Aa
Scared and confused
TIMETABLE
* April 2005 - Started to get small lumps under my arms. No previous symptoms - flu or anything. No risk of STD present I don't think at this time, ..but unsure now as to what they may have caused the small lumps and tenderness??
* May 2005 - Met new partner (this is who I'm concerned about). Started with protected sex, then unprotected shortly after. Ridiculous I know.
* July 2005 - Felt very nauseas one day. Thought maybe morning sickness it was that bad. no vomiting. Then I came down with the flu - nauseas, loss of appetite, vague - confused some days, fever, muscle aches, chills, and an outbreak on my thigh near groin - nothing on genitals. Seemed like a herpes kind of outbreak - but could have been a cluster of bad rash?. Still had the same tenderness under armpits as before I met this man, no prodimnent large swollen glands though. No sore throat, no cough.
Not long after I got a bad ear infection also. This went away with antibiotics. Was very painful and persistent.
* August 2005 - The man I was with got shingles. He got cream and tablets etc. Didint get a blood test.
* December 2005 - A gland under my arm swollen, it was painful and very, very large.
* April 2006 - Two smaller swollen glands under the right arm and tender armpits (similar to what I had before meeting this man), and a few in my neck. I also got a rash on both sides of my breast - but think that could be stress rash, I also had a swollen gland come up on my neck (occipital chain) that I woke up with one morning (left hand side), was then gone by the end of the day, but quite large and noticeable - people at work noticed it. Also started to have increased floaters.
* July til now (September 2006). Still tender armpits at times, smaller rubbery lumps at times, and another swollen gland come up on my neck cervical chain gland - right hand side this time) that I woke up with one morning, was then gone by the end of the day again. Have always had floaters,but since the increase I now see them everyday, not just when on a white background or looking up to the sky. They have definitely increased.
Have also had joint pain especially in my hands and fingers and a lot of allergies and itchy scalp and skin at times.
Everyone I know has had this bad yearly flu (Australia) but I didnt get it.
My questions
* Isnt there a longer asymptomatic period than one year? Why have I had all these symptoms from around 3 - 4 months after maybe seroconversion?
* The spot on my neck? What else could that be? Seems risen around the edges, but scaley and flat on the inside, been there two weeks, no increase or decrease, no spreading or itch. I feel fine. Been there for two weeks. Size of the top of a thumb,slightly bigger.
* Does a herpes infection cause intermittent symptoms like these, or only with outbreaks?
* Does this sound like hiv? Would like your advice doc before testing, maybe to prepare myself. Any other info on things this may be?
Very frightened....
* April 2005 - Started to get small lumps under my arms. No previous symptoms - flu or anything. No risk of STD present I don't think at this time, ..but unsure now as to what they may have caused the small lumps and tenderness??
* May 2005 - Met new partner (this is who I'm concerned about). Started with protected sex, then unprotected shortly after. Ridiculous I know.
* July 2005 - Felt very nauseas one day. Thought maybe morning sickness it was that bad. no vomiting. Then I came down with the flu - nauseas, loss of appetite, vague - confused some days, fever, muscle aches, chills, and an outbreak on my thigh near groin - nothing on genitals. Seemed like a herpes kind of outbreak - but could have been a cluster of bad rash?. Still had the same tenderness under armpits as before I met this man, no prodimnent large swollen glands though. No sore throat, no cough.
Not long after I got a bad ear infection also. This went away with antibiotics. Was very painful and persistent.
* August 2005 - The man I was with got shingles. He got cream and tablets etc. Didint get a blood test.
* December 2005 - A gland under my arm swollen, it was painful and very, very large.
* April 2006 - Two smaller swollen glands under the right arm and tender armpits (similar to what I had before meeting this man), and a few in my neck. I also got a rash on both sides of my breast - but think that could be stress rash, I also had a swollen gland come up on my neck (occipital chain) that I woke up with one morning (left hand side), was then gone by the end of the day, but quite large and noticeable - people at work noticed it. Also started to have increased floaters.
* July til now (September 2006). Still tender armpits at times, smaller rubbery lumps at times, and another swollen gland come up on my neck cervical chain gland - right hand side this time) that I woke up with one morning, was then gone by the end of the day again. Have always had floaters,but since the increase I now see them everyday, not just when on a white background or looking up to the sky. They have definitely increased.
Have also had joint pain especially in my hands and fingers and a lot of allergies and itchy scalp and skin at times.
