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I think I'm having HIV symptoms, but am not sure
#36740 - 07/04/02 12:34 PM
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Hello.
I'm very very frightened and did not know where else to go. I thought someone out there might be able to help me or give me some advice on what to do.
I've been having what I think may be HIV symptoms. I have very swolen lymph glands in my neck, to the point of discomfort. Also I have a sore throat, and have had both of these symptoms for about 9 mos now. Also, 2 years ago I had a tumor in my hand (I've since had 2 surgeries to have it removed), and about the same time I had pain in my right arm. I remember having night sweats about a year ago too. So, when I did a search on HIV symptoms, it seems like I have all the symptoms. I have engaged in high-risk behaviour too. However, I also have very bad allergies, and a year ago we got a puppy. I had to go on an inhaled steroid and allergy meds in able to keep the puppy, and I'm still quite allergic to him. So, I'm wondering if my enlarged lymph glands are because I'm allergic to the dog (I'm hoping so)? Or because I'm HIV positive.
What makes everything very very difficult and sad is that I'm in a relationship now of 4 years. We have a gorgeous apartment together and now the dog as well. Also, my other half is the bread-winner, and financially I am not really able to be on my own yet. As well, I love my partner more than anything else in the entire world and I just could not face telling him that I am positive. I just could not do that. We have a life together. However, about 2 years ago I did have a summer fling (the same time as my bone tumor). So we had split during that time but got back together, and since then our relationship is so amazingly beautiful.
But I'm so afraid that I'm positive. I'm the bottom, so I wonder if I could be positive and he could still be negative? And if I am positive, how long have I been this way, how damaged is my immune system, and how in the world am I going to tell my lover this?
This is more than I can bear.
I just don't know what to do. I wish that my throat would get better and my lymph glands would not swell every day, but nothing is getting better. Nothing is getting worse, but not better. I'm hoping it's just a reaction to my allergies.
Can anyone please help me? If I do go to get tested and I come back positive, I just can't bear to tell my lover and ruin his life as well as my own.
I just don't know what to do. Please help.
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Hi there,
First, your symptoms could be related to a number of conditions. You could have an infection related to the surgery maybe? Have you seen a doctor about this?
And did you have unprotected intercourse? If so, then I would recommend that you get tested. If it makes you feel any better, I had unprotected intercourse 10 months ago with a man. I got tested in late June of this year and tested Negative. It's possible that you will be too. If you are positive there are treatments available that can help. But, from what I have read it is not necessary to start treatment if your tcell count is 350. If it falls below that, then your doctor may suggest you start a program that is right for you. First t
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Hmmmm my message got cut off. I have a goofy computer. As I was saying, it's best to find out for sure. I know it's difficult, I've been there. Please ask more questions if you are unclear. We are here to support you. Believe me, a lot of people here have been and are going through what you are.
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If you really love your partner, you should go get a test.
Think of this, the bottomline is, do you want to infect him with the virus, if you REALLY had it?
Also, chances are you might not even be infected in the first place, your symptoms might be a result of your anxiety and stress!
Buck up the courage and go for the testing, it is only this way that you be able to get on with your life, knowing your actual status.
Actually, i can sense the urge and desire in you to go for a test, only that you do not have the courage and support to do so, but come to think of it, what if you don't have the virus and you do not know it and you continue to live in this sort of constant fear and anxiety..
get a test first thing in the morning, and move on from there :)
Wish you all the best, and God bless..
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the answer is quite simple,go for a test if you are worried.
in the mean time use protection.
however,your on going symptoms do worry me,
i suggest you contact your doctor for a full blood test.
fbc,alt,etc.you did not say if your tumor was benign or active.im worried the cells may be active in your lymph,
system.please arrange a biopsy asap....good luck dr d ryan.
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Thank you for your insight.
Regarding the bone tumor I had in my hand, it was benign, however there was chance of it spreading to the lungs. I had an X-Ray done in March and no signs of spreading yet.
I have made an appt for the doctor for this afternoon. I am hoping that they will be able to clear up this throat irritation that I have. Some days my throat is fine, a little inflamed or red, and other days I have small white specs on my 'little tongue' and surrounding area. My lymph glands in my neck still are swollen. However I don't feel that the lymph glands in my groin or armpits are swollen, but maybe they are.
I will go get an anonymous HIV test at a local clinic this next week. A friend of mine has offered his support to go with me. So, we'll go together. If I am positive (as I think I will be), my life as I have it is over. I will lose everything that matters to me. My home, my boyfriend (of 4 years), my dog, etc. Moreover it will be difficult for me financially as well. But, I will cross that bridge when I have to. I just can't imagine telling him that I'm positive. It will be the most difficult thing in my entire life to deal with. Also, I'm going to have to face my family. My father has already told me flat-out that if I 'choose' to be gay, then I have no part in the family. Well, not only am I a homo, but one with HIV as well.
My biggest fear is that I will be alone for the rest of my life through this. I'll be sick and alone. I'll lost my wonderful life and boyfriend and health, to be alone and sick, for the rest of my life. It seems a bit much to pay for an 'unprotected' mistake.
Again, thanks for your advice and opinions. It's good to have a place to talk wit
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Thank you for your insight.
Regarding the bone tumor I had in my hand, it was benign, however there was chance of it spreading to the lungs. I had an X-Ray done in March and no signs of spreading yet.
I have made an appt for the doctor for this afternoon. I am hoping that they will be able to clear up this throat irritation that I have. Some days my throat is fine, a little inflamed or red, and other days I have small white specs on my 'little tongue' and surrounding area. My lymph glands in my neck still are swollen. However I don't feel that the lymph glands in my groin or armpits are swollen, but maybe they are.
I will go get an anonymous HIV test at a local clinic this next week. A friend of mine has offered his support to go with me. So, we'll go together. If I am positive (as I think I will be), my life as I have it is over. I will lose everything that matters to me. My home, my boyfriend (of 4 years), my dog, etc. Moreover it will be difficult for me financially as well. But, I will cross that bridge when I have to. I just can't imagine telling him that I'm positive. It will be the most difficult thing in my entire life to deal with. Also, I'm going to have to face my family. My father has already told me flat-out that if I 'choose' to be gay, then I have no part in the family. Well, not only am I a homo, but one with HIV as well.
My biggest fear is that I will be alone for the rest of my life through this. I'll be sick and alone. I'll lost my wonderful life and boyfriend and health, to be alone and sick, for the rest of my life. It seems a bit much to pay for an 'unprotected' mistake.
Again, thanks for your advice and opinions. It's good to have a place to talk wit
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Just wanted to let you guys know that I got tested yesterday afternoon at the doctor. I should get my results sometime next week. I've talked to my boyfriend about the situation as well, and surprisingly, he's supporting me through this. I guess it just really shows you how deep true love can run.
The doctor at the family practice center thought that my sore throat, etc. was possibly a symptom of HIV infection, but we won't know for sure until my tests come back.
A friend of mine told me that if I test positive, the hospital has to, under law, report this to the state health center. Which, they contact you. Is this true? If I test positive, then my results are CONFIDENTIAL, correct?
If anyone knows, please respond. Thanks again for everyone's support through this.
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