Hi JohnBlue/Tinker/Anyone,
Please reply, I got tested after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks after possible exposure and the test came back -ve. I have 2 swollen glands under my chin, I am not sure it is because of rubbing or why it showed up at first place coz I never had one. Then one day I felt burning/pain under my right ear(2 days before my 8 weeks Home Access test) and it got elevated a bit which in not suppressed yet So I decided to get tested again (The 8th week test) and it came back -ve.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE RESULTS IN THIS SCENARIO? God forbid had it been something it would have showed up. I have been having this swollen node since week 4th, (The same day I went for my 4th week test). Please please reply it has been very depressing and grilling period of my life and I will never ever forget this. I am also feeling kind of hurting and itching in my lymph node today again.

Babyshan, Atleast you tell me something please I am very worried about the Lymph node??

Hello BadLuck, I hope you are trying to be strong as each day goes by. You have already tested negative twice, which is a very good sign that you are not infected. Most medical sources say that the average (not most people, but average) time of production of detectable antibodies is 25 days (red cross says that), with 3 months being where most people are detected, and 6 months being the maximum.

So, you tested negative at 8 weeks, it means that most likely you are not infected. Your symptoms...what to do with the symptoms?? I have been at the AIDSmeds forum, and have read about people who have tested negative at 6months and they have had symptoms for more than 6 months...with swollen glands and all...so what would you make of that...what to trust...?? the test? or the symptoms...beased on the fact that no doctor can diagnose HIV based on symptoms, I'd say its best to trust the test...whatcha think?

So, just hang in there, and at 12-13 weeks just take your final test, you'll see it will be negative!

I understand your anxiety because I am going through a lot too, and I have not tested yet...I will test at 7 weeks and see what I come up with, I also have a lot of symptoms, including swollen nodes and pain everywhere (have had them for a month, and they are getting worse). I hope to be negative, but if not, we'll see how things turn out to be.

Take care! J2k



[This message has been edited by jag2k (edited 01-28-2003).]

Dear Jag2k,
Thank you for writing about me and I sincerely hope you get -ve results too, I can understand the pain and suffering you are going through as I have been experiencing the same.
I appreciate your kind analysis and I am planning to take a test after atleast one month, But the swollen nodes is giving me trouble I don't know why and the reason of worry. If someone else in this group has experienced the same please do let me know so that is subsides my mental suffering.

Regards

badluck, I read all of your posts. It sounds to me like you should ease up on yourself and stop worrying. From all that I have researched, I believe you are fine. You tests are neg. Please remember, the mind and body can do strange things. i wrote a similar post replying to someone else, so excuse me for repeating myself. I went through similar situation as you. I was so worried i could not function. I swore i had thrush mouth, swollen glands, sore throat, EVERYTHING. You know what, i may have really had a few of those symptoms, but it wasn't HIV that caused it, it was my panic. I had exposure on a Monday, and by friday i was so worried I was sick. My throat seemed sore and my neck seemed swollen, other stuff too. Now that i think back, it was almost impossible to have symptoms so quickly. badluck-you cannot change what happened, only move forward and be protected when having sex. My comment is relax, consider the facts and think of how small the chances are that you contracted HIV, and take that next test if you need to. Sounds like you are ok to me though. To make you feel better, I will add you to my prayers tonight to ST. Jude. Relax bud, one day at a time.

[This message has been edited by JerseyGuy (edited 01-28-2003).]

JeseyGuy,
All I can say is thank you very much. I am panicking only when my lymph nodes are hurting, May be I am trying to feel too much (I am not touching it much, may be twice a day).
I thank you and all the guys including Jag2k, Tempramental for you support from bottom of my heart and I wish all very best of luck to Jag2k and all those worried guys like me.

Regards