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possible cancer or HIV infecion?

Hi,

I would like to ask a question as this has been worrying me for a while now. I am extremely scared of actually going for tests as I dont think i can live with a possible outcome. I have been using anabolic steroids from last year 2009 september up to 2010 april. In this time i partied very hard indulging into drugs like cocaine every second weekend. Through out all this time i trained at the gym etc. I was also smoking marijuana every day as well. When i stopped steroids and drugs (i quit at the same time) i started getting ton of acne and started getting sick very often. I have been with 4 girls this year and never without protection. Recently i mt a woman that i love very much and have slept with her without protection. I am consantly tired and exhausted. I am scared of taking HIV test as if i am found positive and have given it to her i dont think i can live with that. Do these symptoms look like weak immune system rom drugs and steroids or could something else be in play?

Best regards,
Alex
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358699 tn?1297646442
Stopping steroids abruptly can wreak havoc on your adrenal system. That is why they always must be withdrawn over time. Some symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, fever, anorexia, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness and even fainting. Also note that drugs like cocaine and mixing with steroids is a recipe for disaster. Overtime it can damage your aorta, causing it to rupture for which death is imminent. It slows erodes away the lining of the blood vessel making it weaken. I'm glad to hear you stopped. Anabolic steroids are also known to cause extreme rage episodes especially when using any drugs. Its best to see a physician who can do a work up and make sure your adrenal system is functioning properly.  If you think you may have been exposed to HIV I would get the blood test done. Its better to know than not. My educated guess side affects on the adrenal system.
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Avatar universal
Well aside from how you are feeling, I think for the benefit of your own state of mind you should definitely go and get an HIV test. I know how scary that can be. I was an IV drug user, clean 4 years, 3 months, 2 days, and it was scary when I initially got tested, but it was haunting me not knowing. Even today I get tested every 6 months at least as it still haunts me not to know. What I can say is it helps not to think about the future, not to think about what happens if the test comes out positive. The thing to do is stay in the moment and just concentrate on getting the test. That's all you have to do right not. You'll figure out the rest later. The symptoms you're having right now could really be from anything, so I wouldn't necessarily jump to cancer/HIV. Your history of steroid use could have impacted your body, and I do think it best that you go to a doctor about your symptoms and be open about your past to him/her. It could be simply a virus of sorts that you have such as mono, but only your doctor can tell you what's going on by a physcal exam and tests such as blood work. I would suggest you try not to worry about the worst right not and just concentrate on doing what you have to do, like making a doctors appoinmenmt. If you don't have a doctor you can always search online for free or low-income clinics in your area. Remember, the sooner you get things done the better you'll probably feel, both mentally and physically. I trully wish you the best of luck and send you my best thought and wishes. Take care

Sara RN
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