Everyone I know has had this bad yearly flu (Australia) but I didnt get it.
My questions
* Isnt there a longer asymptomatic period than one year? Why have I had all these symptoms from around 3 - 4 months after maybe seroconversion?
* The spot on my neck? What else could that be? Seems risen around the edges, but scaley and flat on the inside, been there two weeks, no increase or decrease, no spreading or itch. I feel fine. Been there for two weeks. Size of the top of a thumb,slightly bigger.
* Does a herpes infection cause intermittent symptoms like these, or only with outbreaks?
* Does this sound like hiv? Would like your advice doc before testing, maybe to prepare myself. Any other info on things this may be?
Very frightened....
Doc,
I wanted to let you know, i tested and results came back negative.
I spent 8 months thinking I was hiv from having a relationship with a man who I found out later used needles. The symptoms happened all around the time that I started seeing him...and when reading over them again, I don't blame myself for being terrified.
I don't want to get on here and preach to everyone that you "must get tested" and you're a "fool" not to, because it's sooooo much easier said, than done.
We all handle things differently, and have our reasons for doing so.
My reasons for prolonging the testing was that I didn't know of anyone that was hiv, and had never known much about it. I also had a career that was about to take off, and for me...it felt like I had finally got my life in order...and then I was to be diagnosed hiv for a silly mistake. All I knew about it was the old "grim reaper" ad on tv....so you can understand my fear.
Everyone...give yourselves a break...the fear is very real for many personal reasons. At the end of the day though, it would be much better to know and deal with it, than to live with the excruciating anxiety that i did.
I lost contact with a huge network of friends and family because whenever I spoke to them i would feel like I was going to burst into tears, and then i would have to tell them what was wrong, and that was something I couldn't do. So instead I wasted 8 months of my life, career and happiness, sitting in front of the computer screen reading posts from the body, medhelp and anything else I could search for. I guess it was just for a bit if hope...or maybe someone with exact symptoms that tested negative in the end.
I wasn't going to get tested until January, as I had a big overseas contract for my career around NYE for 6 days, and I wanted to be able to have that opportunity and spend Christmas with my family and friends before accepting this new life I was going to have to lead. I also have suffered from clinical depression since I was 15, and after many years of fighting that (and beating that) and getting my life together, I was feeling I would not be able to cope with a hiv diagnosis.
Through this experience though, I found much support and made two very good friends in particular who have lived with hiv for many years. One supported me in taking baby steps with testing. I at first wanted to have general tests to know if I was ok and not getting sick before heading overseas for the last time. So I had a full std screening (minus hiv) which came back fine. Although I did find out I have herpes II antibodies. Although I haven't had any break outs since the one on my thigh, it could explain some of my other symptoms. I then had Hep B, Hep C tests and everything else after that. My friend with hiv told me that if I count go thru with the test before January at least have a CD4 and T-cell count done. Just to make sure I was healthy enough to go overseas. I did that
I had it done and the doctor said, "I am a hiv specialist and GP, and from these numbers, the ratio's, I can almost guarantee you 99% that you do not have hiv". We sat there for a while and I decided to just do it. I tested there and then. The next 2 days wait were awful, but he rang me early with the news. I broke down crying at work for a good half an hour.....had to leave for the day. So much was built up for such a long time, and I "swore" I had contracted the virus...and many people had said it didn't look good.
So, because of her, I have now been tested & diagnosed hiv negative. I can get on with my life without having the huge black cloud of worry hanging over my shoulders and can enjoy the great opportunities coming to me around the New year.
I take this experience as a blessing, I've never appreciated or prioritized as much in my life as I do now. My life and "me" will never be the same again.
From this also, I've met some amazing friends with hiv who I will continue to keep in touch with for the rest of my life. There is a strength about these people, I've never known, and I always used to think i was a strong person. I don't come close.
I am so educated about the virus now, the medications, research etc, that I will continue to keep updated on it all, and make donations whenever possible into the research of HIV/AIDS. I will educate others about this and never forget this whole experience.
Because of the education I gave myself and that I got from others, I'm fairly sure I would have learned to live with hiv and have a near normal life after the initial shock. As my friends tell me.....if you let it beat you, it will. It's all about the power of the mind. The chances you end up dying of something unrelated to hiv are probable.
It seems wrong that we are at risk of transmitting this disease just cos we love to love!!!! Sex is a wonderful thing, but we've got to get real here, and be aware of how easy this can be transmitted.
