Swallowing ejaculate

[joeyp]

OK, I have read your responses to oral sex and swallowing, which eased my mind, but I am still freaked out. I gave oral to 5 different guys, all just met for casual sex, and swallowed. My question is, are swollen lymph glands under the ear a sign of infection? I DID NOT have anal sex at all. I also had other symptoms, like diarhea for a few days, stomach tender to the touch and then muscle aches. Ached so bad in my forearms it woke me up out of sound sleep. I have had these swollen nodes for about 2 months now, and I am concerned.

[RapidRod]

It could be, but it wouldn't be related to HIV in this situation. If you are feeling unwell see your doctor.

[Andy Velez]

There is nothing in any way HIV specific about any of your symptoms. And ARS does not go on for a lengthy period such as you have described.

I agree with Rod that you ought to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. You need to remember that other STDs are much easier to acquire than HIV. Anyone who is sexually active ought to have a full STD panel done at least annually.

This is not an HIV situation.

[joeyp]

I really appreciate you guys answering my questions. You have really eased my mind. Thank you Andy for answering my next question before I even asked it. I thought these lymph nodes/partial paratid gland was staying swollen a lot longer than what I have read about symptoms. I did have a root canal, with infection still in there, so maybe that has something to do with this. I did go to ANOTHER dentist for second opinion and he did say taking antibiotics with a root canal infection is like hitting a wall with them, they do not reach the jaw bone which is where the infection is. Made me wonder why my primary dentist prescribed THREE rounds of antibiotics, which all of them kill essential stomach and lower intestinal bacteria. But ANYWAYYYYY....I would like to ask another question though, I will be going for STD testing after the 6 month period elapses, I'm just wondering what is the usual cost of these tests? And are they 100% accurate? I don't have any insurance, (lost my job) so directing me in the cheaper financial direction would really be helpful.
Thanks guys, and God bless.

[joeyp]

Oh, what other STD'S can you get from my type of sexual behavior?

[Ann]

joey,

Why do you plan to wait for six months for STI testing? Do you want any undiagnosed STI you may have to be given a free reign to damage your body for six months? That's just stupid.

Most STIs can be tested for between ten days and two weeks after the time of possible infection, or sooner if symptoms occur. You need to know that many STIs can be present with NO obvious symptoms.

You can get herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia from oral. The only way to know is to be tested. Syphilis shares a three month (NOT six month) testing period with hiv for a conclusive negative result.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two STIs that ARE very often present with no obvious symptoms. Syphilis often goes unnoticed because the sores that it causes - called chancres - are painless. If you don't see the chancre, you won't have any idea it's there.

Go next week and get a COMPLETE sexual health and STI screening. Don't wait six months.

Ann

[joeyp]

OK Ann, I will go get checked. I'm very uneducated when it comes to this, but reading these forums has really brought some light to my ignorance. My 3 month period since last exposure will be in January. I am unemployed, so can anyone give me a guesstimate on how much these tests are gonna run me?
Lesson learned, I did not know you could get all these diseases from oral sex. Let's see...be a whore with absolutely no concern for my well being, or, have some self respect, remain healthy and stop the risky behavior.
Ann, I read you have remained healthy for over 15 years, have you already or can you share how you do that?

[Andy Velez]

If you live in or town you ought to be able to go to a Board of Health for those tests at either no or minimal cost.

[Ann]

joey,

You can also go to poz.com's Health Services Directory.

Yes I'm healthy but I don't do anything special.

Ann

[joeyp]

Thanks again for the info. Merry Christmas to all!

[joeyp]

I had the blood test done today...and found a way to have it done free of charge. Life insurance exam. I will let you know what the outcome is.

[joeyp]

  I almost passed out before he even took any blood. Ahhhh, to be a grown man and be a wimp when I see a needle.

[Andy Velez]

All of that notwithstanding, I am not expecting other than a negative HIV result for you.

[joeyp]

Andy, Rapid Rod and Ann, you were right. I tested negative...

That being a relief, I will add that the lymph nodes right under my ears are still swollen, hard and painless. All blood work came back A-ok. I had the root canaled tooth extracted, and two weeks later began to feel better. After taking 4 rounds of antibiotics, it has caused IBS and now I am dealing with that.

ANyway, I just want to thank you for your support and helping me feel better when I was worried to the point of wanting to die. After all I have learned about HIV now, and how you can become almost a recluse from worry and fretting about "what will I do now, who will I tell, should I move away," and of course the "stigma" of being infected...it has compelled me to help others who ARE infected, and just be an understanding friend who still thinks that person is just as valuable as they were before they contracted this chronic condition. After months of unneccesary tears and regrets and fear, my life will never be the same.

Like Ann has said to someone else in another thread, "we are human, we all make mistakes." Sometimes it is so hard to forgive yourself, especially when you KNEW what you were doing could be risking your own health. I intend on making my learning experience one that can be used for the benefit of society...

You guys rock.