HIV Concerns
Hello, I’m a 53 year old male. I recently had sex with an HIV positive woman that assured me she was undetectable. Now 23 days later I’ve had symptoms for a week; Nausea , muscle and joint pain, penis ulcers, loss of appetite, loss of sex drive, fatigue and a throbbing headache. At first I thought it was just a bad recurrence of my genital herpes, but the loss of sex drive I know something is wrong. I’ve always had a very strong sex drive and I understand that HIV can reduce testosterone levels. I did an Oraquick at home test and it was negative, but it was at 22 days, so that isn’t reliable. I guess my questions are; Is loss of sex drive along with all of the other symptoms a definite sign? Also, I have access to healthcare, will I be able to live with this and have an active life? I’m in landscaping and it’s hard work. I’m worried about having to change jobs. Do you think there is a cite coming? Thanks for listening.
Dave
Sorry I meant; Do you think there is a cure coming?
I'm glad you wrote because it must be very difficult to deal with these symptoms and not know what is going on. We are not medical professionals so cannot determine exactly what is happening but can give you information and support as you go through this process.
First of all, you mentioned having sex but not if it was unprotected. Condoms reduce the risk against HIV quite a bit (more info here: https://h-i-v.net/risk-reduction ). If that wasn't the case, you are right that 29 days would be in the typical 'window period' before a test is considered conclusive. HIV tests taken 6 months after a potential exposure are 99.9 percent accurate. https://h-i-v.net/test-types
Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms, or been tested for other STIs or health conditions? Just to rule out anything else and to also maybe get some relief from what you are experiencing. Is there a doctor you feel you can talk to about this?
Liz (Team Member)
Liz, thank you for responding. It was unprotected vaginal sex with an HIV pos sex worker that I’ve seen for years. She assured me that she was undetectable but apparently she lied. I’m not certain why. I’ve had almost every symptom you can name. There are no doctors that I’m very comfortable talking to about this, but I’m going to have to talk to someone. I’m a vet so I’m going to the VA emergency room tomorrow and get tested. I do have genital HSV2 but this was much more severe in terms of symptoms intensity and length. I’m not hopeful. I guess I have to admit that I screwed up and take my medicine. Hopefully I have a good response to the treatment. Thanks again for responding. I’m pretty upset about it.
Also, what makes it all even worse is that she apparently has a drug restraint strain, according to her friend.
Alafia (Peace) I totally understand that the issue of a restraint strain causes you concern. I would think about how you are receiving this information. I would ask her directly. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
It's understandable you are upset, you are going through a lot dealing with both the symptoms, not having an answer right away, and how you feel about what happened. I am glad you are able to go to the VA, what did they say about your transmission risk, and what kind of test did you get? - Liz (Team Member)
I hope you get some relief from the antibiotics. I know it must be difficult to wait like this. Keep checking in and let us know how you are doing. - Liz (Team Member) Alafia (Peace)
You won't know until you have a confirmatory test done. A blood draw. There is always hope. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
