybe one a month and im happy BUT everyone was telling me to go see a chiropractor and always said NO WAY..just so happens one had an exhibit set up and was doing free scans over in PA so i did it and as for 2 being the highest im a 1 1/2. so i made an appointment with one over here where i live in NY and sure enough. i have 18 vertabrae out of place. my xrays were weird to look at. my neck is straight as an arrow instead of curved. ive been dealing with pinched nerves in neck and up into the left lide of my head for this many years. Chiropractor asked me how i dealt with the pain for that long (since over the counter drugs dont help). i said i was afraid to go see him.

So i guess what im trying to tell you is. please go to the dr incase this is something that could be easily dealt with early instead of waiting until its severe,

If you are low on money there should be free clinics. most states,..towns etc have them.

Good luck