Worried Sick After Oral From Sex Worker

[Slimkid]

Hi Guys,

First off, I want to thank you guys in advance for the amazing work you do here on this forum. Your no BS approach has really helped me gain some real perspective in what has been a scary past few weeks.

Five weeks ago I received unprotected, insertive oral sex from a female sex worker.  I did a rapid test via finger prick at a New York State STD Clinic in NYC at 28 days post "exposure" which came back negative. After a lot of research, it is my understanding that HIV transmission via insertive fellatio has never been documented and therefore is a negligible risk.
 
I'm really scared despite these facts simply because I have some very unsettling symptoms such as throbbing muscle and joint aches/pains, really sore neck, nausea, extreme fatigue, and sore/tenderness in the armpits and groin that started roughly 2 weeks post incident that have continued through week 5.  I know symptoms don't mean jack but they've got me second guessing the facts and assuming the worse... I guess my questions are the following:

1.)  Do I need to retest after this low risk exposure?

2.) Can severe anxiety and stress cause ARS like symptoms in people, as I feel like I'm going crazy??!

Thank you again.

[Andy Velez]

You did not have a low risk exposure. You had a NO risk exposure.

Receiving oral is one of the most common of sexual activties. In the entire history of the epidemic there has not be a single confirmed case of transmission to a guy in that manner. It's safe to say you are not going to make history by becoming the first.

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They have nothing to do with HIV.

And for future reference, the only confirmed risks for the sexual transmission of HIV are unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse. As long as you consistently use condoms for those activities you will be well protected. It really is that simple.

This time you are worrying needlessly and there is no need for HIV testing.

[Slimkid]

Thank you Andy for the quick response, I really appreciate it and again thanks for all that you guys do here.

[Andy Velez]

You're welcome. Get on with your life. 

[Slimkid]

Andy,

Last night I had night sweats, and tingling and burning sensations over most of my body. I also have a slight rash on my chest. I know you said 'No Risk' but all these symptoms got me buggin' out!!  Is this all anxiety??

[Andy Velez]

You're still misinterpreting whatever goes on with your body through an HIV jitters mindset and all to no good purpose or without any basis in HIV science. You did not have a risk. Period.

There of course is nothing HIV specific about your "symptoms." We don't diagnose symptoms here so if they persist you should discuss them with your doctor.

This is not about HIV. Get on with your life. Really.

[Slimkid]

Thanks. So retesting after 6 week mark is ridiculous?

[Andy Velez]

You're still misinterpreting whatever goes on with your body through an HIV jitters mindset and all to no good purpose or without any basis in HIV science. You did not have a risk. Period.

There of course is nothing HIV specific about your "symptoms." We don't diagnose symptoms here so if they persist you should discuss them with your doctor.

This is not about HIV. Get on with your life. Really.

Yah, with your not having had a risk, I would say testing and dragging this out any further is ridiculous. Really.

[Slimkid]

Thanks Andy, these symptoms have me shook to the core. Would
your assessment change if I had any knicks/ cuts
on my penis and if the SW had sores, cuts, and or bleeding
gums in her mouth?

[Andy Velez]

Thanks Andy, these symptoms have me shook to the core. Would
your assessment change if I had any knicks/ cuts
on my penis and if the SW had sores, cuts, and or bleeding
gums in her mouth?

No, my assessment would not change.

Get on with your life.

[Slimkid]

Hi,

One last question. My doctor has ruled all other STDs. He thinks my symptoms are psychosomatic. I've been having consistent pins/needles and burning skin sensations in my arms and stomach area which has been coupled with muscle tension. I'm going on week 8 now. There is no way this can be Peripheral Neuropathy that I've read can accompany early acute HIV?? I know you will say it was a no risk blowjob but the timing and duration of my symptoms are scary. Thanks.

[Ann]

Slim,

Rarely does PN accompany seroconversion. It's more normally a side-effect of some of the older meds used to treat hiv.

You have not had a risk for hiv infection. If you read the Welcome Thread before posting like you're supposed to, you will have read the following posting guideline:

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). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. 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