POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: hblaw on February 10, 2007, 01:26:22 am
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I had sex with a HIV+ woman abt 2 weeks ago. Protected but condom slipped off upon withdrawal. Last week I started to feel pain in my joints (esp knees and fingers, sometimes wrists and elbows). I had a slight fever three times. The pain is annoying (coz never experienced before). Stressed!
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Your pain is unrelated to HIV from this situation.
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! Thanks for the quick reply. I know that seroconvert is the cause of symptoms, and also that of antibodies. - Then how long after you have symtoms can antibodies be detected? Say, if I take a test now and get negative, can it rule out the posibility that the symtoms are related to HIV?
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12/13 weeks when you get your conclusive test. Symptoms or lack of is not an indicator of HIV infection.
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Saying symtpoms are not indicator is not relieving - rather, it frightened some worried wells like me. I just started to relate everything with HIV now.....
What I suspect is that symtoms will come all at once and concurrently. As joint pain may be the result of some high fever, etc. So does nightsweat. So if you have nightsweat but no fever, it is because of anxiety but not seroconversion. [This is truely relieving if true]. But if you say, you should disregard symtoms. I can't. ......
Joint pain comes from nowhere - I haven't experienced it before. How can I not related it to HIV since it happened at such a right time? Not to mention that the woman is HIV+! I had fever sometimes (now my tempereture comes up to 37.4). ...
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I can see right now you didn't read the "Welcome" thread before you began to post. You don't diagnosis HIV infection by symptoms only by testing. A 37.4 temp is not considered a high temp.
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I have read it and heard it many many times. Believe me that I have. I also know that my risk is assessed low (since only upon withdrawal the condom slipped). Thank you anyway. I know I should not follow up with 'what ifs'. :-|
I just want to know, whether anxiety can cause joint pain, fever, nightsweat, etc. At least that gives me another reason than HIV infection.
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Anxiety can cause a lot of things, but if you are having trouble, see your doctor. This is not HIV related.
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Then I understand. Anxiety will not cause pain in joints - this is truely abnormal...
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I guess I didn't make myself clear. If you are having problems, see a doctor. It's unrelated to HIV.
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hb,
Having a condom slip off as you withdraw is not low risk, it's NO risk. You were protected while you were inside the vagina and that is what's important.
Work with your doctor to find out what is going on with you physically. Whatever it is, it won't be hiv.
You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.
Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.
Although you do not need to test over this specific incident, anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.
If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.
Ann
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Rapid and Ann,
Thank you!
I started to worry the first minute after the ecounter, and I am so frightened when I heard that the sex worker is HIV+. I just want somebody to share with me that they had joint pain but resulted from elsewhere. I can handle my dizziness, headache, diarrhea, slight fever, etc. But the pain is unexplanable. I feel numbness in my arms when I wake up these days. I feel pain in my fingers, one by one. Sometimes in knees and elbows. Upper arm too. I am so scared. So scared.
Best Regards,
hblaw
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???
Is my encounter really at no risk?? Sorry I am too worried. Is it possible that some fluids go through the small cuts on my finger tip (resulted from dry winter)? Sometimes they bleed but I forgot whether it did when I inserted my fingers into her before sex. She put on the condom for me. Also I did not clean immediately after withdrawal (as you remember, the condom slipped away). I just used toilet paper (passed to me by her, I don't know whether it was contaminated) to rub my penis (I remember one must use soap and running water). I put on my underwear and after 10 minutes or so, I suddenly get panic and washed my penis with alcohol - does it count? Sorry to run into such details but this is what I can remember (to the maximum extent possible). Oh, and we used the cheapest condom - I guess it is latex one? (It is really the first time I used condom and the first time I go to sex worker).
And my upper arm (right) hurts very much! I started to feel soar throat ... ! Bothering me. Sorry I can't wait. Please assure me that I will be OK. Panic Panic!!
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hb,
It is likely to be your panic that is causing your physical discomfort. Check it out with your doctor.
Whatever is going on, it has nothing to do with hiv. Fingering is NOT a risk for hiv infection. Not one person has ever become infected this way, regardless of dry skin, cuts, whatever, and you won't be the first. It isn't a risk.
A condom that slips off during withdrawal is also not a risk as I already told you. The condom was on and doing its job when you needed it to be. You have not had a risk.
