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Author Topic: keratosis pilaris  (Read 13283 times)

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Offline marriedscaredintexas

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keratosis pilaris
« on: May 18, 2007, 08:47:26 pm »
I've got two conditions that have me very scared and i'd lie some input. For about 3 weeks I've had a few canker sores on my lip(inside the lip and not outside) and on my tongue. They have come and gone on my tongue and I'm currently experiencing my first bout on my inner lip. I also have a single wart like growth on my neck my doctor diagnosed as molluska and "froze" off. They first doctor diagnosed my cancre sores as herpes, which they are not and my second doctor thinks it is viral or stress related. Both did not seem to think it was a big deal. I told my second doctor when I look up cancer sores and molluska Aid and cancer always pop up and should I be scared and she said "no, not at this time". But than she did not ask or now my sexual history.

My sexual history, I'm married and bi. In the past 3 years I've been with 2 other women and I wore protection both times. Previous to the past 3 years I was with about 10 women in the 3-5 year range and wore protection with all but one of them when my condom came off and I did not stop. With men the only unprotected sex I had was with a TS in Las Vegas about a year and a half ago were entered her anally one time with no protection. I knew this was stupid when I did it but I was drunk and not thinking right. I did a quick self inspection and found no blood on my penis and I never felt sick after. Other than that I tried being a bottom for the first and only time a few months ago. The sex was protected and quick because it hurt. The guy I was with always wore protection and in fact he never ejaculated because I stopped it quickly.

My question is in light of my two symptoms how scared should I be? I want to say I've had no other symptoms and have not felt the feelings associated with a flu or mono in over 9 years and after two exams by two doctors they don't seem to think much of it but than they are family doctors in the suburbs. My wife gave birth to our daughter 3 years ago and everyone was healthy than which is why I referenced my 3 year history. I"m scared but willing to get tested but right now I'm so scrared I don't know what to do. I've been under extreme stress lately because my wife quit her job and I'm the sole wage earner but so maybe that has something to do with this. Please help.


Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2007, 08:55:19 pm »
Texas,

Ok. So you've had unprotected anal sex with a trannie and unprotected vaginal sex.

HIV is a difficult virus to transmit. The chances of you having contracted the virus are not great, but there's a chance nonetheless so you need to have an HIV antibody test. The window period for HIV is 13 weeks from the date of the incident so you should go and get tested right away. The results will be conclusive.

In fact it's probably a good idea to have a full STD screen performed. Other STD's such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are much more prevalent and infectious than HIV and you can carry them asymptomatically. If you've been having unprotected sex with your wife in this time she will need to have a full STD screen too.

A full STD screen includes HIV antibody testing. Sexually active people such as yourself should have a full screen at least once a year. Twice is better. You should take the time to read our Welcome Thread which contains links to our testing and transmission lessons.

I would expect that you'll test negative for HIV, but it's important that you get tested and it's important that you use condoms for anal and vaginal sex in the future.

MtD

/edited to correct an error in the link to the Welcome Thread/
« Last Edit: May 18, 2007, 09:08:15 pm by matty.the.damned »

Offline marriedscaredintexas

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2007, 08:59:25 pm »
Thank you for the response. I realize the fact I had some unprotected sex means I have a chance of infection. What has me so scared is the canker sores and molluska spot on my neck. Based on those two symptoms, how worried should I be.

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2007, 09:03:42 pm »
Symptoms or their absence mean nothing when it comes to diagnosing HIV. Anything can cause lesions and sores in your mouth. Canker sores and molluscum contagiosum lesions are not specific to HIV.

What should concern you is the unprotected sexual encounters you've had and like I said earlier the chances of having contracted HIV from these events is not great.

But nevertheless there is still a chance and HIV is nothing to make guesses about. Get tested and keep us informed.

Regards,

MtD

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2007, 09:09:32 pm »
Texas,

I linked to the wrong thread in my first reply to you. I've corrected that error and it now links to our Welcome Thread. Please accept my apologies if I caused you any confusion.

MtD

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2007, 10:09:31 pm »
The symptoms you are concerned about are absolutely not in any way HIV-specific. YOu had two brief unprotected incidents of intercourse. The odds against transmission are overwhelmingly in your favor, but prudence does dictate that you should get tested. My expectation is that you will test negative, but HIV is never something to guess about.

Your evaluation of your situation domestically in terms of pressure financially sounds right on the money to me, (no pun intended). So you're a dog like the rest of  us and you went straying. You may not plan to do that again, but IF it happens just make sure you use a latex condom everytime. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Get tested. I expect you to test negative. Collect the negative result and then you don't have to live with that cloud of worry hanging over your head.

