Scared of HIV

Dr., thank you for taking my question.  

Here is my history:
Mid November I had unprotected sex with an ex-girlfriend.  3 to 4 days later, I developed what felt like the flu, including sore lymph nodes, dry cough, night sweats, tiredness, sore muscles, sore throat, fever.  This lasted for 5-6 days.  I also develop, in this time period, ulcers on both my penis (near the head) and inside of my mouth (inside upper lip).  The ulcers on my penis were 4-5 in number, red, whitish/grey centers (small), and one larger.  The ulcer in my mouth was .5 cm in diameter, looked much like a canker sore.  As well, my gums were very sore.  This lasted for approx. 1 week and the sores disappated.

I became very very scared about HIV and have had tests done at 6 and 9.8 weeks--all negetive.  As well, the girl I was with had a test at about 6-7 weeks after her other encounter and it was negetive.

At about 7 weeks, I developed what shaking all over the body (intermittant), especially while I am trying to rest, as well as some twitching of the toes.  I can control it with breathing excercises.  I am a very anxious person and have been obsessing about HIV all of this time.  My doctor tells me my HIV tests are conclusive, that my symptoms were too soon for HIV, and that my shaking is due to my extreme anxiety.

The shaking comes and goes, and the cough is still persistant, as well as the lymph node swelling in the neck (I am constantly touching them).  

1) Are my test results for HIV reliable?  Should I be tested again?
2) Is my doctor correct about the timing of my symptoms?
3) Regarding the ulcers on my penis/mouth... are those consistant with herpes or perhaps related to HIV?
4) I have had another outbreak of small red dots on my penis, but those appear to have healed without becoming anything resembling an ulcer.  Could this be another herpes outbreak?

Thank you doctor.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I agree with Monkeyflower, who responded (below) before I did.  Your primary problem is unreasoned anxiety.  Ask health care provider whether you should see a mental health professional.  You took no apparent risk of HIV; your symptoms came on too soon to be due to HIV; and your blood test results are reliable - as your doctor told you.

1) Your HIV results are reliable.  2) Your doctor is right.  3) Sores in the mouth have many potential causes.  Given your test results, they cannot be due to HIV. 4) Quickly resolving red dots of the penis do not sound like any STD or HIV.  However, "penile ulcers" could be due to herpes. Discuss this with your doctor and trust his advice about the cause and whatever diagnostic tests he recommends.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[monkeyflower]

I think it's great that you're using breathing exercises to control the twitching (which is definitely a symptom of anxiety). However, your anxiety is still palpable and completely unwarranted. Are you taking any medication? Seeing a therapist? I would strongly urge you to consider doing both; the medication can help you control your thoughts, and the therapy can help you learn new ways of thinking about things and new ways of coping with stressors.