Early Signs & Stress

[CBH2010]

Don't laugh.  The nice part of these forums is the opportunity to learn things that are pretty tough to discuss with other folks, for obvious reasons.  With that said, as non-experts I think lots of us read the symptom pages and then start stressing over every little detail we feel in our bodies.  Concern, regret and amateur diagnosis all rolled into one.  I've read your information that oral insertive, no protection, to finish is very low risk even with an unknown partner.   As you know for lots of us, we can't leave that alone.  We have to read the symptom pages that talk about things that might happen at 2 weeks, etc., and there is some degree of variation in sites (some say symptoms immediately, some one week).  So specifically, is a growling bowel and bout of loose stool (not diarrhea) anything to worry about by itself or is that more likely to simply be stress & worry?  Can all of this mental anxiety be exacerbated by removing alcohol from one's diet (was hitting it pretty hard)?  Do most people who are becoming infective and have symptoms have multiple symptoms?  Is it possible to worry one's self goofy into some of the symptoms?  I'm only at 9-10 days and figure the worry level is only going to go up unless I get a grip.  I may need a full time physician at my side during weeks 2 to 4!      

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I can understand how looking at web sites that provide lists of symptoms can fuel anxiety, particularly for an infection like HIV that causes few symptoms and for which the symptoms that are caused tend to be non-specific.  The long and the shot of things is that for HIV diagnosis there is simply no substitute for testing.  In addition, sometimes after an exposure that, in retrospect, one wishes they had not had, persons tend to examine themselves and be far more attuned to genital sensations than in periods when they are not concerned.  This in turns leads to noticing what turn out to be normal sensations that might have been not noticed or ignored at other times.

With respect to your situation:

1.  No, growling bowels are in no way suggestive of HIV.
2.  If you have been drinking heavily in the past and stop it can very well create a tendency for increasing anxiety.
3.  Only about half of people who get HIV have symptoms at all and those symptoms tend to be non-specific.
4.  See my comment above about heightened sensitivity to normal sensations.

You need to just relax.  Take care.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

It really is time for this thread to end.  this will be the last answer. The Home Access test is FDA approved and provides reliable results.  Now you need to believe them.  EWH

[CBH2010]

Do you regard the Home Access test that one can buy in a US retail pharmacy to be a valid test method?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

It certainly sounds like you have a cold, nothing more.  EWH

[CBH2010]

I meant to add that I'm out of the country with no phone service so no way to contact PCP with question.  Assuming/hoping this is just cold symptom and nothing to worry over but just wanted opinion.  Hopefully this is last question.  Thx.  

[CBH2010]

Quick follow up.  A cough getting a little more persistent and at times producing green mucus (middle of the night with a little blood stained) anything to worry about beyond having some type of a cold in the winter?  No fever or anything else significant.  Unusual cold in that the sinus aren't overly stuffed (some).  Just the timing 2 1/2 weeks - 3 weeks after event I'd like to forget - mildly concerning.  I know, playing internet diagnostic only leads to angst but I've read too much already....
Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Great. Sounds like you have a good PCP. Take care. EWH

[CBH2010]

Thanks.  PCP didn't think I should be worried about std after exam and said hiv test at 8 weeks or so would reassure me if nothing else.  He was great about discussing and thinks the minor things going on are nothing to worry over now.  Do you concur that stuffy nose, minor throat irritation, occasional cough is far more probable to be garden variety cold / rhinitis and to not over-read it?  Appreciate the expertise and wish you nice holiday.  Good night.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Diet will not effect your test results or diagnosis..  Testing is always reasonable.  As far as what the tests will show, I'm betting on nothing. If that is the case, anxiety becomes the default answer.  EWH

[CBH2010]

Made an apt. to see primary care in the AM for discussion and possible STD screen.  Are there dietary things to avoid/things that could throw tests off?  
Lastly, is concern over hiv misplaced here - anxiety run amok?
Thanks.

[CBH2010]

One incident of unprotected oral insertive 12 days ago in a strip joint - the last time I'll be caught in one.  The only symptom is the one between my ears as I'm a little anxiety ridden (trying to take your advice re relaxing).  
From reading the information on the site it sounds like I'm probably over-reacting a bit and if for no other reason than reassurance, a screen for common std would be advisable.
Thanks for your time.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You don't mention any details of your exposures but you note that there are currently no worrisome symptoms. This is a good sign but the best way to be completely sure is to get screened for common STDs once.  I recommend that everone consider periodic STD "screening" (testing in the absence of symptoms), particularly if you have had multiple partners over a period of less than a year.  As a matter of personal protection, we recommend annual testing for anyone who has had two or more sex partners in the past year (we consider this to be health maintenance- we also recommend you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly).  Testing at this time for common STDs will provide reliable results.  EWH

[CBH2010]

Thanks for the response.  Trying to take your advice re the relaxing.  Much easier with the cocktails but probably better off without.
Should there be concern with STD's?  After 10 days would something going on be apparent via sore, discharge, etc.??  Anything specific to look out for, seek treatment for?
Thanks again.