Again, so much easier for me to say now....but it just ain't worth not wearing protection with someone you don't know. You can "never" tell who has it and who doesn't. We think we cant be touched by this, as no one we know has it, and it's not in our world as we know it - but I am living proof that isn't the case.
Is it such a big thing to ask someone to be tested before deciding not to wear protection? At the end of the day, if that other person cares about you enough, they will still stick around through that. if not, they certainly weren't worth it anyway yeah?
It is such an easy choice to protect yourself, but such a difficult period to go through with a hiv scare. I know which one I'll be choosing in future.
There are so many things in life that can just "unfairly" happen to us all, so why add more risk of that with something you have complete control over?
Regarding you Doc...as I was told time and time again, you and others are not there to make people with high risk encounters feel better. if you are at high risk, as I was...no amount of internet searching will help you. Every persons symptoms will be different. Unfortunately, if you put yourself at risk.......then expect you at some point need to be tested.
For those of you diagnosed hiv positive, and choosing to live your life the best you can - you have my utmost admiration and respect. From the research I've read about in 5 - 10 years time things will just be getting better and better. And I also have faith in a cure, and know I will be contributing financially to the research of that.
For those who got a scare and came out negative....I hope this makes us all smarter, and gives us a new appreciation of life.
To everyone, education is everything. I never knew anyone before with hiv, I have now spent time, hugged and kissed more than one new friend with hiv - which honestly, would have terrified me before. I no longer fear hiv. And these people who live with hiv have a bigger strength in themselves than a lot of us could ever find. That should be admired and embraced and we should learn from that. At the end of the day, someone with hiv is no different to any of us...really it was a just a case of very bad luck - it's just this bloody stupid stigma.
Doc, thankyou for your endless "pointless" responses you gave to me. Thankyou for offering such a big part of your life to helping people cope with this. Please read my symptoms in my original post...just to show you all that "symptoms don't mean anything". And to diagnose over the internet is really a waste of time, because if it was correct, I should be hiv positive.
In the end just a had a very bad virus and flu, that I didn't shake for a long time because of the stress later on and not taking care of myself.
The only symptoms I have left since being tested is the floaters. Everything else has disappeared. (except sinusitis and allergies because of it being spring here)
been to an ophthalmologist, and I have early signs of normal retina detachment, that shouldn't increase - and will maybe get better overt time, but nothing to worry about.
As I said before, I feel that from this horrible experience has come many blessings. I see the world differently, and have re prioritized. I'm more educated and understanding of things outside our normal lives. I promise from this day forward to contribute financially to the research of this disease and educate others.
Take care all......and good luck with your own personal journeys whatever the outcome may be.
Doc, if there is any chance you can post this for everyone to see, I think it's important.
Thankyou...Sarah....
I wanted to let you know, i tested and results came back negative.
I spent 8 months thinking I was hiv from having a relationship with a man who I found out later used needles. The symptoms happened all around the time that I started seeing him...and when reading over them again, I don't blame myself for being terrified.
I don't want to get on here and preach to everyone that you "must get tested" and you're a "fool" not to, because it's sooooo much easier said, than done.
We all handle things differently, and have our reasons for doing so.
My reasons for prolonging the testing was that I didn't know of anyone that was hiv, and had never known much about it. I also had a career that was about to take off, and for me...it felt like I had finally got my life in order...and then I was to be diagnosed hiv for a silly mistake. All I knew about it was the old "grim reaper" ad on tv....so you can understand my fear.
Everyone...give yourselves a break...the fear is very real for many personal reasons. At the end of the day though, it would be much better to know and deal with it, than to live with the excruciating anxiety that i did.
I lost contact with a huge network of friends and family because whenever I spoke to them i would feel like I was going to burst into tears, and then i would have to tell them what was wrong, and that was something I couldn't do. So instead I wasted 8 months of my life, career and happiness, sitting in front of the computer screen reading posts from the body, medhelp and anything else I could search for. I guess it was just for a bit if hope...or maybe someone with exact symptoms that tested negative in the end.
I wasn't going to get tested until January, as I had a big overseas contract for my career around NYE for 6 days, and I wanted to be able to have that opportunity and spend Christmas with my family and friends before accepting this new life I was going to have to lead. I also have suffered from clinical depression since I was 15, and after many years of fighting that (and beating that) and getting my life together, I was feeling I would not be able to cope with a hiv diagnosis.