If your symptoms persist discuss them with your doctor. And if you don't get satisfaction find yourself a new doctor. It's not about HIV.

Cheers,
Andy Velez

Offline marriedscaredintexas

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2007, 06:45:11 pm »
Thanks for the responses guy's but I'll be scared until I get tested. When I enter the words Canker sore and Molluska contagiosum all that seems to pop up is HIV related causes and since sexually I"ve been no angel this scares me. I know this is not a disease were symptoms are easy to diagnose the disease but these two particular ones really seem to have a lot to do with HIV so despite feeling healthy and energetic in every way I've never been so scared. So scared I almost had a nervous breakdown over dinner last night thinking our time as family could be very short.

I don't know about a lot of other people but I admit the reason I've been afraid to get tested in the past is I just don't think I could cope. I don't know anyone who I know has HIV. I like sports a great deal and have seen guys people like Magic Johnson and the pugilist Tommy Morrision living for a long time and looking healthy so I know it is possible to live for many years after infection. However, I just don't know who I could cope with losing my family and some friends on top of dealing with being infected. It's a shame it has to be this way but I actually found myself sitting in the doctors office yesterday almost hoping she would tell me my symptoms were cancer. At least that way if I was going to die I would not have to die alone.As it is now if I find out I'm infected the only think that will keep my from committing suicide is my daughter, unless she is removed from my life.

Whatever happens to me I want to say I just found this board yesterday and it is great. Some of you, like Andy, are terrific people for doing what you do and I thank you for that.

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2007, 07:03:05 pm »
Texas,

Whoa down there champion!

As Andy and I have told you the chances of you having HIV from what you've described here are not great. I say again that you need to get tested but in all likelihood you're going to test negative. I agree with Andy that there is more going on here than just a fear of HIV. You clearly have issues surrounding your personal relationships and it might be wise if you sought some counselling to discuss these things.

Especially if you're considering harming yourself. You owe it to your family and yourself to get your head sorted out, mate.

You've also discovered the folly of googling "HIV infection and symptoms". There's a lot of disinformation and stuff that's just so general about HIV and it's alleged symptoms on the internet that people end up confused and distressed when they go symptom hunting. Really, don't do it.

That's why we at AIDSMEDS focus on risk behaviours and HIV antibody testing not symptoms as the only sure-fire indicators of what's really going on.

Believe me when I say I understand how stressed and uptight you are at the moment. Get yourself tested and seek out the mental health support you so clearly need and I'm sure you'll see that things are nowhere near as terrible as the seem to be at the moment.

Best regards,

MtD

Offline marriedscaredintexas

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2007, 04:09:51 pm »
I've had a few days to calm down and I'm still nervous as hell but I'm a little calmer. Strangely enough at no point I have ever been afraid for my life, even if I am HIV postitive. What I've been afraid of is losing my family and friends, breaking my wifes heart(she is however not at risk of infection because i've made excuses to have safe sex with her), and making my daughter go thru life with an HIV infected father and being to sick to play with her. But enough about that right now because I'm trying to focus on not being HIV positive until I get tested and now for sure.

This is what I want to ask about the tests. My wife quit her job a few weeks ago and because I am self-employed I have no work related insurance  and we are currently on COBRA which I believe we can only use for 18 months. Since I can't say my wife would stay with me if I were to test positive(and I of course could not blame her) I need to plan on what to do when the COBRA runs out. So here is my question and please feel free to correct me if anything I am saying is wrong. If I get tested by my regular doctor and test positive I assume those results would be in my "file". If this is the case could this not make it nearly impossible for me to purchase private health insurance when COBRA runs out? And if that is the case if I instead get tested at a local county health clinic and tested positive could I keep my test results private from any prospective private health insurance company I might opt to go with?

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2007, 04:19:16 pm »
Yes, you can go to and STD clinic and get tested. The thing is, that all states record all positive results (your name). You will be able to buy insurance but your premiums will probably be so high that you won't be able to afford them. If I was in your position I would buy insurance now before you test and you won't be needing to falsify an insurance application. You more than likely won't be needing insurance for a while because you will not be needing to start meds this early. Again there is nothing saying that you will test positive.

Offline marriedscaredintexas

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2007, 07:23:25 pm »
Thanks Rod, I'll check into some private insurance before I get tested this week  but I got to say you scared me with your response. I kinda like the Andy and Matty replies of "you should get tested but you'll probably be negative" verus "if I was you I'd go buy insurance today "approach but I guess it's not time for sugercoating.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2007, 07:29:34 pm »
I don't sugar coat this disease, there is nothing sweat about it. No one ever thinks about how 50 cents would have kept them out of this unnecessary worry and this forum. You asked the guestion, one wouldn't ask, if they didn't want an anwer. As is said in my previous reply, "there is nothing saying you will test positive."

