Simple question

[anonymous98345]

Both sides of lymph nodes have been swollen for approximately 21 days. At first when they were growing, they were painful. For about the last 7-10 days however, the pain has subsided, but the nodes are still palpable. They relatively hard and immovable. I do experience fatigue/exhaustion and mild headaches.

I have tested negative for all STDs, however, I am aware that certain STDs, specifically herpes, HIV, and Syphilis can show up negative inside 90 days of potential exposure to a disease.

My question is: do any of these point to my symptoms? I have read everywhere, scourging the internet totally. I am led to believe that my symptoms are indicating something other than and STD, however, I wanted to check on here to hear my chances.

Im led to believe this because from what I understand, in herpes, if people show symptoms (i.e. flu like symptoms) then there is always evidence of lesions. Seeing as my symptom is swollen nodes, I am assuming that if it was caused by herpes, then I would have lesions somewhere. I personally have investigated my area and see no lesions whatsoever on the outside surface. I am deducing, that since I have no problems whatsoever urinating, that I don't have lesions inside as I have heard herpetic lesions inside the body cause an incredible amount of pain, especially when urine passes over them.

With HIV I am worried, but not because of chances, rather because of how serious it is. Of the symptoms, I guess I could only check off swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. However I ruled this out, because of my blood test, and the fact it is localized lymph node swelling, HIV would have been a question had I had generalized swelling. Docs checked all other lymph nodes, no swelling.

Lastly, with Syphilis, I understand a large sore would be made. Considering I see no sore. I would assume I don't have this either. Furthermore, I read that syphilis could in no way shape or form manifest itself within 4 days of last sexual exposure. So I lay fairly easy on this.

Basically, I want to know if ANYBODY has heard of ANY cases where only localized swelling of the inguinal nodes ended up being an STD. I realize it could be a slew of other things, I am honestly just trying to get this worry out of my head. As you can see, I have done plenty of research on this, and by all means it seems less than a 1% chance I could have contracted an STD. However, it is always reassuring to hear from other people.

[anonymous98345]

I appreciate the quick response yet again. And I agree, I am hoping the CT scan should reveal more. I am just ready to rid myself of the worry. I appreciate the help. I will be looking into that DUO test ASAP. Preciate it.

[HowardH]

You can't expect "to know for sure" from an online source. I don't think any community forum (or even most professional ones) can do better than this one has.

CBC can give a clue to mono, but that's all. Specific testing is necessary. Given the comprehensive testing you have had, I agree it is likely it was done, but ask to be certain.

Any syphilis blood test is valid at 6 weeks, e.g. RPR or EIA, whatever is routine in your doctor's lab. For HIV, a DUO test (antibody + antigen) is conclusive at 4+ weeks. A standalone HIV antibody test is virtually 100% conclusive at 6 weeks, even though officially not definitive until 3 months. For herpes, it's 3-4 months, but you have already given your own excellent reasons why herpes is unlikely.

[anonymous98345]

HowardH,

Thanks for always responding. I was wondering. I tested for Herpes via blood test, I had 0.08 on IgG for HSV1 and 0.27 on IgG for HSV2. I tested at 18 days after exposure. Is 18 days long enough for Herpes to wait to be conclusive, if not, when is?

I was also wondering, given that my titers are so low, could this also effectively rule out herpes as an option?

[anonymous98345]

When they took blood they did a CBC, and then all STD tests. I am assuming they tested for mono. However, I am not positive. There was only one encounter I was worried about, other than that nothing. If it was a prior exposure, I am confident given the window of testing that the results were conclusive for every encounter before the one I am worried about.

I just did a CT scan, and waiting for the results.

Also, what exact tests would I need to order to be able to feel conclusive inside the 4-6 week mark. I am almost at the 6 week mark, so I would much rather test at 42 days than 90, although I am wondering why there is such a large discrepancy. Why is it that my doctor said 90 days for HIV and Syphilis, and you are saying 28-42 days? I am not doubting you, I just wanted to know.

Honestly, I just want to rid myself of the worry of an STD, so thats why I was on here. I am fully aware with the potential exposure of my bf (who received a saliva lubricated hj from a masseuse) was less than 1%. I just want to know for sure, and cannot wait for somebody to know.

[HowardH]

As suggested in your previous thread, were you tested for mononucleosis (called glandular fever in some parts of the world)? Or did you discuss that possibility with your doctor?

You don't need to wait 3 months for definitive testing for HIV and syphilis; 4-6 weeks is plenty, depending on the specific blood test done. But it is true that neither syphilis nor HIV could cause lymph node inflammation in 4 days. (Same for mono, by the way.) And genital herpes isn't known to cause lymph node inflammation unless it also causes overt genital blisters or open sores.

Have you had other sexual exposures in the past 1-2 months? If this is sexually acquired, conceivably it goes back to an exposure before the one just before onset of symptoms.

Maybe others will have something to say, but even is someone has had a personal expoerience like yours and believes an STD was responsible, it isn't likely to help much in understanding your situation. Evaluation by a knowledgeable health professional, perhaps with additional lab testing, is the only likely path to an answer.