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Author Topic: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago  (Read 2887 times)

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Offline worriedguy2012

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  • Posts: 4
I am 32 and incredibly worried I have been infected with HIV, after making some really stupid choices while drunk.

Two weeks ago there is a possibility I put myself at risk, and now I have a number of symptoms, and feel really guilty as I have a long term girlfriend who I wish to protect. I have a red and itchy rash on the rear of my leg joints, the same on my neck, and a little around my testicles. I have been physically sick twice, and have had cronic diarrhea for three days. I have also had loss of appetite, headache and severe depression, from the guilt and the worry. Please can you let me know if I am at risk, and if these systoms indicate anything? I have been for a full sexual health screening, but this was prior to most of the symptoms above, and I am still waiting for the results.

I think I am at risk as two weeks ago while in a strip club, a few things happened that make me worry:

1, The stripper kissed me with tongue and I have very cracked and bloody lips
2, I touched her while having an open blister on my fingure
3, I gave myself a hand job using her lube
4, She rubbed me with her hand, and I am not sure if she had already touched herself

I am currently using condoms again with my girlfriend until I can be sure she is not at risk, but the guilt is driving me mad, and I am so worried that the stomach problems and rash mean I will recieve a positive result on my blood test.

Do you have any advice for me?

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2012, 11:32:28 am »
You never had an exposure.

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child

Offline worriedguy2012

  • Member
  • Posts: 4
Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2012, 11:36:13 am »
I am just so worried about the symptoms, as I read in the health clinic that my symptoms are very similar to initial HIV. Is there no way I could have caught from her hands or my hands with the lube?

Offline jkinatl2

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  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2012, 11:55:32 am »
I am just so worried about the symptoms, as I read in the health clinic that my symptoms are very similar to initial HIV. Is there no way I could have caught from her hands or my hands with the lube?

There is no way. Absolutely no way.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline worriedguy2012

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  • Posts: 4
Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2012, 12:08:54 pm »
Thanks for the words of encouragement, I will wait to see if my symptoms are related to the incident in any way other than HIV, and I will try to stop worrying about contracting HIV with confidence due to your advice.

Maybe my stress and worry have caused my symptoms, it's just so hard to drag my mind back to logic when having diarrhea and aches in all the right places.

I will drink less in the future and keep a clearer mind for my sexual safety, and mental health.

Thank you for taking your time to read and respond to my question.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2012, 01:00:21 pm »
As you have been told correctly, nothing you are reporting has put you at risk for HIV. So you are worrying needlessly. Those symptoms are not in any way HIV specific. If they persist you should discuss them with your doctor.

Actually the only for real red flag in the incident is one which you have spotted yourself: drinking excessively and mixing that with casual sex. That's a dangerous combination to be avoided in the future.

But as far as HIV is concerned, there was no risk. 
Andy Velez

Offline worriedguy2012

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  • Posts: 4
Re: I have symptoms, and worried about a possible exposure 2 weeks ago
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2012, 12:53:11 am »
Thanks to everyone

 


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