Old question

[needhope2011]

Doc I know you have heard this question before, please treat this as new because I am really struggling here.

I can't bring myself to get tested, I am just not capable.
I am a normally a resonable person, not a hypochrondriac.
I can't be diagnosed from symptom i know, but here is my story.
I had (1) vaginal encounter with a CSW lin a european brothel late Feb.
Sadly I was so intoxicated I honestly can't say if it was protected or not.
Mid-April I had 4 or 5 weeks of mono-like symptoms. Chills and minor neck gland irritation.
Early May I visit Dr get mono check and CBC (normal results) and get a just in case Z-pack antibodiac.
3rd week of May, neck glands go nuts, major irritation(no noticable swelling) and I feel BAD for a week and develop one sore on inner lip.
Currently neck and shoulder gland pain is constant and this is week 15 or 16 post exposure.
I have read  that if positive I should be asymptomatic by now, though other sites lists gland problems as possible.
If not HIV, any suggestions? I know I am not imagining these pains.
I think If I had a real hope I could bring my self to test.
Are there any hotlines where I could speak to a person.

Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

We do not comment on non-HIV related issues on this forum.  We have no desire to try to practice medicine over the internet. To do so would be foolish.  Persistent symptoms warrant evaluation and as I've said before, are in NO WAY related to the likelyhood of HIV.  the symptoms of early HIV infection woul not persist for 16 weeks.  EWH

[needhope2011]

Thank you for your response.

Not looking for a diagnosis, but could you comment further on my symptoms.
Does the length of time of the symptoms have any indication to other possible illnesses?
If positive, would I still feel this lousy at approaching16 weeks?
My neck is continually bothering me.
Something new, I had my blood pressure checked today it was 162/108.
My dentist actually checks every time I visit. last visit was 130/88
Than you for any further insight

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I'll try to help.  The symptoms you describe could, and probably were caused by any of a great number of viruses that are not typically tested for.  In contrast, your risk for HIV is miniscule.  Few commercial sex workers have HIV an even if your partner did and you did not use a condom, your risk of getting infected is still less than 1 in 1000, at most.

As for fear of testing, testing does not give a person HIV but it does give them the power to know what is going on and whether or not they have the infection.  Most tests are negative and if you were so unfortunate as to have HIV, the test would allow you to seek treatment sooner.  There is no reason to delay or avoid HIV testing.

EWH