lymph nodes

[broncos27]

I'll keep this short...
   My doc told me I have a lot of lymph nodes but they were not swollen at all...I can feel 2 of them in my neck and they are about the size of an M&M (maybe smaller).  Is it normal to be able to feel your lymph nodes???  And when does the window period end...when can you know 100% you didnt catch HIV???  Help me out please!!

[Teak]

The only way to know if you have been infected is by testing. You can not diagnosis yourself by symptoms. Symptoms or the lack of mean nothing when it comes to determining HIV infection. Poking and probing your lymph nodes can cause them to swell so it is best to keep your fingers off them..

[broncos27]

I want info on lymph nodes....i have tested....but i want info on lymph nodes

[dobber21]

When did you test? If you tested post six weeks you're in the clear, although some websites, and the CDC say 12/13 weeks to be absolutely certain.

What was your risk?

[dobber21]

Incidentally, lymph nodes are irrelevant if you've tested negative

[ScaredUKGirl]

Lymph nodes the size of an M&M are not something of concern at all! When they are the size of a walnut you can assume you have an infection or virus...But highly unlikely would that be HIV!

[Xhost]

Hey Austin,

Well, it seems you have done the prudent thing and visited your doctor and asked he or she to check your lymph nodes for swelling. The doctor did so and, good news, they weren't. I would trust the doc on this one.

As for being able to feel them, the answer is no, but maybe not for the reason that you think. Your lymph nodes are sensitive little guys, and one should not spend much time at all poking and prodding at them. They don't like that. Do it too much, and they start to swell a bit and get sore. And then you have a self-fulfilling prophecy: swollen lymph nodes (even though you caused them yourself).

[ScaredUKGirl]

xhost that’s not actually correct that you shouldn't be able to feel your nodes, its not abnormal if you can, I can feel all of mine in various places in my body (and my doc has confirmed they are in fact lymph nodes) but they are not all necessarily swollen, only the ones under my chin and in my neck. Some people’s nodes are closer to the surface than others and so we are therefore more able to feel them than some others whose nodes are buried deeper. For example I am naturally thin so this explains why I am more able to feel mine.

[Xhost]

Scared,

Well, my reply, I now realize, may have been a bit too subtle. Yes, I agree, people can feel their own lymph nodes. Rather, I was trying (perhaps unsuccessfully) to make the point that one shouldn't spend much time if any feeling their lymph nodes, for the reasons given.

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify.

[ScaredUKGirl]

Exactly.

When my doc examined my nodes he felt the areas only very lightly with no pressure at all so obviously a swollen node is one that you can feel on contact, NOT by pressing and checking constantly. Although I am sure we have all been there and done it!