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Armpit Pain
Hi
Dr Hansfield has stated in some replies to people that armpit pain is not a symptom of HIV. I have had strange pains, that last a second or two, in both armpits most days for several years and it all started a week or so after a sexual encounter with a girl (unprotected vaginal sex twice in one night). Before the pain started, I had already freaked out that I might be infected and started reading up on the symptoms. I can't remember now whether I started feeling my pits before the pains began - but the nature of the pains, which is a shooting pain in either armpit on a seemingly random basis, has always felt like it MUST be something other than just the result of my poking around.
I just wanted clarification on the Doctor's view that these pains are never related to HIV and wondered if he could explain why this is the case when lymph nodes do, after all, swell up when infected (although I can't feel any swelling in my case and nor could the doctor, though he didn't seem to feel them very thoroughly).
I've read that stress could be the cause but I don't buy that because I can't see why stress would cause such pains, especially not in such a specific place!
I hope I can get the courage to get tested soon, in the meantime a response from the Doctor would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dr Hansfield has stated in some replies to people that armpit pain is not a symptom of HIV. I have had strange pains, that last a second or two, in both armpits most days for several years and it all started a week or so after a sexual encounter with a girl (unprotected vaginal sex twice in one night). Before the pain started, I had already freaked out that I might be infected and started reading up on the symptoms. I can't remember now whether I started feeling my pits before the pains began - but the nature of the pains, which is a shooting pain in either armpit on a seemingly random basis, has always felt like it MUST be something other than just the result of my poking around.
I just wanted clarification on the Doctor's view that these pains are never related to HIV and wondered if he could explain why this is the case when lymph nodes do, after all, swell up when infected (although I can't feel any swelling in my case and nor could the doctor, though he didn't seem to feel them very thoroughly).
I've read that stress could be the cause but I don't buy that because I can't see why stress would cause such pains, especially not in such a specific place!
I hope I can get the courage to get tested soon, in the meantime a response from the Doctor would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You miss a crucial point: It isn't just that armpit pain isn't a symptom of HIV. NO symptoms are useful indicators of new HIV infection. Anyway, the lymph node enlargements associated with ARS are not painful or cause only minimal discomfort. On top of all that, if lymph node enlargement were the cause of the pain, it would be there more or less continuously, not the intermittent pattern you describe.
I have no patience with "not having the courage" to be tested. Stop wringing you hands over it and just do it.
I don't know if stress is the cause of your armpit pain, but your assertive denial of that possibility increases my suspicion of it.
Forget HIV, get tested to reassure yourself, then talk to your provider about the possibility of an emotional basis for your problems. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
HHH, MD
I have no patience with "not having the courage" to be tested. Stop wringing you hands over it and just do it.
I don't know if stress is the cause of your armpit pain, but your assertive denial of that possibility increases my suspicion of it.
Forget HIV, get tested to reassure yourself, then talk to your provider about the possibility of an emotional basis for your problems. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
HHH, MD
Really sorry, I posted this in the wrong place. Please can you re-post it for me in the right forum.
Again, sorry for the error.
Again, sorry for the error.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Don't worry about it.
No ongoing discussion, by the way. There is no additional information you can provide that will alter my opinion or advice.
No ongoing discussion, by the way. There is no additional information you can provide that will alter my opinion or advice.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
