doubtful and distrubed - HIV Prevention Message Board

doubtful_always · 01-19-2001, 04:28 PM

i have had protected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse 6 weeks back ..my vaginal intercourse lasted for few seconds only after oral sex .. I am not sure whether the condom is latex or non-latex .. i knew it is of durex but did not really check in detail .. (I came to know that durex has some non-latex brands too)..I am now concerned and doubtful of possible HIV infection because of some of the symptomes I have been experiencing since last 2 weeks .. I am having headache all over the head , pain in the neck, back pain , pain in some of the musles in the legs and discomfort in groin area(no fever, no rashes) .. though the headache and neck pain have been attributed to sinus infection that I have got,the back pain and pain in the groin area still make me nervous .. how to attribute the pain in the groin area to the swollen lymph nodes ?? I can not see any visible swelling in the groin area ... somebody please help me out !!!!! I am really getting scared

Rachael · 01-20-2001, 07:09 AM

Doubtful Always,

If you used Durex condoms for vaginal sex, the chances of catching HIV are absolutely minimal.

As you say yourself, your headache and neck pain can easily be attributed to your sinus infection, and it is likely you had the back pain and groin pain before your worries started. It is simply you mind becoming more aware of the pain and therefore really feeling it.

It is not really advisable to even test after encounters such as your own. However, if you feel you can go through with a test, a strongly advise doing this at three months as a negative result (which it will be) will prove to yourself that you really are. It looks like you already have severe anxiety, and I strongly advise seeing a counsellor or therapist to help you through this time.

Good luck and best wishes,

Rachael

Quote:

Originally posted by doubtful_always:
i have had protected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse 6 weeks back ..my vaginal intercourse lasted for few seconds only after oral sex .. I am not sure whether the condom is latex or non-latex .. i knew it is of durex but did not really check in detail .. (I came to know that durex has some non-latex brands too)..I am now concerned and doubtful of possible HIV infection because of some of the symptomes I have been experiencing since last 2 weeks .. I am having headache all over the head , pain in the neck, back pain , pain in some of the musles in the legs and discomfort in groin area(no fever, no rashes) .. though the headache and neck pain have been attributed to sinus infection that I have got,the back pain and pain in the groin area still make me nervous .. how to attribute the pain in the groin area to the swollen lymph nodes ?? I can not see any visible swelling in the groin area ... somebody please help me out !!!!! I am really getting scared

doubtful_always · 01-20-2001, 01:42 PM

Rachael,
thanx for your reply. It is almost 7 weeks since the encounter. I have given blood for ELISA test. Expecting the result tomorrow. But right now I am under medication for sinus infection. Does that effect the test result ? What should I do if the test turns out to be positive ?
Typically how long the symptomes of HIV infection last ?

thanx

Rachael · 01-20-2001, 05:02 PM

Doubtful Always,

Your medication for your sinus infection will in no way at all affect the result of your ELISA test. However, a test at 7 weeks would not give a conclusive result and it would be advisable to have further tests at three and six months.

In the unlikely event of the test coming out positive, you will automatically be entitled to immediate counselling and will be referred to community services who are able to help you. You will be given the chance to start combination therapy which should commence within the month.

If you do have symptoms of HIV at seroconversion, the average time they last is 22 days. However, the time period may be longer or shorter and symptoms vary dramatically - they can result in hospitalisation or, at the other end of the scale, there will be no symptoms whatsoever. After these initial set of symptoms, most HIV sufferers experience no symptoms until HIV becomes symptomatic after an average of 8-10 years.

The very best of luck with your result tomorrow - please tell me how it turns out.

Best wishes,

Rachael

doubtful_always · 01-22-2001, 01:06 PM

Rachael,
I have got my result and it is -ve.Thank god !!!
It is only 7 weeks since I had the exposure. But the testing service guy told me that it is more likely to remain same even after 3 months.He also told me that it proves whatever HIV related symptoms I am having can not be because of HIV infection.

With the -ve test result can it be concluded that the symptoms are not because of HIV infection ? Is there any other conclusive test to bypass the window period of 3/6 months ? I am willing spend money to get peace of mind

thanks and best regards
doubtful_always