POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: tattoos on November 22, 2008, 11:04:53 am
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Forgive me if I am asking with the wrong term- Seroconversion. Is it possible for the initial infection/Seroconversion symptoms to last approx. 4 plus months with daily fevers of 103 degrees. Debilatating pain, rash, sores on hands and feet that ulcerate, UTI'S (No other STD present)numbness/tingling, extreme pain deep in bones, swelling in extremities etc...
I know symptoms alone cannot be used to dx. but does this sound plausible? My uncle died of AIDS, in the 80's, and I was young, and don't quite remember the progression of his disease which was quite rapid, as I was told. Him and his partner both passed within a few years of dx.
I somewhat strayed from my initial question, forgive me. But could those symptoms/senario at all indicative of initial infection...or am I totally off base?
Thank you for your time. Take care all! :).
Sincerely,
Bella
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Bella, the quick answer is no, ARS lasts perhaps a week or two. And there is absolutely nothing HIV specific about the symptoms you are reporting. In general you need to know that neither the presence nor the absence of symptoms will ever tell you anything reliably about your HIV status. If there has been a risky incident then getting tested at 13 weeks past that is the only sure way to know your stats.
Your late uncle's progression with AIDS has no relevance in your situation.
The real question is why do you think you have a reason to be concerned about your HIV status. Have you had unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse?
Please clarify.
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Bella,
For a start, why are you worring that you are hiv positve? Unless you've had a real risk, you're worrying about the wrong thing.
Secondly, with symptoms as severe as you make out, why haven't you seen a doctor? The internet isn't going to magically help you. You say you're getting sores on your hands and feet - that's a classic symptom of syphilis. Have you been checked for syphilis?
You can test conclusively for hiv at three months. Why are you sitting around googling on the internet instead of getting tested? ONLY antibody testing at the appropriate time will reveal your hiv status.
Ann
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I haven't at all been just been sitting around googling symptoms...I am not trying to be rude but I thought asking a question of this nature was appropriate on this forum. I am not sure why that was assumed. I have been going to doctors for quite awhile now figuring out what is wrong. And a situation came to mind that made me question HIV today. I just thought there was no harm in asking. And the only reason I commented on my uncle was he came to mind as I was typing.
I have been on this site because I think it is very informative and helpful learning about this disease. Having others I know going through the tribes and tribulations living with this I have been helped with understanding what exactly they are going through.
I thought I'd just ask your opinion. I didn't think I came across in a fashion that was inappropriate or a symptom surfer. I find it somewhat hurtful when one has a genuine question to ask someone in the know and get a reaction of that nature.
I thank you for your help and of course I will get tested.
Bella
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Bella,
You still haven't told us why hiv should be a concern. Unless you've been having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, you most likely haven't had a risk.
Ann
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I had been in an abusive relationship I was in the process of leaving. I had went to a local bar and got very intoxicated because I was hurting inside. I had been driven home by an older man I only have seen in passing in the town. I blacked out during the ride home- and the next thing I remember was waking up to alcohol in my house and my clothes disheveled. About 2 days later I woke in pain and urinating blood. I then thought maybe something had happened that I don't remember. He wasn't exactly the most savory individual. I think I just put it out of my mind...it was a bad time and didn't want to think about it as I was brutally raped years ago. I had gotten an antibiotic prescription and left it at that.
I have been sick for quite awhile and there has been no difinitive DX. This situation popped back in my mind today and I questioned it. That is why I asked. I have been on this site for quite awhile and felt It would be the best place to ask such a question. I know some people freak out and google and build all types of things up in there mind and develop "symptoms" this is not the case for me.
Maybe this will clarify things a bit.
-Bella
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Bella,
The only thing for it is to go get tested. From what you wrote earlier, it would seem this incident took place four months ago. You can test anytime now for a conclusive result. But, as Andy said, nothing you report is hiv specific. None of it sounds like primary infection to me. And again, please make sure you're tested for syphilis, which shares a three month window period with hiv. Sores on the hands and feet are classic syphilis symptoms.
Ann
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Thank you Ann. I will get up the nerve and do it. Scary prospect but it is what it is either way. And I know from experience, burying your head in the sand about anything doesn't make it go away. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Bella
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You don't have to feel brave, Bella. You can go into your test terrified if that's how it is for you. Anytime anyone gets tested there is anxiety. So don't wait until you feel brave. Just go and get it done. Given what you have reported I am thinking you're going to test negative. But we won't know until you get it done.
Keep us posted of course.
Cheers.