Hi Doctor,
I know my posting history indicates health anxiety, especially with regard to STDs, and I am currently seeking professional help with that. I believe the incident which initiated that fear was the following and I was wondering if you could provide an assessment for me.
Two years ago I met a woman at a bar and we engaged in "deep kissing." I realized later that night that I had a canker sore on the inside of my lip. About 1-2 weeks later I experienced a rash on my arms and chest, a fever, sweats and either a week or two later I also experienced pretty bad diarrhea.
My fears drove me to get tested for HIV, which naturally came back negative. However, the incident did begin a period of anxiety for me.
Now, my major concern is Syphillis as I am aware that it can be transmitted through deep kissing. I do not remember a syphilis sore being on my mouth as this is not something I was looking for nor would it be somethign I would recognize.
My questions are:
1. Are these symptoms consistent with Syphilis?
2.Did I put myself at risk for it through this encounter?
3. Should I get tested for it now?
4. Now that its been two years, could it be at a dangerous stage?
Thank you very much. Just to be clear the symptoms I experienced durign that time were very real, and not anxiety driven while my worries now may be. Thanks again