A related discussion,
dear dr was started.
I have a question for you regarding H I V risk. I recently went to a dental visit, because I had a tooth abscess in my back molar. I also had an ulcer in my mouth, which my dentist said would probably go away in a few days. I was concerned about the dental equipment, but it is my understanding that the dentist sterilize their equipment although I didn't ask on this particular occasion. Anyway they gave me an X-ray, which determined that the tooth needed to come out. Ok, so after they removed the tooth, I paid the bill, used the restroom, and left. On the way home, I noticed that my whole lip was numb, where the ulcer was and decided to mess with it on the way home to see if I could pop it, since I could not feel anything in that area. Anyway, to make a long story short, I was wondering if there was any chance of exposure, since I did hold the x-ray dental equipment. Is there any chance that I could have been exposed to the virus, since I was in a dental setting??
To:
just wondering ..I had intercourse 2 wks ago and have been having a headache, nausea, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat. I was told that signs and symptoms didnt show up till the 2mnth mark...is this true??
i did not have a sexual encounter, however i feel that i have hiv. about a month ago, i may have shaken hands with a man that has a bunch of sores all over his body. i know this seems very unlikely, but the right side of my neck has been stiff and hard for two straight weeks. i have a whole list of symptoms that are real, and i am very concerned. on the right side of my mouth, i have a glossy white (snot looking) on the later border of my tougue. I have the white coating and it looks a bit hair-like. Also, my body has become overly dry, and I am getting these circular lesion looking things on different sections of my body. they are very small, and it could all be anxiety, but i am so nervous. i have been waking up the same time every night, not sweating, but with a rapid heartbeat and a feeling of being hot and cold. my beard over the last week was not growing up to potential, and my gums on my teeth look like they are receding on the same right side where the glossy finish on my tongue is located. i know there are so many symptoms, and i am positive that they are all there. my question is with all of these symptoms present, is it just in my head? i mean, everything is falling right along line with what is symptomatic for hiv. i had a test a week ago and it came back negative, however i think that it was too soon to tell. i have testicle pain from time to time, and my hands feel like there are little pin-like dryness deposits (this is hard to explain). i've lost a lot of weight and my clothes no longer fit. i've felt weak and tired, and the waking up the same time every night is getting a bit old. upon waking up, i cannot go back to sleep to save my life, and i just continue to lay there disturbed by shortness of breath and a hot and cold feeling. i know that it is highly unlikely to get hiv from a handshake, but i can't remember if i had any open blood spots (i.e. broken cuticles) at the time of his handshake. I know for a fact that his hand was all beat up, and he just doesn't look healthy. the chances of it being hiv are slim, but i don't want to have to wait any longer to find out. my last test was on friday the 28th, and now it is next friday. is it possible that i could have a different virus? my neck tightens up quite a bit, and everything is right-sided (the mouth, the neck, etc.). everyone thinks i am crazy, but these symptoms are so real. i am looking for help! thank you.
Dr. Please answer one more question: I called PLanned Parenthood and they agreed that they will give me the regular test at 6 weeks even though they say it should be given at 3 months. Before I pay for the test is the 3 month test the same procedure as the 3 Month test? My lymph nodes are still swollen noticably and i would like to know whats going on ASAP
From everything I researched when I was going through my most anxious phase, the encounter is very low risk. Here in the u.k., the std (g.u.m.) clinic specialists said to me that in their experience, IF someone is or has suffered ARS, they are very ill, not just slightly. Nevertheless, as the doc says on here all the time - symtpoms and timescales cannot diagnose HIV, only blood tests. You can tie yourself in so many knots figuring out statistics and likelihoods - take care, it will be o.k.