You wrote:
"Current medical status: I have an
unprotected vaginal sex with a Thai sex
worker for around 5-8 mins on 8-June 2007.
Very concerned after that, washed penis
area with Listerin mouth wash, soap & lots
of water. Did not want to take any chances
& went to see a doctor on 10-June. Upon my
insistance, doctor administered PEP
antiviral drugs (3TC, Stocrin & Ritrovir)
since I read that if adminstered within 72
hrs,the chances of HIV transmission would
reduce or deplete.Took 3TC & Ritrovir
course only for 20 days but left off
Stocrin after 2 days due to severe nausea.
Sometimes missed my medication due to busy
work load. No medication side effects that
I know of but have developed 2 days flu 2
weeks into medication. No fever, blisters,
swollen glands, sore throat,etc. Finished
my antiviral drugs by 10-July, since then,
developed palpitations (Frequent), feeling
of unwell/sick, diarrhea (once), slight
chest pain after that & followed by back
ache. No other symptoms. Went to! see
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) & got
Chinese medication & acupuncture on
21-Jul, got back normal again (No more
palpitations,back ache).Symptoms come back
after 25-Jul. Found 2 swollen 'pimple' at
my bottom edge of my left jaw on 25-July
(Scared its due to swollen lymph glands).
I want to know is this due to the
anti-viral drugs side effects after
discontinuation of medication? Is it due
to low blood count or is my body
readjusting itself. However, the
regulation here require every sex workers
to be registered & go for medical checkup
every 3-months for HIV & those found to be
positive will be deported home. Based on
this reason, my administration of PEP
drugs, no open wound on penis & baseline
blood check for HIV on 10-June
(Result-Negative), I have reason to be
upbeat. However, I don't feel well now & I
believe I may have contracted HIV but I
wouldn't know if I don't do a blood
checkup. But I'm scared to death & I
believe ignorance is not the answer. I
feel very ! very bad & have thought of
committing suicide. Pls help me doc!
tors.I'm only 28 this year. I don't want
to die
Current medical treatment: 3TC & Ritrovir
(finished PEP course)"
It is possible that all the symptoms you
are experiencing are due to the anxiety
and fear from possible infection with HIV.
Your sexual behavior was risky
(unprotected sex) but you’ve done
everything to prevent an HIV infection
afterward (disinfection, testing and
anti-retrovirus therapy). The only thing
left is to do another test 3 months after
possible infection. If the test is
negative again, you'll be in the clear.
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