Impossible to be negative - HIV Prevention Message Board

05-15-2003, 06:21 PM

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.

Jakesc · 05-15-2003, 06:58 PM

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.

05-15-2003, 07:06 PM

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.

normorcrazy · 05-15-2003, 08:41 PM

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.

Temperamental · 05-16-2003, 09:02 AM

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.