Help Please. I have RA and think I might have HIV

[lost789]

I'm a 40yr old male and in the past 1-2 years I've been having more regular migraine type headaches. More recently I've developed this subtle headache accompanied by achy joints, nausea and tiredness. I went to have it checked out and they diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  (AMA positive and Rheumatoid Factor of 29) I just made an appointment with a Rheumatologist, but I'm super scared.

I've been married for 13 years and had unprotected sex with other person other than my wife. I've had a few protected sexual experiences on two other occasions in the past 5-7 years. My wife was tested for HIV during a pregnancy about 3.5 years ago and she tested fine. I've never been tested for HIV and scared to death.

What are the chances I have HIV?

[lost789]

Thanks for the feedback and support.  I have an appointment with a Rheumatologist and will be tested.  I'll update this page once I hear more.

[kuri85]

You should be tested to rule it out, but the symptoms you have could be attributed to any number of diseases. If you are still in contact with your other partners, you should also ask them if/when they were last tested for HIV.

[mike_no]

I have RA and "think" I might have HIV.

This is where the problem actually starts from, you are "thinking". Don't guess, you need to know. HIV can't be guessed from symptoms and moreover, your symptoms are too unspecific to HIV. Indeed, you have put your self in to risk by unprotected sex with multiple partners. However, as my friend above has already told you that it's a good sign that your wife has tested negative. So, go out there, get that test and "Know" it instead of "Guessing" it. At this point any test including rapid is good to determine, just take one.

Good luck!

[RainLover71]

Go and get tested and put your mind at ease.Its a good sign that your wife is negative,but you need to find out your status.