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Question:
Recently, I learned of rumor that a girl I slept with a few months back tested/could be HIV positive. I went and got tested the day I heard this (Thursday) and am awaiting the results. My question is concerning the symptoms. Most sites are very vague on them. Since I've learned of the possibility, I was put on vistaril because I tend to over react and harp on things. I've been checking for swollen lymph nodes, and under my armpit there is a small (smaller than a BB, about the size of a really small pimple) bump, its the color of my flesh, it isnt tender, and doesnt appear to be under the skin because I can pull it (like as if it was going to come off) and I've had this and maybe others like it since i was a kid, is this a swollen lymph gland that i should be concerned about? Another question is about a cough, i've been making myself caugh for about a month or two now to hack up mucous, my sinuses act up alot when the weather changes, and I smoke, would my cough be whats meant by "dry cough" as an HIV symptom? Last question (sorry im asking so much, im just very very very worried) if i had K.S. Lessions, how noticable would they be? I've got anxiety, and have panic attacks, could most of this be manifested paranoia? Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, i look foward to the response.
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Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: ()
It’s good that you recognize your tendency to focus on the worst-case scenario. Your questions about HIV will be answered but it may not help your anxiety, because worry isn’t always logical. The real cure to worry about infection with HIV/STD is to use barriers like latex condoms during every sexual act with a partner (or be in a mutually monogamous relationship in which you have both been tested).
The fact is that the symptoms of HIV infection are so similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses that it’s useless to make a list of them. The fact is that symptoms can take as long as 10 years to develop so they are of no immediate help in determining whether you are HIV+. The fact is that the only way you will know if indeed you are infected with HIV is to get the results of your test. And what that will specifically tell you is your HIV-status several months prior to the test.
Talk with your therapist about this worry. You need to develop coping skills that will work for all the uncertainties of life, & this is an obvious issue to practice on. You need to be aware of how to prevent STD rather than stressing out after the fact. Use our site to broaden your knowledge of sexuality and STD. Good luck on the outcome of your HIV test.Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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