I would suggest you read through the condom and lube links in my signature line and then go out and buy yourself some condoms to practice with, on your own. This way, when you need to use one with another person, you'll know what you're doing and you'll be more confident.
You didn't have a risk.
Ann
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What will it be like when condom broke? I didn't check it (it lasted only 3 mins). The condom slipped off because my penis shrinked. It sticked in her body with abt 1/4 outside. It is possible that it slipped away earlier and exposed me?
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If you seen it protruding it was lost during withdraw. Stop with the what ifs. You were never at risk.
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[DELETED. NO USE]
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[DELETED. NO USE.]
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[DELETED. NO USE]
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Knock it off, you didn't have a risk and whatever is wrong with you see a doctor. It's not about HIV.
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Rapid, thank you. [... DELETED. NO USE.]
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Yes I agree, one day you will die, but today it's not going to be because of HIV.
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How can I go through the window period! It's like nightmare. Day 18 now. [DELETED. NO USE.]
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I dont think anything we say will be able to assure you one way or the other. You were protected during intercourse, and thats what matters. You have had no risk of HIV infection based on what you have told us.
You need to go see a Dr.
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hb,
Forget worrying about hiv tests and go see your doctor. Why are you sitting around in pain, diagnosing yourself? Hiv isn't the only illness in the world and you could be missing something (other than hiv) important by sitting around feeling sorry for yourself instead of seeing a doctor. You cannot diagnose yourself and we cannot diagnose you either. Go to your doctor.
You didn't have a risk of hiv infection.
Ann
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Ann,
I am hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. It is like I am in a tunnel that never ends. I am hoping that you, as well as other moderators in the forum, can keep kicking me off until I get conclusive negative result. Many sorry for the annoyance.
[... DELETED. NO USE...]
Best Regards,
hb
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Reread Ann's post to you. GO SEE A DOCTOR.........
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I seem to remember that somebody has said the following (in this forum or others):
About 10-20% of HIV+ will not show ARS. In the remaining who do show ARS, 80-90% has high-degree fever.
Not to relate to my case, just curious whether this is true. I had read posts in "Just Tested Poz" about seroconversion, the ppl there who did have ARS seem to be extremely sever.
Yes somebody may show mild symptoms or not at all. Just want to figure out whether the symptoms are inter-related. Say, you had nightsweat because of fever, so it is with your joint pain. Things like this.
Forgive me, just curious.
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Go take a test, collect your negative result and move on. Helping you is beyond the scope of this forum. You have been given the facts and that's all that can be done.
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Rod, you are truly rapid! [DELETED. NO USE.]
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[DELETED. NO USE.]
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Hey!
Are you just going to wallow in self-pity OR are you going to get yourself to a doctor to find out what is causing your discomfort?
This is an HIV-specific website. Your problem has nothing to do with HIV. Period. We can't diagnose or treat your symptoms here.
So if you're interested in doing more than crying "woe is me," then get yourself to a doctor and find out what's up. Seriously.
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You need to seek a Doctors advice. We cannot be of ANY further assistance to you. And the self pity is disrespectful to those on here who HAVE HIV and those who have had real risks. So stop it.
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[DELETED NO USE AND SORRY FOR ANYTHING IMPROPER - TO ANYONE WHO READ THIS BEFORE DELETION.]
I'll go test next week, that's my fourth week mark. I'll report result here. Preying for a NEG!
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If you want to test, test. Don't come to this forum with your drama. You were given your assessment now it's up to you. Those of us that are answering your questions are living with HIV/AIDS. Like I said, if you want to test go test collect your negative result and move on.
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Acknowledged. Prey for a NEG.
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Can HIV+ people have coffee/tea?
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I am asking because I am addictive to coffee (strong black one with much caffaine). It may help me relax if hiv+ people can drinnk two cups every day. ...... Any idea?
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hb,
You are in real danger of getting a time out. You didn't have a risk. All this drama is unnecessary.
And of course people with hiv can drink coffee. I drink it by the gallon.
Ann
PS... hb, I've binned the thread you started in another forum. As Andy told you, you are not to post in those forums. You asked the question again here anyway, so there was no need for the repetition.
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Thank you Ann. Don't ban me so early. Please. Bear me for another 3 or 4 weeks, and I will be fine (if neg is with me). I am so glad to hear that coffee is not restricted for HIV+ people. I'll start to have two cups today! (I scared and stopped drinking after the incident). Thanks!!