Through this experience though, I found much support and made two very good friends in particular who have lived with hiv for many years. One supported me in taking baby steps with testing. I at first wanted to have general tests to know if I was ok and not getting sick before heading overseas for the last time. So I had a full std screening (minus hiv) which came back fine. Although I did find out I have herpes II antibodies. Although I haven't had any break outs since the one on my thigh, it could explain some of my other symptoms. I then had Hep B, Hep C tests and everything else after that. My friend with hiv told me that if I count go thru with the test before January at least have a CD4 and T-cell count done. Just to make sure I was healthy enough to go overseas. I did that
I had it done and the doctor said, "I am a hiv specialist and GP, and from these numbers, the ratio's, I can almost guarantee you 99% that you do not have hiv". We sat there for a while and I decided to just do it. I tested there and then. The next 2 days wait were awful, but he rang me early with the news. I broke down crying at work for a good half an hour.....had to leave for the day. So much was built up for such a long time, and I "swore" I had contracted the virus...and many people had said it didn't look good.
So, because of her, I have now been tested & diagnosed hiv negative. I can get on with my life without having the huge black cloud of worry hanging over my shoulders and can enjoy the great opportunities coming to me around the New year.
I take this experience as a blessing, I've never appreciated or prioritized as much in my life as I do now. My life and "me" will never be the same again.
From this also, I've met some amazing friends with hiv who I will continue to keep in touch with for the rest of my life. There is a strength about these people, I've never known, and I always used to think i was a strong person. I don't come close.
I am so educated about the virus now, the medications, research etc, that I will continue to keep updated on it all, and make donations whenever possible into the research of HIV/AIDS. I will educate others about this and never forget this whole experience.
Because of the education I gave myself and that I got from others, I'm fairly sure I would have learned to live with hiv and have a near normal life after the initial shock. As my friends tell me.....if you let it beat you, it will. It's all about the power of the mind. The chances you end up dying of something unrelated to hiv are probable.
It seems wrong that we are at risk of transmitting this disease just cos we love to love!!!! Sex is a wonderful thing, but we've got to get real here, and be aware of how easy this can be transmitted.
Again, so much easier for me to say now....but it just ain't worth not wearing protection with someone you don't know. You can "never" tell who has it and who doesn't. We think we cant be touched by this, as no one we know has it, and it's not in our world as we know it - but I am living proof that isn't the case.
Is it such a big thing to ask someone to be tested before deciding not to wear protection? At the end of the day, if that other person cares about you enough, they will still stick around through that. if not, they certainly weren't worth it anyway yeah?
It is such an easy choice to protect yourself, but such a difficult period to go through with a hiv scare. I know which one I'll be choosing in future.
There are so many things in life that can just "unfairly" happen to us all, so why add more risk of that with something you have complete control over?
Regarding you Doc...as I was told time and time again, you and others are not there to make people with high risk encounters feel better. if you are at high risk, as I was...no amount of internet searching will help you. Every persons symptoms will be different. Unfortunately, if you put yourself at risk.......then expect you at some point need to be tested.
For those of you diagnosed hiv positive, and choosing to live your life the best you can - you have my utmost admiration and respect. From the research I've read about in 5 - 10 years time things will just be getting better and better. And I also have faith in a cure, and know I will be contributing financially to the research of that.
For those who got a scare and came out negative....I hope this makes us all smarter, and gives us a new appreciation of life.
To everyone, education is everything. I never knew anyone before with hiv, I have now spent time, hugged and kissed more than one new friend with hiv - which honestly, would have terrified me before. I no longer fear hiv. And these people who live with hiv have a bigger strength in themselves than a lot of us could ever find. That should be admired and embraced and we should learn from that. At the end of the day, someone with hiv is no different to any of us...really it was a just a case of very bad luck - it's just this bloody stupid stigma.
Doc, thankyou for your endless "pointless" responses you gave to me. Thankyou for offering such a big part of your life to helping people cope with this. Please read my symptoms in my original post...just to show you all that "symptoms don't mean anything". And to diagnose over the internet is really a waste of time, because if it was correct, I should be hiv positive.
In the end just a had a very bad virus and flu, that I didn't shake for a long time because of the stress later on and not taking care of myself.
The only symptoms I have left since being tested is the floaters. Everything else has disappeared. (except sinusitis and allergies because of it being spring here)
been to an ophthalmologist, and I have early signs of normal retina detachment, that shouldn't increase - and will maybe get better overt time, but nothing to worry about.
As I said before, I feel that from this horrible experience has come many blessings. I see the world differently, and have re prioritized. I'm more educated and understanding of things outside our normal lives. I promise from this day forward to contribute financially to the research of this disease and educate others.
