VERY SCAERD

Hi, My name is Marco and I am 19 Living in Charlotte, North Carolina. About 4 months ago I started to get this rash on my stomach. I thought it was from a necklace that I used to wear. Then about 2 months later I started getting strapped throat with swollen glands. I am sceard beacuse I dont know If I am HIV positive or not. I have had some other symptoms also. I talked to a person on the HIV. Is it possible that I can develope all of these symptoms within a year 6 months of contracting HIV? Is there possible that any other sexual transmitted diseases could cause it. Before I started getting HIV symptoms I started getting bumps aroeund my lips. I thought I had herpes But I had no other symptoms for that. Is it possible that I could have herpes? I am in HS and I am very scaerd.
                      Marco

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The reassuring comments from "nervous2618" are accurate.  Yes, HIV symptoms can begin within 6 months, but your symptoms don't particularly sound like HIV.  It also doesn't sound like herpes.  You need not be so scared.  

But go see a health care provider about the rash and get an HIV test; the negative result will reassure you.  If you want to do the HIV part confidentially, i.e. without your parents knowing (assuming you still live at home), your local health department undoubtedly has an STD clinic or HIV testing/counseling clinic where you can get tested without your parents or anyone else hearing about it, and probably at no cost--or only a few dollars.  Do it soon; you'll sleep better.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[nervous2618]

As someone who is in the same boat as you, I would say that it could be sooooo many other things, I wouldn't worry about HIV too much.  

As a non-expert, I will only tell you what I know.  The glands and throat could be an infinite # of things.  The odds of it being HIV are miniscule comepared to other things.  Have you been with any "high risk" people?  Even if you had been, from what I read even if you had unprotected sex with an HIV infected person, it's still only like a 1% chance that you get it.  

As for the other things, I wouldn't know.  I am currently awiting test results in regards to STD's.  Many of which are curable.  It doesn't sound like you have "classic" herpes symptoms, but get tested.  There are a number of free and confidential clinics all around.

After a couple weeks of being nervous, I have calmed down and realized that stress can only hurt.  Wait for docs reply, but from someone who knows where you are coming from, I wouldn't borrow trouble.  

Good luck.

[nervous2618]

Since the gettings tested thing is in discussion, how soon should/can you be tested for HIV and/or herpes.  I have heard such a wide array of numbers.  It has been 17 days for me since potential exposure.  I have no "classic" symptoms.  Just the groin discomfort and some minor cold sores on the lips (I do currently have a cold).  Is it too soon to get tested for HIV/herpes.  I am awaiting my gonnohrea/syphills results.

[Marco Polo]

I went and Took the HIV Oraquick test today and it came back negative. I think I mau have syphillis (syphilis) or something I thank u all for your comments. It is nice to know that I dont have to be at this thing alone but I have ppl like u to help me through it. What are some symptoms that I would get if I had Syphillis (syphilis)?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You don't have syphilis.  Your symptoms don't suggest any STD.  For symptoms of syphilis, click on the link to "STD Quick Facts and Articles" at the top of this forum, then look for the information on syphilis.

HHH, MD

[Marco Polo]

WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THESE SYMPTOMS? HOW CAN I KNOW FOR SURE WHAT IS GOING  ON WITH MY BODY?

[nervous2618]

Hey Marco.

    I truly know where your coming from.  I have more questions than answers at this point.  Your symptoms can be one of a large number of things.  The only thing that you can do is find a free clinic in your area.  There are a number of them around.  Near my house, I have at least 4-5 within a 30 minute drive and I am in the sticks.  It's free and confidential.  Start with the gonorhea/syphilis/chlymidia tests.  It should give you peace of mind to some degree.  After that, get your HIV.  That is the biggie, but as the doc said, the odds are fairly remote.  The test that will suck will be for herpes.  From what I have read, unless you have open sores, you can only get tested with a blood test.  Problem with that is that it takes a few months before a test can be accurate.  

If I am wrong doc, please correct me.  


Anyhow Marco, hang in there.  Odds are you are clean.  Also keep in mind that many STD's are curable with a shot so if you did have them it's easily remedied.  I will be around to use as a sounding board.  I felt what you feel and had the same worries.  I am still worried, but the more that I educytae myself, the better I feel about things.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

"WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THESE SYMPTOMS? HOW CAN I KNOW FOR SURE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY BODY?"

See a doctor or other health care provider; that's what they're for.  Nobody can make a diagnosis through an on-line description.

HHH, MD