2.5 - 2 year post exposure

[lax15]

Hello,

I know this may sound like a broken record, and from reading your forum I understand that symptoms are NEVER a direct indicator of infection.  I also understand that the only sure way to know if one is infected is a test.  

With that being said, I was curious what "years" for symptoms of infection to show up means.  Are we talking 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 years, etc?  

I ask this because I may have been infected between the months of May 2005-Sep 2005.  If I had been infected during those times, would I now be developing symptoms of infection?  I have joint pain, dry mouth, sore throat, an irritating dry cough, fluctuating weight loss and gain for no reason, and a few others.  When I think back to the time period I was speaking of, my partner had strange symptoms.  He had a rash between his butt cheeks, and thrush.  He lost a lot of weight during the time we were together, but he was working out vigorously.  We broke up suddenly without treason and I worry that perhaps he knew he had HIV and never told me.  It was high risk exposure, anal and vaginal sex on multiple occasions.  I cannot get a hold of him at all....his number has been disconnected.  Of course it goes without saying that I am worried sick.....anxiety onset by me thinking and worrying and convincing myself that I have HIV.  

I went for a test about a week ago, it was a swab test from my saliva sample by rubbing a flat salty swab on my cheek for about 3 minutes.  If I am infected, would the test results be reliable?  Or has it been too long for a reliable test?  Does the swab test indicate the presence of HIV antibodies?  If this is so, I suppose the results will be completely reliable and I can put this to bed.    

I need some reassurance so I can get through my work day!  I am not completely sure how quickly a response will come.      

Thank you!

[Songbird29]

I don't think there is any such thing as TOO LONG to have the test be accurate...just to early..

[LIZZIE LOU]

if you have not had unprotected sex with anyone else in the last 3 months...then your test is conclusive and you can put it to rest :)

[lax15]

You guys are quick!

I just am freaking out a bit.  I have been psychologically destroying myself.  Neg or Pos, I will deal with it....they have so many advancements now that I should relax.

This guy was just so shady, and I am worried about disappointing everyone I know and love.

Would I have a cough this soon after exposure?  I know I know.....symptoms aren't tell-tale.  :)  But it is such a weird cough.  

[LIZZIE LOU]

you said yourself that symptoms mean nothing...so stop looking for them.  a cough does not mean you have hiv.

[lax15]

I know.  I guess I just feel better when I am talking about it.  I just read your story.  I am also a Christian and believe that is why I am having so much anxiety.  I just feel like I let God down.  It was a wrong relationship from the beginning and I had so many sexual experiences with this man.  I just wish I could erase the time in my life.

I bet this all stems from the guilt.  What are your thoughts?  

[lax15]

What is HIV seroconversion?

[evenflow1121]

The results of the swab test are reliable like any other.  Its never too long, if you have hiv it would of shown up whether you tested 6 months, a year, or 20 years post exposure.  You did the right thing in getting tested, now you can put this baby aside and move on with your life.  Dry coughing is usually seen in the late stages of hiv as is thrush.  Just make sure you use LATEX condoms from now on.  Sore throat can be seen at the ARS stage which usually happens 2-4 weeks after infection, not 2 years.