HIV fear / lymph nodes

[theskem]

I am almost certain that my issue is exaggerated by anxiety, but I guess I just need reassurance, and my question is sort of two parts.

I previously posted something on another forum regarding my HIV fear - About 2 years about I was diagnosed with herpes, and ever since then I have had an extreme fear of HIV -- that I have already contracted it and don't know.  Since then I have had 4 HIV tests, all coming back negative.  My second to last test was after only having had safe sex (with condoms), and my last test was about 5 months after that test, when I had only had sex with my fiance (who was also tested and came back negative) and we have been in a monogamous relationship ever since.  This last test was about 8 months ago.

However, every time I feel anything that might be a symptom or issue someone has with HIV, I fear I have it -- for example, a pain in my gums and I think it is gum disease that is HIV related.  This is exacerbated by the fact that I have a couple of slightly enlarged lymph nodes near my groin - basically one on each side, but my right side also has a second smaller one that I can feel.  I have had these for probably two years (I would guess), and recently switched doctors and brought it up.  She monitored them for about 4 months and said they didn't change and are nothing to be concerned about.  She said they were enlarged due to shaving and folicullitis (?), and they may never go down but aren't harmful.  Of course I posted this question on another forum, and got a response that I should be tested for HIV, which now has me totally freaking out.  

So -- with all of this -- Could this be the case?  Can lymph nodes be permanently enlarged?  And could shaving due this?  I think she is a good doctor, but for some reason have a hard time trusting this... but that could be my emotions talking.  Should I get tested for HIV again?  I always thought that my 6 month test could be considered conclusive, but now I am worried.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. I will first comment on your lymph node swelling, then make another comment.  There are other illnesses which can cause lymph node swelling.  Swollen lymph nodes are a non-specific response to any number of stimuli including infections due to bacteria and viruses, allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.  Of all persons with swollen lymph nodes only a tiny proportion of them have HIV.  You have done the right thing by pointing them out to your physician and now, with the reassurance from a negative blood test and the examination showing that they are stable from your physician, it is time for you to put you fears of HIV aside.  Lymph nodes can remain swollen and unchanged for years and that they do should not be a cause for concern.

I worry however that you are having so much trouble putting your fear of HIV behind you.  If you cannot do this yourself, my advice would be to seek the help of a counselor in working through this.  There is really no reason for you to continue to worry about HIV.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. Take care.  EWH

[theskem]

Thank you, Dr. Hook.  I really appreciate your response, and I do feel I need help in overcoming this fear of HIV.  I somewhat recently had a yeast infection, and of course the first thing that comes to me is HIV.  Rationally I know that this is not necessarily a sign of HIV, but my head goes overboard with it.  Thanks for your input.