PS. I thought coffee questions should be placed in Living With because it may help HIV+ as well, which, apparently, is wrong. This forum is wonderful for its strict rules, which makes it more authoratative, thanks for your work!.
PS2. Ann, you are not drinking decaffained coffee right?
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Sorry for coming back again. Ann, Rod, AC, and Andy, you must help me!!
I got fever now, and my shin aches! The fever is climbing steadily. At my 23rd day, it is perfect timing. It should be ARS. I know I shouldn't ask more with what ifs. But the woman is HIV+, and my condom slipped away. I didn't wash immediatly and maybe there are vaginal fluids on my penis. It should be ARS, right? I know ARS fever usually is high degree, so how high is it? It is going to break 37.5C this time! In half an hour it rose from 36.5 to 37.1 now! I am so scared! And I noticed some new red spot on my left arm! Four of them. I am feeling cold in my feet now...... HELP!
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You are on the verge of getting a time out. You don't have a temperature.
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Rod, sorry! Sorry! How high should the tempereture be? 38?39? My normal tempreture is only 36.5! Thanks!
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39-40 is a temp
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Oh thanks. That makes me feel better... I got pain on the back and side of my neck these days (abt 3-4 days now). I think I am on the verge of a nerve break down (rather than a timeout) now. Rod, thank you anyway. I know complaining here will not make me HIV+ or HIV-. At least my experience may help other WW in the future, if my test come out good. Thank you!
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Rod, I felt a surge of fear just now. I felt chill and hot and chill and hot and so on and so forth for 2-3 hours now. ... My tempreture fluctuated between 37 and 37.5... ...
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That is not a temp. Are you trying to get a T.O. from this website? You're working on it.
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It is not related to my situation but I am just curious. In the 'testing' link, it is said that if :
You have had certain illnesses including TB (tuberculosis).
You should test for HIV. Why is this so?? Is it for those who shown immune system failure (i.e. long after being infected?).
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http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=4327.0 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=4327.0)
OH MY GOD. I did search again and this post comes up!!! It said I am at risk! Different from what you guys have told me. My case is much worse than him!
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Oh. I have another question. Since HIV infection will depress the CD4 cells, which is responsible for defending our body, and I remember that somebody said that when they tested poz their CD4 is quite low, is it possible that my symptoms are resulted from the depressed immune system (just temporary, I know)? Just to educate myself...
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See your doctor.
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hb,
You have blown this out of all sense of proportion. You did not have a risk for hiv infection. If there are things going on with your body that worry you, go see your doctor.
Please read the posting guidelines and take not of where it says: Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.
Please consider yourself warned.
Ann
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Ann and others, sorry for this, but my symptoms seem to clear up during the past two days. My nightsweat suddenly stopped the day before (after 12 days), and I don't feel headache anymore. It's terrible to think of it. My joint aches/muscles pain still exist. The timing is so perfect that I cannot think of other things. - You said that my situation is a NO risk situation - but I may be the first one to break it (I am afraid so). I can have it confirmed soon anyway.
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Guess you didn't read the warning Ann gave to you.
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SORRY!SORRY!
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I really don't want to disturb you. Everybody here is so nice and enduring.
But my symptoms are really frightening. They are not sever for normal people but is really frightening since they happen at this time. On my 28th day, I got an oral ulcer, see picture 1 attached. It is not very clear but this ulcer is red with thin white rim. I got it from nowhere (not painful now), and I don't even know when it started. And my lips remain chapped (shown in second picture) with underlining blood spot since week 2. Got a soar throat three days ago (not persisitent, but one time after another).
Please help! :'(
[attachment deleted by admin]
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hb,
If your symptoms are so frightening, why are you sitting at your computer instead of your doctor's office? Go see your doctor. We cannot diagnose you over the internet, no matter how many photos you post.
You didn't have a risk. Your condom slipped of when your removed your penis from the other person's body. You were protected while you were inside. Next time, hold on to the condom as you withdraw - like you're supposed to - and you won't have this kind of worry.
You did not have a risk.
Go see your doctor about what's troubling you.
Ann
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Ann,
Although from my description you and other moderators are certain that I don't have risk, in front of so many symptoms, how can you be so sure that there might be some accident? These symptoms don't generate any doubt at all? The only thing that makes me feel a bit relaxed is that I haven't had any fever higher than 38C, which according to studies is quite universal among symptomatic seroconversion. Thank you for your advice and tolerance. I am really frightened, sorry for distrubance.
