OK, here's my story. 3 Months ago after an emotional breakup of a 6 year relationship, I had unprotected insertive oral sex with a date and then later an ex-boyfriend. What was I thinking? I was freaking out since the incident, and was checking my hands and feet for syphilis and rashes, ect, because at the time I did not think HIV was a real risk. Well after the second month, I did develop a rash (slightly itchy red bumps) at the base of my hands, coming and going for a few days here and there. After this I really freaked out. I saw that this was a symptom of HIV ARS. Started having headaches, diarrhea, and started to notice my skin was very sensitive. Eventually got dry flaky skin, my skin would turn red at the touch of anything, and I began feeling my lymph nodes. After a few days, they hurt and became swollen and I can hear a clicking sound when I swallow. My doctor says my throat is not red, but this may just be a sinus problem?! They’ve been swollen for A MONTH!

I went to the Doctor and told him about my exposure, and told him I was tested within the last 6 months prior to the incident and was negative. He said there was no need to get tested because of the extremely low risk. Well my lymph nodes were very sore and hurt, and were swollen to the touch. I had a low grade fever when I walked in, and was in panic and crying. The first time my doctor felt my lymph nodes, he said they were normal. During my second visit he pointed out that one of my lymph nodes in my neck was swollen up to the size of a peanut. He verified it was very swollen. (They both felt swollen to me, but the left one was enlarged) I told him all my lymph nodes were swollen, and he felt around but didn’t seem concerned and said that I should take the HIV test, even though he felt it was not warranted, to give me peace of mind.

I got my results at 3 months a few days ago (both at 88 days and at 91 days post exposure) and it was negative. My lymph nodes are still swollen and my throat still feels kind of sore (and my skin still very dry and sensitive). My doctor thinks that the enlarged lymph node in my neck is swollen because I’ve been touching them and I’ve been “focusing” on them. Could this be true? Should I worry for another 3 months and test again? The symptoms and timing are all perfect, and with my skin conditions (which I’ve NEVER had before) and lymph nodes are all signs of viruses, right? Everyone (including my ex-bf of 6 years has tested negative at or around 3 months post exposure time) I keep thinking, what are the chances now??

your 3 month test results are conclusive in relation to your very low risk.
there is no need for you to test again.
listen to your doctor about your nodes and other health issues.
congratulations on your results.

Have you ever driven a car, and had something go wrong with the vehicle? For weeks after the repair of your car,you find yourself paying close attention to every knocking sound, or creaking sound that the car makes. The same thing may happen when it comes to the health of your body. Please accept the results from your test. YOU ARE NEGATIVE my friend. Get on with your life. Don't sit around the house, staring at a mirror for hours on end looking for symptoms of HIV, because if you try hard enough you will find them. Go out, live your life! Find a nice girl, settle down, have 2.5 kids, and a house with a picket fence. Oh wait I am starting to sound like your parents. Anyways, put this health crises behind you and live your life, because life is short.

Somehow, I'm not convinced. I don't think I'm being irrational, because there still is a possiblity, even if it's a small one...what can these symptoms mean?? They won't go away, and sometimes get worse.

Prolonged unexplained symptoms, that the Dr. can't find a cause for is worrisome to me!