Swollen glands

[Concernedpartner145]

Any hiv +ve people out there, or anyone have any advice on the following symptom:
- Swollen armpit glands (not individual nodes, but a general swollen feeling) for 4 weeks, starting 23 days post exposure. Is this the normal timeline for acture HIV symptoms, and is this a common one?
- Could this be related to another STD anyones aware of?
- Does the Oraquick (gum swab) test provide the 80-85% accuracy at 4 weeks some people seem to be claiming, or does this figure only apply to blood tests?

[Frank303]

Lymphadenopathy (lymph node swelling or pain) can be a symptom of HIV infection, but it can be a symptom of other problems.
23 days would be the correct timeframe.
There are really not enough studies of ARS or seroconversion time to give accurate reliability figures for tests at specific points in time, only estimates.

In the USA a non-blood antibody test (saliva/urine/plasma) is considered conclusive for somehere in the region of 97% of people in 3 months. In the UK non-blood tests are considered reliable at 16 weeks (per BASHH).
I understand the oraquick test relies on more than saliva and actually scrapes the epithelium / skin there, though I can't remember the source of that. Only whole blood tests are used in the UK routinely so I've no reason to look it up.

Look through the archives here, the experts forum and other HIV forums and you'll find a load of threads from people with 'all the symptoms' who turn out HIV negative.
Your healthcare provide can advise.

[Teak]

Oraquick is only reliable at 3 months post exposure or with a confirmation test to confirm a positive test result.

[Northernmistake]

I have the same sort of symptoms. A month after oral sex on a girl, and she kissed the end of my penis. I am worried sick, I can't feel raised bumps but my neck and armpits are a little bit uncomfortable at times. What else could it be? I also have been getting the odd ulcer/spot on gums. I am highly anxious, with sleepless nights and not eating correctly.

Any advice from anyone?

RS

[Teak]

Move on. You haven't had a risk of contracting HIV.

[Northernmistake]

I am going to see my GP tomorrow for a chat regarding this. I understand I have no realistic chance of catching anything but I have quite a few symptoms (swollen glands, gum issues after 1 week exposure), and the mind is very powerful.

Is it worth a test anyway? Any other ideas what could be wrong?

[Teak]

There is no reason to test over your situation.

[Northernmistake]

Thank you very much, it must be related to something else. The HIV/AIDS helpline here in the UK also said the same thing. I think it is mostly due to stress. I have only ever had protected sex, oral I never really thought of as a risk.

[Concernedpartner145]

Thanks for the help to date.

Still underarm pain, 5 weeks since it started. Would HIV related gland swelling be more generalised? Ie wouldn't it be likely to have swollen glands in his neck and groin as well as arms?

Are lymph nodes usually detectable by touch? Sight? We cannot feel any individual 'nodes' just a general noticable swelling and pain beneath the arms.

There have been no other symptoms that we can think of. Are swollen glands/nodes also associated with other std's?

[Teak]

To diagnose swollen nodes in early HIV they have to be palpated (felt) by a doctor and swollen lymph nodes due to HIV do NOT have pain.

[Concernedpartner145]

NO PAIN?

I think you may have just made my day - in fact I'm sure you have. A 3 month test will no doubt make my whole life!

Teak I am sure you are told this often, but you are a God send to the people that need your fast advice on this forum. Have you ever considered how many people you may have actually saved from self harm, stopped them damaging their relationships by going crazy, and actually getting them away form the screen?

I can't do much but send you good karma, I appreciate your efforts.

[Concernedpartner145]

You've mentioned here swollen glands/nodes due to HIV do not cause pain - even during acute infection/seroconversion?

[J_friend]

Not sure if I'm missing something - I've read your post, but what was your exposure to begin with, my friend?

[Teak]

Even during acute infection/seroconversion. Most people that come here complaining of lymph node pain is because they poke and probe at them which causes them to get sore and swell. HIV does not cause pain in the lymph nodes.

[Concernedpartner145]

I've covered my exposure (high risk) in previous posts and dont want to waste your time with % transmission questions etc (Teak and others have already been very helpful in this regard).

Am am still having underarm pain (nearly 6 weeks) and have been told that swollen gland/lymph nodes due to HIV infection/seroconversion do not cause pain. Would they be swollen significantly? Ie able to actually see a lump?

[Concernedpartner145]

Thanks, as I've mentioned I cannot identify a single node, rather I have a sore, swollen feeling under my arms, more general, although I do feel 'pin pricks' of pain every now and then which I think I could isolate to individual nodes. The swelling is painful enough to be felt generally throughout the day, so I am confident it isnt due to my proding.

Would I be correct in assuming that swollen glands due to seroconversion would be more general, ie I could expect groin and throat swelling as well?

Should this be a symptom, it would most likely be accompanied by other ARS symptoms right, such as fever etc?

[Teak]

Most people wouldn't know a swollen lymph node from a plugged sweat gland. The only way to tell if you have swollen lymph nodes is to be diagnosed by your doctor.

[Concernedpartner145]

I have been concerned about HIV infection since my exposure. My armpit swelling occured 23 days post exposure and has lasted for nearly 6 weeks.

[Teak]

Those that actually get swollen lymph nodes with HIV infection are generalized.

[Concernedpartner145]

I understand, and I dont pretend to be a professional, nor to have accurately diagnosed my own condition -

Is this a common symptom?

Would this symptom be general (ie groin and neck as well)?

Would this symptom usually be associated with other ARS symptoms?

[J_friend]

I don't mean to beg the question, but my friend, I have a gut feeling that you may have not had a high risk.  Do you feel safe sharing your risk - because, after all, that is a MUCH more important factor than whether your nodes hurt or not (and yes, they can do both hurt or not hurt)

[J_friend]

sorry - didn't read your above post - I'll go read your risk.  Regarding nodes - they can be painful or not when they're swollen.

[Teak]

As you are well aware symptoms or the lack of symptoms are not indicator of HIV infection. Only a test will give you the information that you need. To answer your question swollen lymph nodes along with a high fever and just feeling unwell would accompany them if you actually have ARS. ARS cannot be confirm until you test positive and then they would diagnose your previous illnesses as ARS which you wouldn't need a doctor to tell you that.

[Concernedpartner145]

Thanks again, 8 week test today. I appreciate your time and advice, once again!

[nursegirl6572]

I am going to reiterate what teak said....you have no idea if you actually HAVE swollen lymph nodes without a physician's diagnosis.  Lymph node are pretty easy to feel, even when normal...and especially if before this event....I imagine you wouldn't have had much of a reason to be feeling around...so you have no comparison.  

Bottom line....is even if the doctor DOES diagnose you with swollen lymph nodes...there are about a bazillion other causes that it could be. You simply CANNOT rely on any symptoms to guage your risk level of having HIV.  Most of the people (I would say 95%+) that I have dealt with thru the years who are HIV+ never had ONE single symptom...nothing.  

Go to your doctor if you are feeling ill, to find a cause (mosty likely NOT HIV)...and get tested to put your mind at ease.  And remember, HIV is NOT an easy disease to contract.  A lot of people treat HIV transmission like the common cold.  

Hopefully that will ease your mind a bit...and I agree, btw that Teak IS indeed a Godsend to this forum.  NO amount of education EVER can replace the knowledge one gains from living it.....he is spot on all the time...and I commend him for helping others.