Best Regards,
bh
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hb,
One more time, go to your doctor. There are many other, much more likely causes to your symptoms. We cannot diagnose you. Only a face-to-face meeting with a doctor can accomplish that.
As a sexually active person, you should be having regular sexual health check ups. If you're that worried about hiv, go test at the appropriate time. Just don't be surprised when you get a negative result - provided you've always used condoms, no matter who you're with.
There's nothing else we can do for you here.
Ann
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Got blood drawn today. Asked the doctor what is going on with my mouth and he said that he is uncertain of the cause. He also examined my lymph nodes and told me that they are a bit swollen (side of my necks). He also told me not to worry until I get the test result. - So I shall wait for another day. Sleepless day. Praying for a negative. It is 30 days' test. - If it is negative, does it have some weight? I heard that it is 95% accurate, is it true?
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I am thinking about it... ... if my test turn out to be positive. (Not going to desert, but disappear from old circle). Any idea? (To begin with, from family/girlfriend/work/etcetc).
BR,
bh
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Sounds like a very rash decision and not to be taken lightly. We often dream of making "big moves" when something really reeking of "major crisis" but from what I read that's the WORST time to do such things, because we're often not thinking clearly or rationally.
Care to elaborate on what's driving your thinking in this direction?
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His test is not going to be positive, he lost his condom on withdraw.
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having burned a few bridges myself, I would say testing Poz is not worth it.
perhaps some few others in your life may burn their own bridge, but then its their problem they can't deal with
its not like you are being relocated to Mars and will never see your people again - and probably your people would be very pissed at you for thinking they could not accept you regardless
its nice to have people
for that matter relocating also sucks because it takes awhile to meet new people
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I am thinking about it... ... if my test turn out to be positive. (Not going to desert, but disappear from old circle). Any idea? (To begin with, from family/girlfriend/work/etcetc).
BR,
bh
That kind of self-loathing is a form of punishment one inflicts on oneself before a poz status is determined. Happily it becomes less relevent following a poz diagnosis, as one rushes into the supportive arms of one's circle.
But, as Rod has said, this is just another gruesome brainfart by a worried well and need not detain us.
Brent
(Who was there himself once upon a time)
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If by "disappearing" you mean suicide lots of people think of that but luckily very few go through with it. Testing poz is not the end of one's life.
If you mean literally disappearing and moving to a place no one knows you that's not a very good idea. As philly said it's not a good time to be making life-changing decisions because testing poz is a major life-changing event.
Once you test negative you can disappear from these forums unless you have a loved one who is poz!
Cheers!
Boo
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Hello, just my two cents.....................but, if you've already got a "circle," I'd give them a chance and see if they remain your "circle."
I really didn't have a "circle" when I found out. I knew a lot of people since I had been a bartender, but that doesn't mean you have a lot of friends, if any.
The ironic things is, the manager of one of my jobs was also positive and I didn't find out until I had moved away. We could have supported each other, but I guess we both were hesitant about telling the other. Of course, it's the kind of thing you don't know how people will react when they know their bartender is positive.............will I be fired........will they want to buy a drink from me.....all of those thoughts.
So, while we all may make suggestions to you and tell you not to pull away............we are not familiar with all of the circumstances. And, I think it is natural, for some people, to want to isolate themselves in the beginning for various reasons.
I wish you well! And don't forget the old adage, "if they are really your friend, then they will remain your friend, otherwise, they weren't really your friend in the first place."
Scott
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Were you considering leaving this circle of people before? Or is this based soley on your possible poz status?
My $.02... It's one of the worst decisions you could make.
They don't all need to be informed rite away, and when you do tell them you may well find out how much they do or don't love you. IMHO, living with this disease can be lonely at times. And you may find yourself in a very dark place. For many of us, the ones who are close to us are the reason we are here. And they may be the ones who pull you from the darkness.
If you were previously considering it, make a list. On one side list the pros. On the other; the cons. Look at the list and see which colum is longer.
*Wishing you luck*
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HB, we don't like to go into "what ifs" here. How about living in the present!
The likelihood is that you're going to test negative.
In the unlikely event that you test positive how about we deal with matters then.
In the meantime stay productively busy and the waiting time until you get tested will pass more quickly than you can imagine at this moment.
