Call Me Crazy, But I Need Reassurance....

[WhatIsIt1977]

Dr,
I just posted this question on the wrong forum, $40 later here I am.
First off thank you for your help and advice.
Below is my original post with you:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/717322
I know I am driving myself crazy, but please I just need reassurance that I have no concern that I may be infected with HIV.
Brief history:
Possible exposure was October 2nd. 3 minutes max unprotected oral by 2 (street) prostitutes & protected anal given to 1.
I have had 4 negative tests in the following order:
Oct 9 Elisa - 1 week Neg
Dec 4 Elisa - 9 Week Neg
Dec 9 PCR - 9.5 Week Neg
Jan 6 Elisa - 13.5 Week Neg
All Hep tests came back negative, no herpes tests, but no genital sores or cold sores.  I have always gotten an occasional inflamed taste bud on my tongue and an occasional blister inside my cheek or under my tongue, but nothing painful. I always thought that stress caused those.
My gastro symptoms began a few days after exposure and I have since been diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
I haven't had any flu-like sympoms, just overall axiety, depression, guilt (infidelity) and malaise. A month ago, the left lymph node on my neck had minimally swelled one day and went away after about 3 days.  Last night I began having what felt like a lymph node pain under my left jaw bone and it is tender, but it is not the node in my neck it is under my left jaw bone but feels like a lymph node type pain.  No other pain in any lymph nodes.
My questions are:
What are the lymph node symptoms of HIV, seroconversion, etc?
Are there any links between HIV and Celiac Disease, cause or effect relationship?  Meaning could one cause the other or cause my tests to result in false negatives.
Lastly, are my tests conclusive? I plan on getting tested at 6 months just to be sure, is there any reason that I should be concerned that it will become positive?
I have not had any other possible exposures since October 2nd.
Please help!
Thank you and have a great day!

[WhatIsIt1977]

I could not have asked for more clearly stated answers.

Your answers are very clear and detailed and for that I thank you.

Next step is to move on with my life and I will indeed try.

Thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Dr. Handsfield and I share the forum.  You got me this time.  FYI, the reason we share the forum is because we have worked together for nearly 30 years and while our verbiage styles vary, we have never disagreed on management strategies or advice to clients.  I have read your earlier interchange with Dr. Handsfield and will address your questions below but before I do, let me get to the bottom line.  I will be re-enforcing Dr. Handsfield's earlier response.  You do not have HIV and your symptoms are not due to HIV or any other STD.  The fact that your symptoms began soon after your exposure is co-incidence, nothing more.  Your exposure to the two commercial sex workers was protected and HIV and STDs are prevented by condom use.  In addition, your multiple negative tests tell you that you do not have HIV.  Now, on to your questions:

1. Persons with swollen lymph nodes due to HIV are typically not aware that their nodes are swollen because the lymph nodes swelling is non-tender.  During the ARS which is a very rare event, persons may experience a flu-like syndrome (which you have not had) which can include swollen, tender lymph nodes.  This is irrelevant to you.  You do not have HIV.
2. No, no links between celiac disease and HIV.  No influence of celiac disease on HIV test results, i.e.,  you do not have negative HIV tests because you have celiac disease.  Your tests are negative because you do not have HIV.
3. For you to test any more is a waste of time and money.  Your results are conclusive at this time.

I hope my comments are helpful.  EWH