PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

First of all I'd like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Now I recently hooked up with an old friend on Dec. 7 (friday). we were having problems with the condoms and him keepin an erection so we went through periods of the condom being off and on. so he did penetrate me unprotected but when he came the condom was on. after that the next day the nodes in my neck became swollen and painful and it felt like i had a little cold. i went to the doctor on the 19th cause it hadnt cleared up and he said i had some time of bug going around. He tested me for std's including hiv and they came back negative but i know i need a longer time to test for hiv. I spoke to my friend and he said he was tested recently and it was negative. but my glands are still swollen and im scared. any input anyone.

[Dora12]

I'm guessing ARS is Aids Related Symptoms??

[Dora12]

Its ok so basically youre saying the swollen lymph nodes is probably from something that was brewing in me already?

[Dora12]

how early does ars start?

[Dora12]

So the first test i took was pointless basically. I will have the dr test me 3 months from now to be sure whats going on.its just strange i feel fine but my glands in my neck are still swollen and sore.

[Dora12]

LOL thats exactly how i feel. My anxiety level is through the roof over this. I've been doing research and the say the first sign of HIV is swollen lymph nodes. Its got me going crazy!

[ruben81]

How long would the swollen lymph nodes last when it is ARS?

[Dora12]

good question ruben81. I have no idea maybe chris knows.

[ruben81]

I know, STD's suck, I don't want to have sex ever again... you might find it funny, but I am crying right now.

[Dora12]

i dont find it funny at all i know how you feel trust me. even though this is with someone ive known for quite some time it doesnt matter. its just the swollen lymph node thing that has me freakin out. but they became swollen the next day and chris said thats too early for ARS

[hypocsl]

If you dont mind me asking ...what was your exposure ? Also..is there a diference in the window period for initial symptoms to appear ...whether its through blood exposure or other bodily fluid exposure?

[hypocsl]

If you dont mind me asking ...what was your exposure ? Also..is there a diference in the window period for initial symptoms to appear ...whether its through blood exposure or other bodily fluid exposure?

[Dora12]

my exposure was through vaginal sex

[mike_no]

1. You need to STOP symptom surfing over the internet RIGHT NOW. searching for symptoms will only worsen the situation for you.

2. From what you have mentioned, it very unlikely that you mate was infected.

3. Like what Chris has already told you that unprotected sex would warrant testing, you need to test at the 6th week an back up your negative with a final test at the 2th week  (It's very unlike and almost unheard of a 6 week negative changing ahead)

4. You should only expect a negative.

The best thing that I can suggest you here is that, since your partner is your mate, why don't you convince him for an HIV test. This will cut short all the hassle.

Good luck

[Dora12]

Youre right mike. the internet will drive you crazy. Like you and chris said I will test at weeks 6 and 12. thanks for all the support guys. Will definitely keep you posted.

[ExtremeStress]

Why don't you get your buddy to test, if he hasn't had any recent unprotected sex than you.

[Dora12]

I know thats what I've decided even though he said he tested 3 months ago, I'm convincing him to do it again.

[CuteNPregnant]

Dora,
I know how you feel with the worrying, Sounds to me you have common cold problems from the dreadful weather of winter hon...ARS is typitally most always associated with HIGH FEVER I have read...and even then, that does NOT even then mean you have HIV ! Good luck hon! I am going through the same worries!!!

[Dora12]

Thanks so much for the support babe. Its really appreciated. I think my glands are still swollen because I feel a sense of fullness in my neck and now in my groin area. This is pretty scary.

[Dora12]

Question: I'm on daily dose of Valtrex for herpes. Dose anyone know would the antiviral med down play the symptoms of ARS???

[Dora12]

ok. sorry chris :( dont kill me!

[Dora12]

Ok im freakin out now i think both of my glands in my groin are swollen and hurtin (burning sensation) off and on throughout the day.

[alienshadow]

look first it would be constant not on and off second  get back to life and quit reading about hiv thats your downfall

[Dora12]

I'm tryinging shadow ;...(

[alienshadow]

no youre not unplug that computer of yours it needs a break like you do

[mike_no]

1. HIV ARS related swollen nodes are generalized (allover the body), one / two swollen nodes don't suggest HIV

2. Swollen nodes associated with HIV don't pain / hurt

3. If it were to be a swollen gland, it would be very evident, you wouldn't have to touch them to feel the swelling.

[Dora12]

Ok guys thanks! I'm going on a little vacation from the forum! LOL

[alienshadow]

GOOD