Good luck with your test.
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hb,
I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.
You posted the "Anyone thought of disappearing" thread in Off Topic. Off Topic is not for the subject of hiv. That's why it's called OFF TOPIC. If you want to discuss hiv, do so in this thread.
If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.
Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
Ann
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Thanks for all your comments! Yes. That may be the worst decision if I test positive. But with that major change in life, if this unlikely event happens, how do you kill the transition period? ... ?
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Hi all,
Tested neg with enzyme-link 3rd generation at 29 1/2 days. What's my prospect of neg in 6 weeks? I am a little relieved. If not for my swollen lymph nodes on my neck and my mouth ulcer (and my continued muscle/joint pain), I may be more relaxed. Thanks a lot!!!
Best Regards,
Huang Bo
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Now at my fifth week mark. Still get myalgia/athralgia ... Oral ulcer for one week (it is said that more than 2 week warrants medical attention)... scratchy throat ... neck pain. What should I expect in my next test? I want a six week ELISA, is that going to be negative again? Praying praying. What's the meaning of my 29 day test? It is an ELISA 3rd generation test...
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Pray all you want. You didnt have a risk. Try and cut back on the drama, it isnt helping your state of mind.
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AC, thanks. I know that I may be too concerned. But I have read multiple times that even mutual masturbation with sermen or vaginal fluids may pose some risk of HIV transmission. And I didn't wash after ten minutes and her vaginal fluids may stick on my penis. I have been too careless at that moment. Also I got replies in some other forums that my action did have risk of HIV transmission (condom slippage).
I got pain in my groin, back of leg and back of my neck today. Very very strange (seems my myalgia/athralgia worsened). My oral ulcer healed after almost 10 days, and my throat is getting worse.
All these aside, can anyone tell me:
1. Whether a 3rd generation ELISA at Day 29 is considered promising independent of any risk factors?
2. Whether ARS can happen after Day 28 (and one by one rather than simultaneously)?
Thanks!
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But I have read multiple times that even mutual masturbation with sermen or vaginal fluids may pose some risk of HIV transmission.
hb,
You didn't read that here - because mutual masturbation is NOT a risk! I don't care what out-dated websites say or what websites funded by religious groups say - it isn't a risk. If it were, we'd tell you. Why would we lie?
You can believe whoever you want to believe. However, you will not be allowed to continue posting about this no risk event. If you ever bothered to read the Welcome thread like you're supposed to, you would have seen this:
Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.
Please consider yourself warned.
Ann
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I am going to get my 6 week test done tomorrow... What do you think the result will be? I had 29 1/2 day negative with ELSIA antibody test. Independent of other factors, how reliable is that test? Say, 80%? My body pain become worse in the past two weeks and also had some additional symptoms (like oral ulcer and sore throat...), am I late seroconverting? ...
Best Regards,
hb
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hb,
I'm fully expecting your results to remain negative. You used a condom. It doesn't matter that it slipped off when you withdrew, you were protected during the act and that's what matters. You didn't have a risk. And yes, I know you're saying she's positive. It doesn't matter. You didn't have a risk.
Ann
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NEGATIVE! Don't want to worry anymore. Just a confirmation - is 41 day neg enough?
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Since you didn't need a test, the answer is yes.
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Hey guys/girls, I am back. I have tested 84 days negative. Just as I am about to accept it, I started to develop athritis last month (about four months after exposure). -- bad. I went to see the doctor and he said all my fingers are involved. So I started to worry again. :( Shame to say that I had another exposure (protected oral) last week, which is an act out of anxiety and enhances the anxiety in the same time.
Are these athritis related to HIV!! Can I relax?
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Move on, it's not an HIV concern. You have your negative result.
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Listen Chuckles,
You need to cut the crap and read our Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0). Not just the lessons on HIV transmission but the section which explains what happens to those who question persistently their negative results.
Protected oral sex does not constitute an "exposure" to anything other than genitals covered in latex. It's time you got some help from a mental health professional.
MtD
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hb,
You say you had sex with an hiv positive woman - so does my partner, every chance he gets. He remains hiv negative because we use condoms. They prevent hiv infection for us and they will do for everyone else too.
You have not had a risk for hiv infection. Continue using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse and you will continue to avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple! Re-read the three condom and lube links in my signature line for a refresher on how to use them.
Ann