I'm a 29-yr-old hetero male who, in short, has been freaking myself out for the past week that maybe I've contracted HIV. My symptoms currently include acute sinus pressure, headaches, and most worrisome of all, what feels like a swollen lympth gland on the left side of my throat, and a canker sore on the inside of my lip that has persisted for roughly a week and has just begun to heal.

In early/mid July of this year, I had protected sex with a woman (used a condom) during a one-night stand. However, we both engaged in oral sex.

Earlier than that, maybe around May, I engaged in oral sex with another one-night stand (female) but there was no intercourse.

And prior to that, like two years ago, I had unprotected intercourse with a woman I met in Seattle.

I'm scheduled to see my doctor in two days, but of course, all this "research" I've been conducting on the Internet has worked my mind up (and has contributed to the appearance of further symptoms, such as upset stomach, depression, and diarrhea.)

You guys seem to know what you're talking about here. What's the likelihood of this being HIV? I know it's considered a difficult disease to get, but the appearance of that canker sore along with my past bahavior is scaring the heck out of me...

Thanks!

YOu've only had one unprotected sexual experience?! What are you a monk?! (kidding)

If those incidents you related here are the sum and total of your sexual experience then I would think that you are probably in the clear. First, the two oral experiences are considered no-risk to low-risk.

The incident two years ago is also, probably, low risk. However, it was unprotected, and thus a slight risk. However, you are doing the right thing except for one things. I'm glad you're talking to your doctor and glad your thinking about getting tested.

However, please please please, stay away from the internet when searching for symptoms to diagnose this disease. Primarily, because the symptoms for this disease mimics tons of other diseases and you just cannot rely on symtoms to determine whether or not you have HIV. OK? chris

Thanks for the response, Chris. And no, these aren't my only sexual experiences, they are just the ones that I feel might have been the riskiest, since I didn't know the women involved and wasn't in relationships with them.

And you're right about searching the Internet--I type in "canker sore" and the monitor seems to light up with HIV/AIDS URLs.

On a slightly different note, I've spent much of the morning reading other people's posts. I truly hope everything works out for the best for everyone here. And that you continue to do well, Chris. Thanks.

Dear wash: thanks for your kindness. I am really doing quite well. Just had labs this week and my t-cells have dipped slightly (but they are usually all of the map) and, most importantly, my viral continues to be non-detectible. Keep me posted on your issues and let me know what else I can do. Blessings, chris :wave:

Well.......i do understand the depression you have been facing but then all u need to do.......is test 13 weeks after your most recent questionable exposure........as for the Oral sex.....it's quite low risk!!!!!