Worried Sick - HIV Prevention Message Board

Ladymarmalade · 08-25-2005, 01:43 AM

Hey,
I hope someone can help me rest my fears. You see, from childhood, I've had a very very weak upper respiratory system and been allergic to almost anything powdery, talc, dust, pollen etc. I get these nasty colds after any brief exposure.

Okay so you know the say HIV infection is usually charaterized by flu like symptoms? I've engaged in quite risky behavior in the past and now I'm wondering which of my bouts of flu were triggered by my allergies? Or could one of them been triggered by HIV exposure? I am so so worried... to top it off, last month my tonsils got so badly enflamed but with no other symptoms? And now I'm thinking, could it be HIV?

Please help me, someone tell me I have nothing to worry about?

MrJon · 08-25-2005, 04:27 AM

Hello

Symptoms mean nothing. That, my dear, is to be your new mantra. I hate to keep going back to myself as an example regular readers, but I had every symptom in the book that can be suggested as a indication of HIV infection. And I have tested negative twice now, and so has the girl I was worried about. I have damaged my body from the stress and prodding and poking I have put it through. This post can certainly help with quantifying risk and helping with support, in fact we are pretty damn good at that, but any medical diagnosing is to be done by a doctor.So, what I am saying is that a test is the only indication of your status, undertaken three months post exposure for a concrete result, although there are exceptions to this. Those who are gonna test positive usually do about 4-6 weeks post exposure. Anybody that is gonna take longer to do so are IV drug users, chemo patients or transplant patients. If you wonder whether you have a severly compromised immune system, then you probably don't. You know if you do. Hope that pre-empts(sp?) any forthcoming questions.

What sort of risks have you had? If you don't mind telling, we don't mind helpin'!

Ladymarmalade · 08-25-2005, 07:06 AM

Thanks for your response MrJon, it makes me realize I am not the only one with these fears.

Well you asked what kind of risky stuff I have exposed myself to in the past? Well it’s nothing out of the ordinary, but the thing is, it’s just been plain risky. Okay like two years ago, I had unprotected sex with a total stranger I met at a party. I was totally plastered of course, but he never ejaculated in me? Then shortly after, I met some guy I had unprotected sex with (again!) like twice and he too never came inside of me? then some time early last year, I met my boyfriend and him and I have been having unprotected sex (yes, again…) and I’m afraid to say, he does *** inside me. I am not so sure of his past (as he is not of mine) and it just worries me sometimes that I can put myself at such risk? I am not really a bad girl, just found myself in sticky situations trying to find a soul mate I guess.

One thing, I am dead scared of doing an HIV test? What if it comes out positive? What happens then? I think I would totally be torn apart… don’t you think it’s better not to know?

SPECTACULAR · 08-25-2005, 07:21 AM

I've been even more risky than you (if you can imagine) and I came out negative. Keep the faith - you can survive anything...even if you were to test positive that wouldn't be the end (as you'll learn if you stick around here).

Be strong and get tested...worrying and wondering isn't going to do you any good. You don't want to waste all this time wondering "what if...?"

MrJon · 08-25-2005, 01:04 PM

What ifs are the worst thing in the world. If we lived our lives like that though it would suck. Dont cross that bridge yet because you will probably have to make a detour first. Test and find out. What is it in America? Knowing is beautiful?