Author Topic: Question (Read 5704 times)

stupidme5 · « **on:** June 28, 2008, 09:33:08 am »

Hello,

I am new to this forum and I have a qestion. I had a potential exposure way back at the very beginning of november, 2007. I am a female and my potential exposure was brief unprotected vaginal. There was no ejaculation, and the penetration lasted maybe one minute. Nevertheless, I became worried about std's so I was tested for everything, including hiv. I tested negative for hiv 3 times out to 6 months (my last test was on april 29, 2008). I realize that I've tested negative past the window period, but I remain concerned because I have a persistant swollen cervical lymph node in my neck. It's palpable...around 1 cm I think. I found it in january when I was obviously looking for symptoms, but it could've been there longer than that. Is my concern warranted? Is there absolutely anyway at all that I could be a late seroconverter? I'm moving on with another partner, and I just don't want to be irresponsible about this. I want to be able to move on with 100% certainty. Any and all opinions would be very appreciated.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2008, 10:02:41 am »

You are reliably HIV negative as long as you haven't had any risky incidents since your negative results. Testing at 13 weeks is sufficient. Going up to 6 months is not necessary with today's HIV tests.

As for your swollen lymph node, that's something to discuss with your doctor. And it's also something for you to not handle, squeeze, fondle or otherwise bother. They are very sensitive and you can create a problem where none may exist. Keep you hands off of it and talk to your doctor about your concern.

This is NOT an HIV situation.

And if you're having intercourse always make sure the guy is wearing a condom everytime. No exceptions. By doing that you don't have to worry about your partner's HIV status because you will be effectively protected.

Cheers,

stupidme5 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2008, 10:11:46 am »

Hi Andy,

I have not had any risky incidents since my negative results. And I have to admit that I am guilty of fondling and bothering that lymph node probably FAR too much. Maybe I have irritated it myself.
So you definitely would not recommend any further testing? I am in Canada, and I am a non drug using healthy individual, if that makes any difference.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2008, 10:27:19 am »

You're HIV negative. Period. End of story.

Keep your hands off of your lymph node. Talk to your doctor.

This is definitely not an HIV situation and no testing is necessary. Really.

stupidme5 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2008, 01:37:59 pm »

I discussed my enlarged lymph node with my doctor and he said that it is likely just a residually enlarged solitary node from some past infection. He did, however, suggest that I test for hiv one more time, so I did. This is now over 8 months from the potential exposure. I found it sort of concerning that he suggested I test past six months. Is he just being overly conservative? I'll get the results in a week or so. Any thoughts??

RapidRod · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2008, 04:26:32 pm »

Any suggestions or thoughts? Your doctor doesn't know anything about HIV testing. 3 months is conclusive.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2008, 07:50:20 pm »

Anything beyond three months testing for HIV is long outdated. The only exceptions are situations which have involved intravenous drug use, organ transplants, cancer treatment and severely damaged immune systems. None of which apply to your situation. Given your worrying, I hasten to add that if you had a severely compromised immune system you'd know it because when that happens everything is falling apart.

This is not an HIV situation. Period.

stupidme5 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:07:14 pm »

Hello all,

I've posted here before and I received great advice, and for that I am grateful.

I'm female and about 9 months ago I had a brief insertive unprotected encounter (vaginal). There was no ejaculation, but I realized that I put myself at risk so I had a full std panel. It was all negative. My first hiv test was at around 11 weeks. My second test was at 20 weeks, and my third test was at 25 weeks. I know this is considered conclusive. The problem is, I have a single isolated enlarged lymph node in my neck under my jaw that just won't go away. I haven't had any exposure risks since the initial incident. I know that this lymph node must be enlarged due to some sort of mouth, lip, or tongue inflammation, but I just cant seem to stop worrying about hiv. I've recently spoken with my doctor about this, and he recommended that I have a blood antibody test for hiv again, even though I've received a six month negative already. I found this concerning. He also said that sometimes lymph nodes remain enlarged due to scar tissue presence. I honestly expected him to say that my six month negative was more than adequate. I'm still waiting on the results from the most recent test, and this has me in a worried frenzy. I've spoken to other hiv counselors and nurses, and they say that often times doctors are very behind the times with respect to all stds including hiv testing because they don't deal with it all that often.
I'm really not trying to be annoying or post excessively...I'm sincerely having trouble with this and I would appreciate any and all input.
Thanks to all in advance.

