Any guidance greatly appreciated

[bluegc]

Following potential exposure some months ago, my mind went down the route of considering HIV first although my symptons didn't really fit. I would like to know if Hep B or even C could be plausible. Some sympton may be anxiety, others not related but they seem ongoing.

Within 48 hrs diarrhea for a few days (possibly alcohol related or anxiety)
Week 5 facial flushing for an hour during drinking, never happened before, diarrhea next day
Blood bruise on penis shaft, like a burst vessel
Week 6 small bruise like rash on chin
Week 7 swollen cervical lymph node, behind ear lobe on one side
Generally a couple of random diarrhea bouts
Week 8 white tongue, doctor later said didn't look like thrush
Week 10 mild folliculitis on buttocks, cleared after 6 months, doctor didn't prescribe anything at time
Appearance of cherry angiomas on body, weren't there before
Week 12 dull ache in back of legs, leg weakness for a week
Facial flushing during drinking happened again, not as sever as first time

After week 12 general symptoms of intermittent leg ache at back of thigh, noticable when driving more
Feel like my legs are vibrating when first lay in bed
Muscle Fasculations everyday, random all over body, even at my ankle?
Dull ache in testicles from time to time
Occasional chest tightness
Smooth patches on tongue that come and go

Pityriasis Rosea (can't find link to hep although Herpes 6&7 is mentioned)
What looks like Lichen Planus on head of penis now
Constant itching
Bruises are far more severe, one arm was covered and I don't even remember hitting it.

Apologies for length but I want a view from anyone with knowledge, although nothing major my symptoms are ongoing and I want to get to the bottom of them, I know I'll have to test.

The main thing that got me considering hepatitis was the bruising, twitches, cherry angioma and flushing. I'm not sure hep can cause lymph node swelling. Lichen planus has also been mentioned but the Internet is full of contradiction.

One last question, is it completely impossible to consider hep c, I'm led to believe transmission from straight sex is rare, if this is the case why are so many people affected?

Thanks so much to anyone that can help

[flyinlynn]

Blue

Follow your doctors recommendations.

Good luck
Lynn

[bluegc]

Thanks, I appreciate this information. Would you say there is anything I've listed that could be linked on your experience?

Just lately the lichen planus was what got me thinking.

Of course i'll test, I'll have to

[hrsepwrguy]

"is it completely impossible to consider hep c, I'm led to believe transmission from straight sex is rare"

Well it's not completely impossible but you are correct is not an effective means of transmission (rare), hep c is spread from blood to blood contact only

Look if your worried get tested it is the only way to know for sure

Transmission and Symptoms

How is HCV transmitted?

HCV is transmitted primarily through large or repeated percutaneous (i.e., passage through the skin) exposures to infectious blood, such as

    Injection drug use (currently the most common means of HCV transmission in the United States)
    
Receipt of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992)
    
Needlestick injuries in health care settings

Birth to an HCV-infected mother

HCV can also be spread infrequently through

Sex with an HCV-infected person (an inefficient means of transmission)

Sharing personal items contaminated with infectious blood, such as razors or toothbrushes (also inefficient vectors of transmission)

Other health care procedures that involve invasive procedures, such as injections (usually recognized in the context of outbreaks)

What are the signs and symptoms of acute HCV infection?

Persons with newly acquired HCV infection usually are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that are unlikely to prompt a visit to a health care professional. When symptoms occur, they can include

    Fever
    Fatigue
    Dark urine
    Clay-colored stool
    Abdominal pain
    Loss of appetite
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Joint pain
    Jaundice

What percentage of persons infected with HCV develop symptoms of acute illness?

Approximately 20%–30% of those newly infected with HCV experience fatigue, abdominal pain, poor appetite, or jaundice.

How soon after exposure to HCV do symptoms appear?

In those persons who do develop symptoms, the average time period from exposure to symptom onset is 4–12 weeks (range: 2–24 weeks).

How soon after exposure to HCV can anti-HCV be detected?

HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure.

How soon after exposure to HCV can HCV RNA be detected by PCR?

HCV RNA appears in blood and can be detected as early as 2–3 weeks after infection.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#c5

Have a great day

[bluegc]

Also forgot to add that there was constant saliva at on point around 8 weeks for a day