Question:
I hope more than anything someone has a few wise words to share. I have posted a couple times in different boards with no reply. I am positive for HSV 2 as of this week. What a shock. Even worse, I got HIV tested this week also(no results yet) and I have psychologically convinced myself of horrible things. I have been itchy all over, but no skin rash. tingly in my hands and fingers, sick to my stomach, with really bad heartburn (NERVES?) and my mouth broke out slightly too, although the dr said the weren't herpes lesions. I 've been looking desperately for someone who has experience anything similar. I can't believe, I was healthy last week, or so I thought! My outbreak has consisted of anal lesions, vaginal discharge, itching and irritation, as well as leg cramps, muscle aches and fever(feels like the flu). Has anyone else had symptoms that were HSV, but seemed like HIV...help me with some enouragement, please

Answer:
Hi

Even *IF* your test comes back HIV positive, there are no symptoms that I know of that people experience when they contract HIV...it is later on with the compromise of the immune system - when people go from being HIV+ to having AIDS that people get "sick." I am by no means an expert, but your symptoms sound like a primary herpes outbreak, (including the flu-like aches & pains) coupled with understandable stress/anxiety. I was a mess when I was diagnosed.

I also got HIV tested after finding out I had H. I was scared to death - terrified of what else I may have exposed myself to. Thankfully I was negative and hopefully you will be as well. It was smart to get tested. Just get the results as soon as you can so you can stop worrying about it or start dealing with it. Let us know.

Michelle

Answer:
I have waited days to hear those kind words...Thanks! If you've been there, I'm sure you know what I mean. I am feeling somewhat better. I woke up feeling hungry this morning after not eating in a couple days, and I actually got sleep last night. Still running a fever, and now having back pain, but I understand that's a herpes symptom too. I have read that the first "Bad" outbreak is usually within 3 months...has that stood true for everyone else?, cause I'm trying to figure out where this bad boy came from!!

Answer:
I had to be tested for HIV too eventually because after contracting herpes I just stayed sick (I was hospitalized for complications but even after I got out I was just still sick for basically more than a year.) So the doctor just wanted to rule out everything to be sure there wasn't something fundamentally wrong with my immune system. And yes, waiting for "test results day" was hell. I had to leave work (in tears) and go home for the phone call. I have a gay cousin who thought he had HIV. He scared himself so bad with stress that he says he actually caused himself to have some of the symptoms (night sweats e.g.) but he was negative in the end.

For those who are HIV positive and have some resources, AZT just went generic this week and that's a mighty good thing...