Still very anxious but I want to move on

[needadvice578]

Although I have been told by Dr. H that my risk was close to zero (the condom slipped during vaginal sex with a stripper/prostitute who has since told me she recently tested HIV negative) and he didn't think I even needed to test, I can't seem to get rid of my fear that I contracted HIV. This is why I remain concerned. Within 10 days of the event I developed a red rash on my foreskin and head of my penis that I am still trying to get rid of completely. I went to an STD clinic on day 10 and tested negative for STD's and herpes was ruled out. I was prescribed Cipro and told to treat the rash with anti-fungal powder which has greatly reduced the rash but is not yet completely gone. At day 20, I tested negative for HIV with an oraquick test. I began to feel less anxious due to all the negative results. But 3 days ago, I developed a mildly sore throat with no other symptoms. I haven't got a fever or swollen lymph nodes but it doesn't seem to be getting any better.  It is now day 30. Is the sore throat a reason for concern by itself or taken together with the prior rash? Can I take any comfort in the negative HIV test at day 20 (I've read that the figure is 65% or so) and take Dr. H's advice and move on with my life? I am so tired of worrying and do not want to test anymore if it isn't warranted. The anxiety I have developed due to this mistake is like nothing I have ever experienced.  Thanks.

[needadvice578]

I just read in a response by Dr. Hook in the expert forum: "at three weeks, while the figure is not 85% it is certainly 75% or more, making it very unlikely that you have HIVAcute hiv infection". So, is this true also for my oraquick test at 20 days?  If so, why did the std clinic tell me that I would definitely be negative and testing so early was a waste of my time? It would be a great comfort for me to know that I have further reduced the odds significantly in my situation while waiting for the 6 week test. Thanks.

[needadvice578]

Thank you so much for the reply. I have never been so anxious and stressed. Do you know if there is any significance to a negative oraquick test at day 20 that I can use to keep me together until I test at 6 weeks?

[longone]

You have no concern,no fever no ARS. You have a sore throat big deal,its spring.

[needadvice578]

I am very anxious about my mild sore throat that I've had for 4 days, around day 26 after the incident. I have had no fever or swollen glands/lymph nodes. On day 8 I got a rash on my penis head and foreskin which was not an STD (conformed by blood test) and was prescribed Cipro hydrocortisone and anti-fungal powder. The rash has mostly gone away, but I cannot remember having a sore throat for this long. It hasn't gotten better or worse its just there. I had a negative oraquick HIV test at day 20 and am waiting another 2 weeks for a 6 week test. Can anyone tell me if I should be so concerned about this sore throat and whether the absence of fever can help me rule out ARS? Can I take any solace in a negative result after 20 days while waiting to test at 6 weeks? Thanks.

[diver58]

None of us here is more competent and knowledgeable than Dr HHH. Take Dr's word and move on

[lostone08]

well it is entirely up to you if you want to take your results and move on like dr h said however if that was the case you wouldnt still be on here a negative test is a very good inication of your hiv status if it still bothers you get another test to ease your mind hiv is not diasgnosed by symptoms but based only by tests your fine your risk was very very low you have a negative result if it still bothers you re test