Take care all......and good luck with your own personal journeys whatever the outcome may be.
Doc, if there is any chance you can post this for everyone to see, I think it's important.
Thankyou...Sarah....
Hey Doc,
I wanted to give you an update. I had full blood test results back this week (except hiv) as I guess baby steps are better than no steps at all. The counseller said that is fine to do as long as I am progressing towards hiv testing, which I am.
I had a full std screening (except hiv), and tested for everything else including hepatitis also.
It all came back clear except I had herpes in my system which would maybe explain the break out on my thigh when i was flu - as I said in my original post. Although since the original flu with the outbreak on my thigh, I havent had anything come up. He then got shingles (which could have just been herpes) not long after - which I may have given to him. The doctor today said it can lie dormant and I could have had it from years back. I was devastated.
Doc, you have got me this far in doing all of those tests, I just wanted to know your thoughts now I gave you those recent results, as before you said you didnt think it was an std. But had herpes....
* Have your thoughts changed on the hiv part of this equasion?
* Isnt herpes a sign that one should be more worried about having contracted hiv also?
* And remembering I found out he was a past drug user...
I honestly believe you will help me be able to move on to the next step by offering me some realistic opinions now that I am so close.....
(I went to say hi to the clinic people in oz, but I didnt know your name to tell them? Only knew you as the "medhelp guy"...sorry.....:-)
I wanted to give you an update. I had full blood test results back this week (except hiv) as I guess baby steps are better than no steps at all. The counseller said that is fine to do as long as I am progressing towards hiv testing, which I am.
I had a full std screening (except hiv), and tested for everything else including hepatitis also.
It all came back clear except I had herpes in my system which would maybe explain the break out on my thigh when i was flu - as I said in my original post. Although since the original flu with the outbreak on my thigh, I havent had anything come up. He then got shingles (which could have just been herpes) not long after - which I may have given to him. The doctor today said it can lie dormant and I could have had it from years back. I was devastated.
Doc, you have got me this far in doing all of those tests, I just wanted to know your thoughts now I gave you those recent results, as before you said you didnt think it was an std. But had herpes....
* Have your thoughts changed on the hiv part of this equasion?
* Isnt herpes a sign that one should be more worried about having contracted hiv also?
* And remembering I found out he was a past drug user...
I honestly believe you will help me be able to move on to the next step by offering me some realistic opinions now that I am so close.....
(I went to say hi to the clinic people in oz, but I didnt know your name to tell them? Only knew you as the "medhelp guy"...sorry.....:-)
Thanks Doc. Yes, I have since found out they have excellent HIV counsellers and testing clinic - Albion Clinic to be exact in Sydney.
I will be sure to say hi when getting some counselling.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the extra vote of confidence xo
I will be sure to say hi when getting some counselling.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the extra vote of confidence xo
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
What this "thrown my life away" ****? Relax. See the first paragraph of my original response. Almost certainly you do not have HIV.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Doc and gang,
Seems to red spot on my neck is "ringworm".
Went to the doctor.
Am booked in to have some pathology blood tests done this weekend, results due next week. For starters all i could handle doing was getting a full STD scan, and also including CMV, epstein barr, mono etc......to rule other things out, then will do the hiv test when have seen a counseller, as I think my anxiety is what will be stopping me from being tested. It's effecting my everyday life, seem to be in tears every day....cant sleep at night. not a good experience.
But still not feeling very confident. Can tell you I am abslutely terrified.
When you look at it....
Unprotected sex with a man who i found out later used needles in the past.
4 - 6 weeks after seeing him, bad bad flu symptoms, outbreak on thing. 3 months later large swollen gland under my arm and continous symptoms (as in original email) after that.
Cant believe it looks I have thrown my life away just because i thought someone was a good trustworthy person.
Jsut aint worth it everyone......
Seems to red spot on my neck is "ringworm".
Went to the doctor.
Am booked in to have some pathology blood tests done this weekend, results due next week. For starters all i could handle doing was getting a full STD scan, and also including CMV, epstein barr, mono etc......to rule other things out, then will do the hiv test when have seen a counseller, as I think my anxiety is what will be stopping me from being tested. It's effecting my everyday life, seem to be in tears every day....cant sleep at night. not a good experience.
But still not feeling very confident. Can tell you I am abslutely terrified.
When you look at it....
Unprotected sex with a man who i found out later used needles in the past.
