THINGS FALLING APART

[Onbendedknee]

I am a guy who is watching his life fall apart.I regret the day i had sex with a CSW, it has earned me a great deal of misery.I have a thick patch growing on my tongue (leukoplakia) which constantly reminds me of my disaster.I had an antibody test N0 24 last week fro HIV 1/2/O which emerged negative.I was diagnosed with hpv can it be the sole cause of my white tongue?I was wearing a condom but still wound up with hpv-i find that difficult just to let it go,i am very scared that it is only a matter of time till i turn positive.I have panicked and told people who have back stabbed me and are now spreading stories that im dying of AIDS my once prosperous and promise filled life is falling apart.

[1wally]

Hi,
I recently had sex with a prostitute in a strip club in Prague. I was very drunk and remember her putting the condom on but I can't remember taking it off or what happened to it after that.
About 2 weeks after the event I have noticed a blotchy rash on my chest and my neck is sore and stiff. This morning my groin is swollen on one side. I'm so anxious about HIV as these are classic symptoms. Could anxiety cause these symptoms?

[joggen]

You shouldn't be associating leukoplakia with HIV. I think you are confusing your condition with "hairy" leukoplakia which is relatively rare and can occur after several years when HIV progresses to AIDS. Having general leukoplakia doesn't mean anything. Probably 90% of people with leukoplakia in your country do not have HIV.

HPV is extremely common and is an almost inevitable consequence of being sexually active and has nothing to do with HIV. The transmission mechanism for HPV is completely different and requires skin-skin contact as opposed to HIV which requires fluid exchange. While it is possible to contract HPV despite condom use this does not apply to HIV.

Anyway, as you have been told repeatedly, HIV test results always trump symptoms, and you have tested well outside of the window period. You have been posting on MH since April (both the community and expert forums). You seem resistant to the advice that you are receiving (including direct advice from doctors), so I am concerned that your anxiety is at a level where continued advice on HIV forums is not going to help. I would advise you to get off of HIV forums and seek counseling to deal with your anxiety and possible guilt over having sex with a CSW. I suggest that you seek a psychologist that specializes in AIDS phobia. Certainly your dramatic statements such as your "life is falling apart" indicate a need for support.

[osano]

I hear you Onbendedknee. but 8 months is pretty conclusive. even poor countries use 6 months window period.

It is difficult to let go specialy when you have a constant reminder in your body. I would suggest you use your resources how to get rid those things in the tounge of yours.