Lymph Nodes, No Fever

[ocaselly1]

Hi. I am a 24 year old gay male. I know symptoms can't diagnose HIV but I'm looking for some peace of mind with all of this. I have lymph node swelling and am a little terrified. About a 2 months ago I had a few casual sexual encounters. Orally unprotected at times but ALWAYS protected anal sex. About 2 weeks ago I discovered a swollen lymph node at the top of the back of my neck (the occipital) and the glands under my jaw. No other symptoms- no night sweats, flu, rash, fever, or fatigue (more than usual with my hectic work schedule).... but I have become obsessed reading everything about swollen glands and have been continually poking and prodding myself to find more. I discovered some small what I think are "shotty" lymph nodes in my groin area. I touch my armpits and groin incessantly. Now I feel like there are tender nodes everywhere. About a week ago I went to the doctor and she looked in my left ear and said it had major wax buildup- so much so that she couldn't tell if it was infected. She put me on debrox, an antibiotic in case it was infected and claritin. I have a very dry mouth and think there could be some plague buildup on my tongue (doesn't seem to be serious enough yet to be oral thrush.) I want to believe this is a symptom of the antibiotic... I want to believe that the swelling is from an ear infection but I'm scared. I know I need to get tested but I am just looking for some piece of mind.

1) If I really had acute HIV would all the symptoms hit at once or be graudally spread out. Would all the glands swell at once or could I really not feel swelling in my armpits for 2 weeks after the swollen node on my neck?

2) Can you experience swollen nodes and no fever or rash with acute HIV?

3) Is oral thrush a symptom of acute HIV?

4) Can poking a lymph node and rubbing to feel for them cause the lymph node to be irritated and swell slightly.

[LIZZIE LOU]

ARS hits all at once...it doesnt come on gradually over a period of time.  of course your lymph nodes are getting sore...youre poking at yourself all the time. antibiotics absolutely can cause oral thrush...but it has been my experience here, that most ppl who think they have thrush, dont actually have it when they finally see their doctor.  now...for plaque buildup?  see your dentist!!!!!  sounds like it's time for a cleaning.  

nothing you did put you at risk for hiv.  whatever health problems you're having, are NOT related to hiv.

get off the internet searching for symptoms.  believe me...if you are anxious about this...you will start getting every symptom that you read about.