Lymph

Hi some of you may remember me.  I posted almost a year ago, worried about a possible needlestick incident, and eventually accepted that the chance of me being HIV positive from this event is very unlikely.  However I have recently become worried again.  In August '08 I had swollen lymph nodes come up under my jaw in response it seemed to mouth ulcers/ canker sores.  However they have stayed enlarged, to this day and have not gone down.  I also have some lumps under my armpits, that may or may not be lymph nodes and I am having them assessed by a doctor next tuesday.

What I am wondering is firstly is it possible that repeated episodes of ulcers, several clusters within a year, could cause me to have persistently enlarged lymph nodes?

Secondly, would someone with persistent lymph nodes caused by HIV have only nodes in the jaw area and armpits.  Or would it be more widespread?

I would appreciate a response to this.  I understand that my risk is practically a no risk situation, but I need to understand what is happening in these nodes to help me to get over it.  I am currently about to start counselling to help me to get over an irrational fear of HIV, yet I need to get the nodes out of my head in order for me to engage in the counselling.

Thanks

[UK101]

By the way I am not going to start trolling the forum again! I just want some honest and informed advice on the lymph nodes, so please don't be too harsh on me.

[nursegirl6572]

"yet I need to get the nodes out of my head in order for me to engage in the counselling"

This long later and you're still obsessed?  You need the counseling in order to control your anxiety and irrational thought,  It isn't healthy or normal to be be so consumed by  these thoughts despite so much factual info telling you you were never at risk, and were not infected.

Seek some help...that is really your only choice,

[UK101]

I am seeking help honestly, and have hardly even thought of HIV until a month or so ago when I rediscovered these nodes during an episode of ulcers.  I would just like some answers to the lymph q's so that I can forget this one lingering sign.

[LIZZIE LOU]

WELL...I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU.

what always amazes me is this...

IF you are so obsessed with this "stick" and IF you do not want to accept the facts regarding this NO RISK situation...then why in the world do you not test again so that you can put this behind you and move on with your life?  why spend time on this forum asking questions when you could have an answer in 20 minutes?

can you answer that one?

[UK101]

Lizzie Lou I understand completely what your saying.  I haven't tested because i have repeatedly been told there is no need and so I don't want to go through the testing process which drove me made last time.  I have also been told by my counsellor that testing is not going to cure my HIV phobia, as it will just surface over some new 'exposure'.  As such I am attempting to find a rational explaination to my lymph problem, so  that I can eradicate the only possible thing that is a sign of HIV.

[LIZZIE LOU]

after re-reading your post, i see that you have not even been to a doctor about this???  so you've self diagnosed yourself?

i can tell you from experience on this forum...99.9% of the ppl who "think" their lymph nodes are swollen, find that they are NOT when they actually see their doctor.

continue to work with your doctor and mental health professional.  this is not a hiv concern.

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[UK101]

Okay, I get the point.  I will go and see the doctor about my nodes, but I still have a no-risk situation.  Does this mean that it will be completely medically responsible for me to forget this situation and not test?

[UK101]

I take the silence and previous posts as a yes!

[UK101]

so even if I do have persistently swollen nodes in the armpit and jaw, with my 'no risk' exposure and no other possible risks, then there is still no chance that it could be HIV right?  It must be something else.

[LIZZIE LOU]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[pjaxx]

I have been reading this forum for a few days here and there over the past weeks, what I can't get over is the number of OCD type personalities that post here.  Their fears are obviously very real even if there is absolutely no chance they have HIV.  Kudo's to you and Teak for your patience with this, I don't know how you continue to be there for us folks with geniune concerns.

[UK101]

Sorry but I have to ask one final question.  With this I believe I can honestly forget about this whole saga, as it will eliminate any 'symptoms' I may have had that make me think the stick was a hiv tainted needle.  Please don't get angry and ban me, just answering the question will make me feel so much better.

I have been feeling slightly tired and yawning often, and have been diagnosed with mild anemia.  And am worried about HIV anemia.  Could this occur so early in an infection.  Would it generally occur later if the anemia was due to HIV itself, i.e. after years if due to bone marrow suppression or destruction of red blood cells (chronic disease anemia)???

I promise that this is my last question and after this you will have one less 'no risk worried well' to annoy you!!


Please answer!

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[UK101]

I understand I have a supposedly 'ro risk' situation but can you not answer that one question and I shall leave the forum permenantly, I promise!  I am working with doctors and therapists already to overcome my phobia, can you not help me on this one simple question please!

[UK101]

Please one simple answer

[LIZZIE LOU]

ANYONE can become anemic ! ! ! !

time for you to put hiv out of your thoughts.  in order to have become infected...there had to be a risk in the first place.

this post has gone on long enough...move on.

[UK101]

Is there no way that someone can simply answer whether HIV related anemia can happen within the first year of infection???

[Teak]

Any more post from you and you'll be reported to MedHelp.

[UK101]

Is there no way that you can simply answer my question.  I am very grateful for the replies that I have been given but I am extremely worried about the anemia.  Can no one simply tell me if anemia from HIV can occur in the early years of an infection?

[LIZZIE LOU]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

DONE...