transmission

[epiphone183]

hi, i have a question about possible hiv symptom,, i have had high risk encounters in the 2.5 months, nothing in the last 5 weeks and got tested with the quick test at walgreens a couple of days ago with a negative.  My risk encounters were in se asia, with a couple of transgenders but with protection on  intercourse and not oral.  I did have a bout of diarrhea while i was there but nothing else.  My question is, how isolated is slightly enlarged , 2 lymph nodes in one armpit.  my right armpit.  I have 2 areas, it almost looks like they are bumps and slightly swolle, red but I dont know if that is from me touching them or not.  They are painful to the touch and when i move my arm.  not the typical mosquito bite.  but maybe a chigger bite?  i have no idea, i stayed at a friends house the night before i got them and i think he does have cats.  I havent been outside in an area really where i would get this.. i guess my question is, how random would this be for an symptom.. just a quite painful area for just abite, and considering my recent past.  I am worried.. thanks for any insight on this.  I also have hsv..
Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm glad I COULD HELP.  EWH

[epiphone183]

Thanks so much for your professional opinion Dr Hook.  Appreciate your time

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  In reading your post, I se nothing to worry about.  While your partners may have been somewhat "risky" as transgenders, most transgender persons do not have HIV and even if they did, condom protected genital exposures are safe sex and there are no proven instances in which receipt of oral sex has led to infection.  Further your negative test at five weeks provides still further reassurance since while not completely sensitive, your test would be expected to detect over 90% of recent infections.

As for your lymph node swelling it sounds as though this is localized, not generalized ( HIV relatedmlymph node swelling is generalized and wide-spread) and lymph node swelling is a non-specific finding for which you have an alternate explanation (the "bite" you mention).  I rally see no reason for concern from the information you have provided.

I hope this assessment is helpful to you.  Web