Do I have HIV hypochondria?
You’re going to think I’m absolutely ridiculous for asking this, but please let me explain.
I have only had two sexual encounters in my lifetime. One was with a woman in Prague in a nudie bar four years ago. There was barely any penetration (teasing around her vagina).
The same thing happened almost two years ago in Tokyo.
Again, other than those encounters, no sexual contact whatsoever.
A friend of mine was just diagnosed as HIV-positive, and it gave me a huge wake up call. I’m getting HIV-tested for the first time tomorrow.
I’ve been stressing out with finishing my graduate degree, and all of these symptoms crop up from time to time. But could these symptoms be just reactions to the stress I’ve endured for so long, or lead to something like HIV?
*I haven’t had chronic diarrhea
*I haven’t had a fever in a long time
*A few pimple-like sores on my back (which don’t hurt when I touch them; I’ve even popped them like zits in the past), and a couple of darkened non-raised discolorations
*Occasional headache
*Minor hives outbreak once every month
*I’ve lost weight, but that was from the Japanese diet (see instance above), studying in Germany, and I’ve even been yo-yoing since then. Since the ‘Prague incident’ (again, see above), I’ve lost about forty pounds. This past year was also the first time I’ve been to the gym and dieted, and have maintained that weight since I’ve been back from Japan.
*Energy loss/fatigue (but this is from academia; working on degree AND teaching. I’ve been having a lot of early mornings in the past year).
*Muscle soreness (but I’ve been going to the gym)
I saw my doctor at the end of January and had a blood test. My glucose level was high, so I had to take another blood test, which came out normal. I really think I should have asked for an HIV test.
Even though they would have no idea, do you think my doctor or dentist would have told me if they noticed something suspicious, just by looking at my outward appearances (teeth, body, skin, etc.)?
I really think I’m just overreacting, and I give all of you full permission to let me know as vulgarly as you’d like.
Thanks.
It doesnt sound like you do, but you can never be too careful, can you?
You’ve got nothing to lose, I say go for it!
In my opinion, you’re over reacting but its always best to get the test.
you probably do not have HIV, though if you did it would be difficult to tell just now from the symptoms. HIV is a lentivirus, which means that it can lay dormant in your system for years- in some cases, up to 15. during this time, though you are asymptomatic, you can still spread the virus.
but you probably do not have HIV. my guess is that you are very stressed:)