pleeaassee help, i'm scared:/ - HIV Prevention Message Board

collegegrl · 07-10-2003, 02:26 PM

ok so i'm about to be a senior and i've been real like carefree and pretty much stupid this past year especially and had a couple drunken unprotected sex experiences...although i reallllly dont think anyone finished inside but dont know for sure. but i've learned my lesson hard core--since the doctor told me i have that hpv-genital warts thing. it's such a mild case, i just have 2 small ones which i havent gotten removed yet, but still. i know u're all gonna tell me to go get tested, and i should, but i was wondering if anyone knew if small red bumps in the back of your throught and back of the tongue could be signs of hiv or one of those cancers that are related to it. i had a little bit of a white tongue for a little bit and i've had the bumps, which dont itch, for like a week. i keep gargling with saltwater and they're getting better. i dont have any other symptoms or anything. i did kinda start smoking a little but i stopped that cuz thats when the warts and bumps started to appear. i thought it could be related to the hpv but maybe not-dont know. i keep looking online but i dont trust half the stuff i read so i was wondering if anyone has experience with this. i thought this would be a good place to ask:/ does anyone know if this is a sign??? i reaallly hope u say no 'cuz i'm soo mad i was so stupid!

07-10-2003, 02:33 PM

Hi,

Just to let you know, in the back of your tongue, there are bumps, and they are normal. They are called Vallate papillae. They are taste buds and everyone has them. As for your white tongue, brush it with your toothbrush. If it comes off, and dosent bleed, it isnt THRUSH. Thrush is very thick, like cottage cheese. Its not easy to brish off either. Try that.

If you are concerned about HIV, the only way to ease your mind is to be tested, end of story. Not one person here can diagnose you.

Practice safe sex ALL THE TIME.

Hope that helps.

Informer · 07-10-2003, 07:48 PM

collegegrl,

Heres the deal babe: If its only a couple of guys your risk is LOWER than a lot of others. You have learned your lesson. Fresh latex condoms are a must from here on in. HPV is so damn common its not funny. Tons of people get HPV, etc and do not get HIV. This being said, its all about the test. Mustering up the strength to go get tested is tough, and it took me a while once after i slept with a girl unprotected in university. It came out clean and i thought all the odds were against me. Don't torture yourself diagnosing symptoms from the internet that probably don't exist anyway. Talk with your doc, or a hotline and assess your risks and take it from there. Remember! lots of girls and guys get many minor std's, and many times are cool in terms of HIV. Good luck and don't beat yourself up over past indiscretions, you are human.

Take care
Informer

collegegrl · 07-12-2003, 08:37 PM

thanks, i'm feeling better about the hiv thing and i'm trying to get enough courage to get tested 'cuz i want a clean slate. the bumps on my throat are gone. they were there for like a week and a half-i have no idea what they are from. if they were warts or ulcers or something do u think they would've stayed longer?? now i dont know if sometimse i feel like my lips burn and my throat hurts a little but maybe it's in my head--at least that's what i'm hoping for. i guess at this point i just gotta get the test--the last time i had unprotected sex was probably like a month ago so i dont know if it'll show up then so now it sucks cuz i wont know till later on. if he didnt finish inside isant' that a better chance i wont get it? (if he has it). and also can i get it really from oral stuff? thanks for the help, i've never been more afraid of something in my life.

maybe helpful · 07-13-2003, 01:20 AM

In response to your questions.

"if they were warts or ulcers or something do u think they would've stayed longer?? now i dont know if sometimse i feel like my lips burn and my throat hurts a little but maybe it's in my head"

Its probably in your head, and the fact that they didnt stick around a long time is a good one. Were you on medication for anything, because that could have been a cause also.

"--the last time i had unprotected sex was probably like a month ago so i dont know if it'll show up then"

Most people test positive between 4 and 6 weeks, but 3 months is VERY accurate, so try to wait the 2 more months. If it eases your mind to get tested, go for it. A negative is reassuring.

"if he didnt finish inside isant' that a better chance i wont get it? (if he has it)."

The less exposure, the better. So, if he didnt finish inside, your exposure level is lower, and so are your chances.

"and also can i get it really from oral stuff?"

It is VERY unlikley to contract HIV through oral sex, so your probably in the clear.

Its a scary thing to think that you may have done something that could change your whole life in such a manner as HIV can, but fear only lasts if you let it. Get tested, re-test at 3 months, or 6 if you prefer, and go on with your life, and play it safe from now on!! Good Luck!