It's amazing how life can turn tragic so suddenly. On the evening of March 16th 2003 I had protected vaginal intercourse and gave unprotected oral sex to a lady friend that I started seeing. The next morning I showered a french-kissed her good-bye for we both had to go to work. The following weekend I had dinner with a mutual friend where I was informed that my lady friend is HIV positive - I was devasted. I'm sure I was infected if not from the oral, the french-kiss. We both just recently brushed our teeth where both our gums could have been bleeding.

The reason I say I'm definately infected is because I am having too many symptoms related to early infection that fall in-line with the ARS time-line. They are as follows:

1ST WEEK:
- No Symptoms

2ND WEEK:
- Pain in chest when a deep breath was taken.
- Loss of appetite (especially after the devastating. news).
- Minor sore throat (1 wk).
- Slight burning on tongue (1 wk sensation).

3RD WEEK:
- 24 hour rash - inner left knee (red/blotchy and itchy)it then completely disappeard.
- White coating on tongue.

4TH WEEK:
- Noticed small painless bump in groin (split peanut size) directly above my penis (most probaby swollen node).
- Loose stool for 5 days.
- About 5 occurences of spiking (sudden rise in body temp).
- Minor headaches.

5TH WEEK:
- 6 LBS. Lost
- Tongue now has white build-up in the back.

6TH WEEK:
- Joint pain (behind knees/elbows/hips) 1 wk.

7TH WEEK:
- Minor aches and pains.

8TH WEEK:
- Numbness in left hand, sometimes in the right hand also.
- Discomfort in left armpit.

9TH WEEK:
- Minor cold (sneezing and coughing).

I've tried to contact the lady but she won't answer my calls. I feel like such a fool, I usually talk about STDs with anyone I plan to be intimate with, but I stupidly let my guard down. I plan to wait the full 90 days (13 wks) to get tested which is on June 17th although I know what the result will be - the joints in my fingers hurt just typing this message.

Have you had any tests to date. I would recommend trying one. Most people show Antibodies 6-8 weeks. If you show negative then it may help you get through the next few weeks. If you want it to be anonymous, you may want to try the "Home Access" HIV test. You may be surprised by the results. I hope so.

In addition to the symptoms that I've already had or is having, my skin is dryer and itcher then normal; it's also more sensative. It burns in certain areas when I shower and use lotion.

I know you may think these are typical HIV signs, but not necessarily. It could be a number of things. Everyone's body is going to respond differently, but my friend is 6+ yrs positive and her only symptoms, one time were strep throat and fever of 104 that lasted about 2 wks. That's all!!! For the man that infected her...he's at about 10 yrs now and he's just now getting sick from it and he's never been on medication. Performing oral sex is low risk for transmission and unless you both scrubbed your teeth then your gums probably didn't bleed, unless you have a gum disease. I don't think you should worry about it until you have a test. Easier said then done...I know!! If you are having that many symptoms then you should take a test now...kind of a baseline. Then do it at your 3 mo and 6 mo mark.

Shattered, even though this lady might be HIV+ there is still VERY low risk in oral, and no risk in kissing. Saliva actually acts as a barrier to the virus. You were very smart to wear a condom. Although you are scared from this encounter you were very smart in using a condom. This likely prevent infection. All the other symptoms you are experiencing are probably not HIV related. The more you stress yourself out over this the more sick you will become. Get a baseline test now if you want 60 days is enough time for a very good level of accuracy, then retest at 90 days.

Also its against the law in some states to knowingly expose people to HIV. She may have a legal obligation to tell you. After you test and get your negative results, maybe give your local police dept a call and see what the laws are.

Good luck.

From what you describle you risk was very very low unless she was on her period. Saliva does act as a barrier against HIV that why they say you can't get it through drinking behind someone. By the way lymph nodes are not located directly abouve your penis trust me I know my doctor explanined this to me,they are in the pelvic area. You will 100% for sure test neg french kissing after brushing your teeth,nothing major to worry about because when you rinse your mouth any blood was probaly washed away.

From what you describle you risk was very very low unless she was on her period. Saliva does act as a barrier against HIV that why they say you can't get it through drinking behind someone. By the way lymph nodes are not located directly abouve your penis trust me I know my doctor explanined this to me,they are in the pelvic area. You will 100% for sure test neg french kissing after brushing your teeth,nothing major to worry about because when you rinse your mouth any blood was probaly washed away.

Its been 3weeks since I had unprotected sex with a girl I met at a party and I am experiencing similar symptoms.

The 1st week I had really bad night sweats and a pimple like rash in the groin area.I also had mild fever and loose stool.

Now after 3 weeks I'm still having loose stool groin rash(non itchy and non painful). fever and night sweats are gone.Also dry cough.

Thank you all so much for your input, a little glimmer of hope has been restored. My prayers are with everyone on this board and those infected with HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

JAKESC:
No, I haven't been tested to date. I figure I would wait because I didn't want to give myself false hope, now I'll probably change my mind.

NORMOCRAZY:
Yes, my symptoms are typical, that is what's driving me crazy - they are too specific.

Over the past two weeks, I managed to do some of the things I use to do - life still goes on and the bills have to be paid.

TEMPERAMENTAL:
Thank you. Hopefully my symptoms are not HIV related. I am thinking about getting an early test and perhaps some counseling - just in case.

20:
Thank you very much for the info on the lympth nodes and blood transmission, I'm sure it will also be helpful to others who read this post.

m1:
Hopefully your symptoms are non-HIV related. What does your rash look like? I read today that skin irrations can be ignited by stress and anxiety.

Thanks so much to you all. All your input is so valuble.

First of all,
Chest pain- anxiety
loss of appetite after the news- anxiety
24hr rash with blotches/itch -ever hear of anxiety induced hives.
All tongues have some coating on them.
There are no lymph nodes above your penis.

Your diagnosis is irrational fear of HIV with anxiety attacks. Relax. Enjoy life and forget about it. You will be celebrating at your 3 month test.

Hello Everyone:

I got my 90 day test results and they were NEGATIVE – I literally cried and thanked Jesus. These last 90 days made me realize how fragile life is, and what ever decision we make not just sexually can tramatically turn out bad and change our lives forever. Although I really won’t relax until my six month HIV test result is received I’m going to cherish every moment; every person near and dear in my life and constantly remember not to take the smallest gifts that God gives us everyday for granted. I will continue to pray but these 90 days seem to have aged my 5 years – the anxiety has really beaten me down.

I’m going to continue to do my research on HIV/AIDS not only for myself but the help others.

shattered,

anxiety can do so much to a person both mentally and physically. Just like a lot of people on this board I have dealt with a lot of the fear of hiv anxiety. I tested negative and my girlfriend tested negative 4+ months after her last possible exposure and I still have some anxiety so my girlfriend is getting tested after 6 months. Try not to worry. You tested negative and in almost certainly you will tested negative at 6 months. Good luck and take care.

Hi Shattered

Sooooo happy for you. This proves that symptoms are not pridictive of infection. As a matter of fact your symptoms were/are classic of a Worried Well. Even the hallmark ARS symptoms od fever and rash are not a good indication.

I'll tell you what, it sure opens your eyes to go through something like this. I went through the same thing and continuosly tested negative. I had many more symptoms then you. Boy, it sure taught me to play it safe though.

dont worry if test is negative in 90 days then it is negative i was also worrying after my 3 mo test but im negative again in 18 week dont worry

Shattered,

Congratulations!!! I hope you can get on with your life now. Don't forget to be safe and test at 6 months. I am so happy for you and thank you for including God and prayers in this board. So many can use it especially going through similar times as you (and me too)...