I have been in a monogomous relationship for almost 13 years now. About 14 years ago, I did have unprotected sex. I am petrified that I may still develop aids symptoms and I have tried to be tested twice, but can't bring myself to go in for the results. Believe me, I've tried. I have geographic tongue, contact dermatits, get a cold sore usually once a year, and a cold usually twice a year. When I start really worrying, I sometimes get diarrhea for a day or two. Usually I am consipated. Otherwise, I feel great. I am totally obsessed with my health and can't stop thinking about "what if". Do any of these symptoms mean I could have hiv? My husband also get canker sores 2 or 3 times a year. I think I am going to loose it pretty soon and I really need some advice. Could I be positive after this time and only have the above symptoms? Do you progressively get sicker during the average 10 year period or just BANG-you've got everything? Please help..I can't sleep.

Dear "Still not convinced":

Geographic tongue is a condition which usually does not effect children, but shows up after a person has reached their 20's. The cause of this disorder is not understood. I am unaware of any relationship between HIV and this condition. For the most part, geographic tongue can be asymptomatic, but if it does cause symptoms there are measures which can be taken to reduce the inflammation and discomfort seen.

Cold sores, or aphthous ulcers, again is a condition where we do not know the cause. These painful ulcers occur in people that are HIV+ as well as HIV-. Stress is often seen in association with these ulcers, which is why they are commonly seen in college age students. Cold sores alone are not diagnostic of HIV infection, even though they are seen in seroconversion illness and throughout the disease process. Many times aphthous ulcerations in people living with AIDS are bigger, more painful and last longer than those seen in those without this disease.

I am not qualified to discuss contact dermatitis in any detail, but suffice it to say that this condition is seen in many people who are not HIV+.

Again, I know how difficult it can be to go in and get tested for HIV, but the only way to be sure about your status is through this process.

I hope this helps!

DR