Offline Basquo

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2007, 07:46:07 pm »
I don’t usually respond in the Am I Infected forum, but here goes.

First off, I agree that the encounters you’ve described put you at a low risk for contracting HIV, but you’d do well to get tested. A lot of people don’t even think of going that far.  Cheers to you for being proactive on that point.

As for the sores in your mouth, with one doctor saying it’s herpes, and another saying it’s viral and stress-related, well, perhaps it is just that.  Stress will makes those episodes worse and more frequent.

You can test anonymously, even through your doctor; I did many years ago. But you will have to pay out-of-pocket if you do it through your doc. As far as insurance, if you do test positive, then I think you need to get a job with an employer who has an HMO. In Texas, at least when I was eligible 8 years ago (hopefully it’s the same now) you have a three-month waiting period and then you’re in, regardless of anything pre-existing.

I really think you’ll be okay, but even worst-case you’ll do alright.  I made the mistake of running up my credit cards after diagnosis, thinking I would be kicking off soon, and that still smarts.

Best to you Bud.

Offline Difficult

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2007, 09:05:08 pm »
I will probably get reprimanded for breaking the rules on this forum, but if you really want to know your status ASAP as it sounds you do, go to a planned parenthood. Fill out their sheet with a fake name and social security number. They don't check ID, you can walk in anytime, and take a 25$ dollar rapid test that will only take 20 minutes to get a result. If you have to happen to get a positive result, leave, if you don't leave

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #14 on: May 21, 2007, 09:19:52 pm »
Difficult, you're right. If you have something to say, keep it in your own thread. Read the posting guidelines that are located in the "Welcome" thread. 

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #15 on: May 21, 2007, 09:20:12 pm »
You'd be right there, Difficult. You're really in no position to be advising anyone around here. If you'd read the Welcome Thread like you're supposed to, you'd know you're meant to stay in your own thread and leave the handing out of advice to those of us who know what we're talking about.

Advising people to supply false social security numbers is not good advice.

Texas,

Basquo has given you some good advice about arranging testing. He's a Texan too, so he knows what the deal is in the Great State. Roddles is also right, we don't sugar coat the truth around here. It doesn't do anyone any good.

Just remember, the risk that you've contracted HIV is not enormous but you do need to test. I can't stress that enough.

MtD

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: I'm so scared with these symptoms
« Reply #16 on: May 21, 2007, 10:27:17 pm »
If I am reading your information correctly the last unprotected incident is well past the 13 weeks you need to wait to get a reliable result.

So yes, you can do the approved Rapid Test that was suggested and get a fast, reliable result.

Nothing you have added into the mix changes my opinion that I expect you to test negative. I can understand that your mind is continuing to scare you with stuff, but those are thoughts and feelings and not facts.

Get yourself tested and report back to us with what I expect will be good news.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Andy Velez

Offline Difficult

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keratosis pilaris
« Reply #17 on: April 06, 2008, 03:04:53 pm »
Hello Everyone,
   I am crazy and have been at this for over a year. Save your dramatics. Someone on the body posted a question called "if it walks like a duck", and explains sypmtoms very similar to mine. I am wondering if anyone else after a serious ARS-like illness has gotten severe skin conditions such as seb derm on the face and arms, keratosis pilaris on the arms, and ringworm probably secondary to the dry skin with multiple negative HIV tests and no explanations for their problems.
Let me know.....

Offline RapidRod

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Re: keratosis pilaris
« Reply #18 on: April 06, 2008, 04:43:06 pm »
You have a 14 week negative conclusive negative result so whatever is going on with you has nothing to do with HIV.

Offline anniebc

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Re: keratosis pilaris
« Reply #19 on: April 06, 2008, 04:53:14 pm »
Difficult

Please keep all your thoughts and questions in your own thread from now on...DO NOT post in other people threads.

As Rapidrod has already pointed out your 14 week negative result is conclusive, whatever is going on it is not related to HIV, you need to be talking to your doctor...this is an HIV forum.

Jan
« Last Edit: April 06, 2008, 06:00:35 pm by anniebc »
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline Difficult

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Re: keratosis pilaris
« Reply #20 on: April 06, 2008, 05:31:12 pm »
This is the worst site ever. Thank you for reminding why i stopped checking this site. Ridiculous!

Offline anniebc

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Re: keratosis pilaris
« Reply #21 on: April 06, 2008, 05:35:32 pm »
Difficult

Your welcome, but really there is no need to thank all the guys here who have already helped you and answered your questions..now go and talk to your Doctor.

Jan
« Last Edit: April 06, 2008, 06:01:25 pm by anniebc »
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

 


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