Aa
Exposure + Symptoms, Anxiety taking over
First, I'd like to extend my thank you to all listeners as well as the knowledgable people on this forum that can offer some advice.
I am a white, non-drug using, 20 year old university student in Canada who up until December 11, 2009 had only had unprotected sex strictly in monogamous relationships where my partner and I had tested clean.
On the said date, after high consumption of alcohol, I made an extremely poor decision. After spending the night out with my room mates as well as a few girls he introduced us to, one ended up staying the night (white, 20 yo female - unsure about sexual history or drug use), where her and I had unprotected vaginal sex. My best estimation would place the length at around 10min, however, I was very drunk and can't be certain.
Around 4-5 weeks post exposure, I came down with a terrible flu-like illness which includes many, if not all symptoms of ARS. This included feeling very run down, weak, chills, night sweats, weight loss, headache, and a very dry mouth. What concerns me the most is the absence of a sore throat or cough.
The worst of it was over within 3-4 days, however, I still remained mildly sick for the following 1-2 weeks.
Now, I am not here for people to speculate on a diagnosis for me because we all know the only way to be certain is testing. I have been tested last week, and I am awaiting results, which should be available in the next few days.
According to any of the doctors on the expert forums, my chances for this kind of exposure are placed at about 1 in 2 million, but given my symptoms coinciding with a high risk exposure, I am overwhelmed with anxiety.
Now, my question is: Given such symptoms, is there any way this cold be sometihng else? I'm very worried and so far have convinced myself it must be ARS. Until I get my test results can anyone confirm whether or not this could only be HIV?
Things to note:
When taking temperature I never registered over 99.7, and for most of the sickness I was around 97-98 degrees. However, I had been taking ibuprofen religiously througout and wondering if perhaps I did have a really high fever but it was remedied by advil, thereby misleading me to believe I never had a fever.
The headache was never constantly present, but only if I moved my head quickly, almost like a sinus or pressure headache.
I also got into contact with the girl, who reassured me I was her first partner since she was last tested, however, I remain unconvinced given how unconcerned and willing she was to engage in unprotected sex. She said she is also willing to get tested again.
Last, a week after I felt back at full health, I developed a few canker sores in my mouth. After they healed (2-3 days), Another week or so went by and I now have another canker sore.
Prior to this occurence I have never been one to put my sexual health at risk. This is my first mistake, and I am terrified that after only one incident I am going to be facing HIV. I just want to learn from my terrible decision and never take life for granted and be risky in my sexual behaviour ever again. Is there any way at all this might not be HIV? I am a nervous wreck awaiting my test results.
Thank you for your time
I am a white, non-drug using, 20 year old university student in Canada who up until December 11, 2009 had only had unprotected sex strictly in monogamous relationships where my partner and I had tested clean.
On the said date, after high consumption of alcohol, I made an extremely poor decision. After spending the night out with my room mates as well as a few girls he introduced us to, one ended up staying the night (white, 20 yo female - unsure about sexual history or drug use), where her and I had unprotected vaginal sex. My best estimation would place the length at around 10min, however, I was very drunk and can't be certain.
Around 4-5 weeks post exposure, I came down with a terrible flu-like illness which includes many, if not all symptoms of ARS. This included feeling very run down, weak, chills, night sweats, weight loss, headache, and a very dry mouth. What concerns me the most is the absence of a sore throat or cough.
The worst of it was over within 3-4 days, however, I still remained mildly sick for the following 1-2 weeks.
Now, I am not here for people to speculate on a diagnosis for me because we all know the only way to be certain is testing. I have been tested last week, and I am awaiting results, which should be available in the next few days.
According to any of the doctors on the expert forums, my chances for this kind of exposure are placed at about 1 in 2 million, but given my symptoms coinciding with a high risk exposure, I am overwhelmed with anxiety.
Now, my question is: Given such symptoms, is there any way this cold be sometihng else? I'm very worried and so far have convinced myself it must be ARS. Until I get my test results can anyone confirm whether or not this could only be HIV?
Things to note:
When taking temperature I never registered over 99.7, and for most of the sickness I was around 97-98 degrees. However, I had been taking ibuprofen religiously througout and wondering if perhaps I did have a really high fever but it was remedied by advil, thereby misleading me to believe I never had a fever.
The headache was never constantly present, but only if I moved my head quickly, almost like a sinus or pressure headache.
I also got into contact with the girl, who reassured me I was her first partner since she was last tested, however, I remain unconvinced given how unconcerned and willing she was to engage in unprotected sex. She said she is also willing to get tested again.
Last, a week after I felt back at full health, I developed a few canker sores in my mouth. After they healed (2-3 days), Another week or so went by and I now have another canker sore.
Prior to this occurence I have never been one to put my sexual health at risk. This is my first mistake, and I am terrified that after only one incident I am going to be facing HIV. I just want to learn from my terrible decision and never take life for granted and be risky in my sexual behaviour ever again. Is there any way at all this might not be HIV? I am a nervous wreck awaiting my test results.
Thank you for your time
Thank you everyone for your comments, assuming if I do come back negative, I will return at the 3 month mark anyways, as the clinic reccomended to do so. However, a negative test now would relieve an immense amount of stress.
Is anyone knowledgable on the question I posted about ibuprofens effect on a headache? Knowing that the extreme majority of ARS is accompanied by fevers greater than 101, I achieved some small peace of mind when my temperature, on average, registered 96-98. However, I was taking ibuprofen a few times a day and am concerned that perhaps it is the meds giving me false hope that I did not indeed have a high fever more typical in ARS.
Is anyone knowledgable on the question I posted about ibuprofens effect on a headache? Knowing that the extreme majority of ARS is accompanied by fevers greater than 101, I achieved some small peace of mind when my temperature, on average, registered 96-98. However, I was taking ibuprofen a few times a day and am concerned that perhaps it is the meds giving me false hope that I did not indeed have a high fever more typical in ARS.
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