I am HIV , and need help. I actually am only at the 4 month period, and am still awating my final test resutls, and am not being negative, or anything, but I know my body, and I know I got it. These are my EXACT symptoms, word for word (at end of message), all of which I have, and which started after sex with an aids infected street worker. The sex was protected (I thought), with almost no unprotected oral (like 3 seconds), but I must've contracted it. I need help finding a good HIV specialist and support groups in the midwest. I have a great family that I can go to, but I cannot yet, especially until I have the confirmed diagnosis, and am on medication. My mom works in hospice, and all I need to tell her is a terminal diagnosis for her son. she already lost one child, and it was very hard for her, so even though I know i'll eventually have to tell her, I need some 3rd person outlets and support groups.

and please, don't brush off my assertions because I have yet to get fully tested. like I said, I am not trying to think of the worst case scenario, but my 2 months of post sex symptoms have been dead on HIV. The mouth infections have been fine, and have remained, but stayed under control fortunately. I have herpes, but literally break out about once every 3 years, but broke out on my lips right after the infection. The lymph system has been out of whack, but also just mild fever/sore throat like symptoms that has lasted for 2 months . the hardest thing I am dealing with now is the malaise and extreme fatigue. does anyone have any good suggestions of how to deal with this fatigue? I have never dealt with anyting like this. I am slightly depressed, but that isn't the cause of this. I just slept 13 hours, and wanted to sleep another 13. It was so hard to get up at 1pm!!!! My joints are very sore, and my feet have started tingling at times too. I am sure excercise is good, but does anyone know of any ideas, some light excercise energy related work. I am sure it's probably not too good to push myself physically too much until my immune system reasserts itself. I had a good diet, but still ate caca, but have now changed over to a fully natural and holistic diet of good stuff and antioxidants and teas and lots of vegetables, and am taking a multi vitamin which I heard is good to take.

also, how have other HIv people felt when telling loved ones about the infection? did it go well or bad? I am afriad it is just going to create a lot of family related drama that is only going to distract and depress everyone. I am kind of the cherished young one of the family, and am not looking foward to such depressing news. well for them at least. I am doing alright. Just tired. really really tired.


Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, or groin (lymphadenopathy)
Fever / night sweats
Symptoms of the GI Tract - HIV can have a profound affect on the gastrointestinal system and nutrition. Like any virus, HIV can cause symptoms ranging from poor appetite to diarrhea. Here are some of the most common:

Rapid weight loss
Diarrhea
Poor appetite
Profound fatigue
Respiratory Symptoms - Some of the most serious symptoms of HIV involve the respiratory system. Symptoms associated with breathing and respiration usually occur later in course of the disease. Unfortunately, many people's first symptom of HIV involves the respiratory system, illustrating why HIV testing is so important. Any cough or shortness of breath could be a sign of bacterial pneumonia or pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia (PCP).

Shortness of breath
Dry cough / productive cough
Symptoms of the Skin and Mucous Membranes - Many of the symptoms of HIV are a result of infection by other viruses, fungi or bacteria. Often, these infections involve the skin or mucous membranes (for example, inside the mouth).

Skin rash
Red, brown, pink or purple lesion on the skin - suggestive of Kaposi's sarcoma
White patches on the tounge, inside of the mouth, or gums - could be signs of thrush, candida, or hairy oral leukoplakia
Canker sores / apthous ulcers
Neurological / Emotional Symptoms - Very early on in the epidemic, experts realized that HIV affected both the physical and emotional self. Neurological and emotional symptoms of HIV can include the following.

Depression
Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet, hands, or face. (peripheral neuropathy)
Confusion, weakness, or changes in level of conciousness