I performed unprotected oral sex on a guy over six months ago. Since then, I have had multiple swollen lymph nodes, and right after for a few weeks I had diarrhea and upset stomach. I was tested at three months, four months and six months and all were negative, but I keep getting new lymph nodes adn I have a slight fever. The doctor thinks its just a virus, but I've been tested for all the ones she can think of. Ive gotten multiple CBCs and the only thing that shows up is 25% atypical lymphocytes. Are those common for acute HIV infection? And six months later, would I still be getting more lymph nodes and having a fever?? I think I might go get a biopsy and go to an infectious disease specialist, but I was just wondering what other people thought about these symptoms because I just cant get the HIV thing out of my head! Thanks so much

I know exactly what you feel like. I have tested negative 5 times but I still cannot get it out of my head. I was told by one Dr. that if I feel the need or desire to test again I should seek psychiatrict help. I guess I would feel better if all my symptoms disappeared.

What were you tested for as far as std .

What were you tested for as far as std ?

I was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea of the throat and I got a pap that was normal. They wont test me for hepatitis because my liver (or is it kidney that is affected, i cant remember) is fine... but thats about it. i am getting tb tested tomorrow though

and stevenr, how many months were you testing at that your doctor said that? my docs think i need to get psychiatric help because ive been so upset about this whole ordeal

Hiv is very low risk but any unprotected sex has its risk factors .
And the risk would bet a bit less if there was no ejaculation or swallowing of semen during the oral sex .
Cmv ( cytomegla virus )
Hep-B liver disease
Mononucleosis
Syphalis
Human herpies 6
And a majority of others can be easily contracted through oral sex .
If you have tested outside you're 3 month window period and even after 6 months you are clear of hiv infection and it sould be any number of viral or bacterial infections that could cause any number of problems .
I do help you find help a get better soon:angel:
Like I said hiv is very low transmission rate through oral sex ( but any unprotected sex does have its risks )
Hiv does not have its own set of symtoms and that's why hiv is the great mimic it mimics other viruses and not visa versa so even though you may think you are hiv+ it could be very well something else .
And many other viral and bacterial infections are also unknow ( believe it or not )
So keep the faith and don't give up ;)
In good health ...............
.............. Lost Spirit ...........

The US health care system is one which is dominated by insurance companies and diagnostic algorithms, in order to save money. Thus certain tests are not performed due to this "individuality" inherent in the system. Medicine on the other hand is not the science of the precise, exact and reproducible, like physics etc. I think it's impairative to get testsed for Hep B and C many of these infections go hand in hand with HIV infections and STD's.

Since your HIV tests came up negative, and your exposure was low risk, then you should start focusing on other things. Are you poking at your lymph nodes? That can cause some swelling. It's usually a concern when they're 3cm/1in. However, constant poking and prodding can produce more then normal sized lymphs. Hope this helped, and keep us posted!
-S-

and stevenr, how many months were you testing at that your doctor said that? my docs think i need to get psychiatric help because ive been so upset about this whole ordeal

Hello,

Here is my testing:

28 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
42 days-ELISA 1--negative (Dr. ordered this one)
56 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
70 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
84 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative

I don't know where to go from here. I have been trying to ignore symptoms and even try to deny them. I chatted with 2 HIV specialists on the net and they told me to forget about HIV because it is not my problem.

Steve i think you should forget the issue and get on with your life, with ELISA only it could have been doubtfull as you're detecting the Antibody only, but with PCR you are at viral load. So get on with your life ,but dont forget to invest in prophylactics.
Hello,

Here is my testing:

28 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
42 days-ELISA 1--negative (Dr. ordered this one)
56 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
70 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative
84 days-ELISA 1/2, PCR Qualitative--both negative

I don't know where to go from here. I have been trying to ignore symptoms and even try to deny them. I chatted with 2 HIV specialists on the net and they told me to forget about HIV because it is not my problem.

Thanks for all your support.... my docs really dont think i need to get another test, especially after six months, but i think im going to get the lymph node biopsied just to make sure its not something else. this is sooo frustrating, especially when i find new lymph nodes constantly, especially when i get sick, and my doc says thats a sign that i just have a virus or a good immune system thats overreacting when i get sick... i just dont think she knows anymore, but shes convinced im not seriously sick. i just dont know though....

[QUOTE=wwugirl] especially when i find new lymph nodes constantlyQUOTE]
You will most likely always find if you're looking.
I'm sure everything is fine, but a biopsy is always a good idea if they're truley swollen. A little bit of faith will get you there too :D
God Bless
-S-