[Stoda]

I was sexually assaulted the first week of June. It was my boyfriend and it was my first experience, after waiting over 30 years. He didn't even bother to use a condom. And now I'm afraid I might have an STD. I got tested maybe a month after and everything was fine. But I seem to remember learning that STDs can show up for a certain length of time afterwards. Does anyone know about this? It would be a real comfort to me to know that it's not true. And if that is true, well then I'd know I need to see a doc.

Without going into too much detail, basically I have a rash on my skin. I've been putting baby power on it several times a day, which seems to help. But I have a terrible time not scratching or picking at it.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[zooropa]

let me start by saying that I have no concrete answer to your question, Stoda. I know going to the doctor is the obvious answer, and I also know how difficult that may be for you.

I really just want to say that I'm glad you posted this, because it is a concern of mine too and something I have not been able to verbalize, even to my T. I don't know that I have any std symptoms, but I have been worried ever since the crisis advocate person mentioned it to me.

Do you have a T that you are working with?

Also, I'm really sorry that happened to you. So sorry.

[Stoda]

Yeah seeing a doc is the obvious answer. But with sucky insurance, I'm doing everything I can to avoid it. However, I've had this rash a week, so I'm thinking there might not be another option.

I did some searches for info on this, but wasn't quite successful.

I had a t I was working with, but I can't afford her anymore. I'm trying to get in with a place for free counseling, but trying to get in is a joke. I feel more like a trained monkey than a person.

P.S. I like your quote.

[aidan1970]

Hi Stoda,
Glad you posted.

I am sorry that you are having to go through this. I know that it is not easy to go to an MD but perhaps the crisis person you talked to might be able to recommend someone as well as a T that would not charge or operates on a sliding scale. Some organizations have MD's and T's thatthey can refer to.

Also, baby powder might not be the best thing to use. Depending on the issue it can actually be more irritating and increase itching. You can probably find an ointment/cream at your local pharmacy that would be an antibacterial as well as provide itch relief. It really depends on the area it is being applied and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. Regardless. try and seek medical treatment if you can. It is scary, I know.

[zbmom]

If you have a local SART center or a SARP Crisis line I would suggest calling them because they can often offer support and services to rape survivors. Sometimes counseling, and they might be able to help you get some medical attention.

[Stoda]

Aidan - Other than the cost, I'd have no issue going to the regular doctor. But I just don't have the money to afford them @ $100 a pop.

I was afraid to use more than baby powder, due to the area it's in. And the baby powder was providing some relief. Although I can't really apply it that often in a day, since I work ft.

Aidan & Zbmom - I'm currently working with two organizations trying to get assistance. But as I said above, it's a joke. Anybody who seriously needed assistance isn't going to make it through all their requests and appointments and waiting periods. And until you've done everything but promise your first born, you can't see anyone or use any services.

All - I saw a friend over the weekend, who is a nurse in labor and delivery. I know that's not exactly the right field or anything, but I figured she'd know. She said that since my previous tests came back negative, she doesn't think that I could end up with something. Also from what I described she didn't think it sounded like a STD. She did suggest using an antibiotic ointment and said that if some got onto other areas it wouldn't cause a problem.

And I full realize she's not the authority or anything. But it did make me feel better. I've only been able to try this last night and a couple of times today, but it seems to be helping! I'm going to give it a few more days.

[Stoda]

I gave up and went in to the doctor today. Scared poopless. I'm very relieved to say it isn't a STD at all, it's a yeast infection. The kind of yeast infection that you have on your skin. I got an antifungal / steroid cream and the doc says I should see a huge improvement by Monday. Here's hoping.

Thanks everyone for the advice, sympathy and tips. Even if it's strangers, its good to know that someone cares about me.

[GirlOfManyFaces]

Originally Posted by Stoda

I was sexually assaulted the first week of June. It was my boyfriend and it was my first experience, after waiting over 30 years. He didn't even bother to use a condom. And now I'm afraid I might have an STD. I got tested maybe a month after and everything was fine. But I seem to remember learning that STDs can show up for a certain length of time afterwards. Does anyone know about this? It would be a real comfort to me to know that it's not true. And if that is true, well then I'd know I need to see a doc.

Without going into too much detail, basically I have a rash on my skin. I've been putting baby power on it several times a day, which seems to help. But I have a terrible time not scratching or picking at it.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I know how you feel. I wanted to wait til marriage. But I was unfortunately r*ped two months ago. (At 14) I was also tested and it came back fine. I think you will be fine. It could be a stress rash. Just keep your head held high.

I think you should ask your doctor this since AIDS and HIV don't show up as soon. They usually do blood tests over the course of six months. Overall I think you should just ask your doctor because she could just test you for everything. And tell the doc about your rash too.

Im so sorry. Please see a doctor and report him. I had an STD as a child and it never got noticed which does make me worry about now being infertile or something.