Salty Sam Please HELP! - HIV Prevention Message Board

Catcher3108 · 05-09-2003, 11:17 AM

Just like a post a little while ago...I had mono in January...In March I had sexual intercourse with an escort. The sex was fuly protected and condom did not break. I am now experiencing dry mouth when I wake up in the morning, a cough sometimes with flem, floaters in my eyes swollen glands (possibly from mono) I have been looking all over the net and Just am so worried. I have gone to my one doctor and she thinks I dont have it but I am just so worried it is effeciting all aspects of my life. Should i get a test now? How Accurate will it be? Anyone think that I have it or dont? Can someone out there please help...Can someone just respond to help me...I am in desperate need here. Thank you all so much
Worried

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[This message has been edited by Catcher3108 (edited 05-09-2003).]

saltysam · 05-09-2003, 01:18 PM

Dear Catcher,

First off let me say that using a condom dramitically reduced your chances of contracting hiv. Also, all of your symptoms are a result of the stress that you are currently under. Do I think you have hiv? No I do not...you used a condom which provides excellent protection.

Now, for some ground rules:
1. Stop searching the net for answers. All you will find is conflicting reports and stories and that will only feed your anxiety.
2. Forget about symptoms because they mean nothing in terms of hiv. Many people report the same symptoms and later find out that they are negative.
3. Learn to sift through all the info on this forum and any other forum. You will read info that is factual and info that is just plain bunk.
4. Listen to only those who have journeyed down this road for advice. People who are overcome with fear will usually post comments that are fear driven and not based on the facts about hiv transmission.

Now, when did this possible exposure take place?

Saltysam

Catcher3108 · 05-09-2003, 02:34 PM

Saltysam,
Thanks for the response. You seem knowledgeable and know whwat you are talking about. This happend 7 weeks ago, I had mono earlier this year so I am thinking that it oculd be relapsing since i didnt wait long to start my regular habits such as drinking on weekends. The thing that is bothering me most is these floaters in my eyes. If you could please respond I would appreciate it.

Thanks SaltySam

05-09-2003, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Catcher3108:
Saltysam,
Thanks for the response. You seem knowledgeable and know whwat you are talking about. This happend 7 weeks ago, I had mono earlier this year so I am thinking that it oculd be relapsing since i didnt wait long to start my regular habits such as drinking on weekends. The thing that is bothering me most is these floaters in my eyes. If you could please respond I would appreciate it.

Thanks SaltySam

Hello

I apologize for butting in here but I do have a little to add which may help ease your anxiety.

"Floaters" are a perfectly normal phenomenon and nothing to be concerned about at all.

While the fetus is developing in the womb, tiny capillaries provide nourishment to the eyes. A short time after we are born, these capillaries are replaced by a more permenant vascular system and are dissolved naturally by enzymes that are released in the eye. However, fragments of these capillaries remain in the eye (vitreous and aqueous humor) throughout a person's life and because they "float" in the liquid medium of the eyeball and can sometimes be seen (sometimes not), they are often referred to as "floaters".

Hope this helps. May you live long and prosper;-)

Catcher3108 · 05-09-2003, 08:46 PM

yes very much...Thank you