when will lymph nodes go away? any remedies? also question bout ex gfriend testn neg but me poz.

[floridajoe3]

i had unprotected sex with a person a few months ago, then 2 months ago i noticed 2 swollen lymph nodes, after searching online i noticed that swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of eary hiv infection.  i went to get tested i tested poz.  I haven't returned to the clinic for blood work to see where my count is and if i'll need medicine.  

my question is how long with these lymph nodes hang around, it's been 2 months. i'm in my 20s so i feel people look at me and see the lymph nodes and know i have something, it's embarrassing at work, in stores, everywhere.  i haven't even been to see friends and family members since lymph nodes are associated with hiv. i know it's associated with many other diseases (flu, sinus infection, etc.) butit's been very embarrasing for me.  so how long do these lymph nodes hang around after hiv infection? i've tried castor oil packs and nothing has worked.  Can a dr. prescribe me anything or than hiv med. to shrink the lymph nodes? any over the counter stuff for it?  

also since i have swollen lymph nodes does that mean my viral count is high therefore they'll probably start me on medicine immediately?  

1 other comment, is it possible that the person i got hiv from could test negative.  The only person i've had unprotected sex with is an ex-stripper who admitted to selling her body in the past.  she was my gfriend at the time i found out.  the lymph nodes and red spots on my arm all came 1 month after having unprotected sex with her.  she's been tested twice in 2 months and has comeback neg. for hiv and all other std's.  It breaks my heart that me a guy in his mid 20s who's been in relationships, never lived a risky life could get this and she a girl living a risky life doesn't get anything, it breaks my heart because she doesn't even tongue kiss me anymore, i've put ads online, chat lines explaining i'm poz looking for a relationship and nobody except gay men respond (no disrespect i have gay friends but i'm looking for a femaile). all these commercials about all the poz people in america and i still can't find anybody. i feel so dirty and lonely.  thanks

[LIZZIE LOU]

MAY I ASK YOU EXACTLY WHEN YOU GOT YOUR POSITIVE RESULT?  

[floridajoe3]

2 months ago

[Teak]

You didn't fall for that now did you?

[LIZZIE LOU]

not really...lol.   did a little search and read up on the complete story...therefore the question.  just wanted to see what the answer would be.

kim

[bubblez869]

you should get tested no matter how long you had sex its very important to get tested
and to have a blood test

[Teak]

This is a forum for individuals who are HIV positive or have AIDS to connect and support each other.

[cmoretti]

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign of infection, not just HIV but ANY infection. They respond like fever does. Sometimes more than others. My worst swollen nodes came to me when I was in HS with mono. That sucked!  It will take a bit of time for your immune system to stop responding so much. There aren't any meds to help them. Your immune system just needs to calm down. In the meantime I would see a Dr to get baseline labs done to see where your immune system is at. Try to relax, if you take care of yourself everything will be ok.

Also, If you got it from her then she is +, If she tests - three months after being with you then you can be sure that you got it from somewhere else. It is possible that you could have gotten it from another chick.(or that she is lying or hasn't been tested recently) I was 16 and got it from my first BF. Man did that suck! You are going through this in a time where HIV is more accepted (but I don't speak for everyone) and finding people can be more complex. positiveconnections.com is popular. I was a 16 year old girl that got it in 1986! That was hard!!!! back then it was a gay disease and if anyone knew I would have been kicked out of school out of fear. I have found a great man (he is -) and we are working on having a baby. It is hard and "the talk" is very uncomfortable at best, but I have NEVER been turned down because of HIV. As long as you want to take care of yourself and protect others then the playing field gets bigger. Love really does conquer all! Everyone has 'the talk" at different times but I don't have it unless we are going to get sexual and lets face it, if you are going for a one nighter, a condom is regulation gear anyway. Find support and try not to let HIV run your life. Live your life with a little inconvenience of HIV.

[Teak]

Read the background and posting history before making replies.

[surreyUK]

HI. I read your reply on the forums...just want to say thankyou for that. I know it was meant for floridajoe3, but what you wrote there is amazing!! You surely have conquered all. I am hiv+, I couldnt say before that I am positive or say HIV for that matter, but now I can. I have excepted the fact that I am positive and am living my life to the full. I also am on treatment, 1 tablet a day and this is part of my life now. I never forget to take my mobile phone with me wherever I go, so its the same for taking my tablet every day. Hiv now is a part of my life, but it doesn't rule my life. I am lucky though, I have a wonderful partner who supports me well(9 years and counting). My motto is: Live your Life!! Thanx for all comments on here, a great site. xx

PS: To floridajoe3, lymph nodes wont go away without going to see your GP. I had the same problem. Don't be afraid about what they (GP) will say about your bloodcount, ect, these guys know best, so go and get that professional help, be brave and take that step, its only in the right direction.