4 - 6 weeks after seeing him, bad bad flu symptoms, outbreak on thing. 3 months later large swollen gland under my arm and continous symptoms (as in original email) after that.
Cant believe it looks I have thrown my life away just because i thought someone was a good trustworthy person.
Jsut aint worth it everyone......
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is nothing in your description that suggests shingles to me, despite lifeisbeautiful's comment.
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, also called herpes zoster virus. It is in the same family as herpes simplex virus, the cause of oral and genital herpes, but is a very different virus.
Sarahde, your questions remain irrelevant. No matter what the answers, they will give no clue at all about whether you might have an HIV infection. Probably you do not, but the only way to know is to visit your local SHC or another provider and have an HIV test. I will have no further replies, unless you get tested and come back to the forum to report the result.
HHH, MD
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, also called herpes zoster virus. It is in the same family as herpes simplex virus, the cause of oral and genital herpes, but is a very different virus.
Sarahde, your questions remain irrelevant. No matter what the answers, they will give no clue at all about whether you might have an HIV infection. Probably you do not, but the only way to know is to visit your local SHC or another provider and have an HIV test. I will have no further replies, unless you get tested and come back to the forum to report the result.
HHH, MD
as far as i know shingles is caused by the same virus as herpes. I could be wrong but iam pretty sure
There was suggestion thsi may be shingles.
Some quick questions of it's ok...
* Isnt there some form of pain and spreading when getting shingles?
* If he had shingles, then a year later I get shingles and never had them before is that not a good sign?
* Is shingles ever present in original ARS symptoms?
* If he used needles and I didnt know or was hiv, would these symtpoms then be a concern for hiv so early?
* Can shingles be caused by having herpes dormant in your body?
I had chickenpox when I was young
Some quick questions of it's ok...
* Isnt there some form of pain and spreading when getting shingles?
* If he had shingles, then a year later I get shingles and never had them before is that not a good sign?
* Is shingles ever present in original ARS symptoms?
* If he used needles and I didnt know or was hiv, would these symtpoms then be a concern for hiv so early?
* Can shingles be caused by having herpes dormant in your body?
I had chickenpox when I was young
There was suggestion thsi may be shingles.
Some quick questions of it's ok...
* Isnt there some form of pain and spreading when getting shingles?
* If he had shingles, then a year later I get shingles and never had them before is that not a good sign?
* Is shingles ever present in original ARS symptoms?
* If he used needles and I didnt know or was hiv, would these symtpoms then be a concern for hiv so early?
Some quick questions of it's ok...
* Isnt there some form of pain and spreading when getting shingles?
* If he had shingles, then a year later I get shingles and never had them before is that not a good sign?
* Is shingles ever present in original ARS symptoms?
* If he used needles and I didnt know or was hiv, would these symtpoms then be a concern for hiv so early?
the hiv specialist from thebody.com has mentioned many times that the swollen lymph nodes in an hiv infected person dont get sore... just swollen
dont know if that helps?
From reading posts on this site it sure is evident how scared humanity really is of this disease (virus). I think anyone who has posted on here due to fear should donate money to the cause.
just my two cents
dont know if that helps?
From reading posts on this site it sure is evident how scared humanity really is of this disease (virus). I think anyone who has posted on here due to fear should donate money to the cause.
just my two cents
The spot on your neck sounds like Varicella Zoster, or Shingles. I wouldnt jump to conclusions and assume it's related to HIV infection, as many shingle outbreaks are due to stress...which I can tell you're under a lot of. As for HIV, seroconversion would have happened in May 2005/early June 2005 and then stopped, not continued for almost a year! Do you know the HIV status of your partner?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your symptoms don't suggest HIV. Symptoms never are a reliable indicator for or against HIV infection in people at low risk (ie not gay men, injection drug users, etc). NEVER. And anyway, your symptoms don't sound like HIV, herpes, or any other STD.
If you are concerned about HIV, herpes, or other STDs, get tested. All else is just wild speculation. Australia's network of Sexual Health Centres are, collectively, the best STD clinics in the world. There are SHCs in all the large and mid-sized towns. (If you go to the ones in Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, say g'day for me.)
Good luck-- HHH, MD
If you are concerned about HIV, herpes, or other STDs, get tested. All else is just wild speculation. Australia's network of Sexual Health Centres are, collectively, the best STD clinics in the world. There are SHCs in all the large and mid-sized towns. (If you go to the ones in Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, say g'day for me.)
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