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:14:19 pm »

Please keep all your additional thoughts, questions and comments in your original thread. This helps us to follow your story and give you the most accurate advice.

If you can't find you original thread click on the red link I've provided above. Alternatively you can click on the "show own posts" link in the left hand column of any forums page.

Your questions will not be answered until you return to your original thread.

MtD

Andy Velez · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:26:27 pm »

I've merged your threads. Please keep all of your entries in this same thread.

There's really nothing more to be said to you about HIV. You have more than reliably tested negative. You ARE HIV negative. Period. End of story.

There's absolutely no reason to doubt the validity of your test results.

Your lymph node? Keep your hands off of it because you can create a bigger problem. You should be discussing this and any other symptoms with your doctor instead of putting your energy into doubting your test results.

Once again, this is NOT an HIV situation.

stupidme5 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:28:17 pm »

Thanks Andy....sorry for not posting in my original thread....I didn't realize. And thanks for your input. I appreciate it. Why do you think my doctor is being so conservative about this whole thing??

Ann · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:31:58 pm »

stupid,

It's possible the doctor wants you to test again so that maybe the results will finally start to sink in. It's also possible your doctor just isn't up to date. Many aren't.

You are reliably and conclusively hiv negative.

Keep working with your doctor to find out what's going on with your lymph. Chances are your constant checking it is keeping it swollen. Hands off.

Ann

stupidme5 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2008, 09:44:39 pm »

Hello,
I haven't posted here in awhile...I hope it's okay that I'm posting in the same thread.
After having brief unprotected vaginal sex over one year ago, I had an 8 month antibody test for hiv 1/2 ordered by my doctor that came back negative. I still have a mildly enlarged cervical lymph node directly under my chin...it just won't go away. I showed my doc and he doesn't seem overly concerned about it. I just can't shake the idea that there's even the slightest possiblility that I'm a late seroconverter. Type 1 diabetes runs in my family...could this affect the tests?
Even in people who seroconvert late (after the 3 month mark), wouldn't a test at 8 months definitely pick up the infection? Is there any reason why I should test at one year?
I'm not trying to post excessively...I'm just trying to learn more from people who know more than I...and I'm trying to settle my fears.
I've moved on with another partner...I told him about the potential exposure one year ago and told him about the tests and the results. We haven't been using condoms because he's comfortable with my test results, and we know (via serology) that he's negative as well. But I feel crushing guilt that I'm transmitting hiv to him in spite of my hiv negative result at 8 months. Is this justified?
Please help me. Thank you...

Andy Velez · « **Reply #13 on:** December 08, 2008, 10:38:57 pm »

You are HIV negative. Period. End of story. Whatever is going on symptomatically has nothing to do with HIV. It's something for you to discuss with your doctor(s). It's not HIV.

As far as having unprotected intercourse is concerned, that ought to happen only when both partners have reliably tested negative and have committed to a securely monogamous relationship. Unless that description fits you two, you should still be using condoms.

You don't have any reason to be concerned about passing on HIV at this point. You can't give something that you don't have.

Cheers.

stupidme5 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 08, 2008, 11:23:54 pm »

Thanks for the reply Andy. My partner and I are both committed to a monogamous relationship...I just want to be 100% certain that there's no way I can give him anything.
Just one question that I had asked that you didn't address in your previous answer...would an hiv test at 8 months post-exposure catch an hiv infection even in 'late seroconverters', or would they take longer than that?
Thanks again.

RapidRod · « **Reply #15 on:** December 09, 2008, 04:16:37 am »

You've already been advised in previous threads that you are negative. The answers are not going to change. Get on with your life.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #16 on:** December 09, 2008, 09:46:13 am »

In the ordinary course of things getting tested for a reliable result at 13 weeks is sufficient. The exceptions for testing at 6 months are those who have been longterm IV drug users or where treatment for cancer or an organ transplant is involved. Testing beyond that point is not needed.

As long as you and your partner always use condoms for intercourse there should not be any problem in terms of sexual risk for HIV. You need to let go of this issue and get on with your life as has already been suggested to you. Period.

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