Can't Move On

[Anxious and Worried]

I had a low risk exposure oversees( stripper - sucked on her nipple - possible breast milk exposure ) and took a DNA PCR at 26 days for HIV 1, DNA PCR at 30 days for HIV 2, and two OraQuick oral swap tests at 4 and 6/1/2 weeks - all negative yet I still have symptoms of swollen glands in my armpits, groin and neck.  Anyone know when these will go away if indeed thet are caused by my anxiety?  Counselor at MTC pretty much said the two PCR are conclusive and to move on but I struggle with good days and bad and worry because my armpit lymph nodes wont go away.  Any thoughts on my anxiety?

[wackybong]

are you sure your glands are swollen? or your mind just making it up? swollen glands hurt a bit when you feel them? does it hurt when you feel your glands? i don't think anxiety can cause swollen glands

[Anxious and Worried]

So anxiety could not possibly be a cause?

[wackybong]

Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess, or cancer. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are rare. By far, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.

When swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may, in some cases, result from cancer or a tumor.

Common Causes    Return to top

Infections that commonly cause swollen lymph nodes include mononucleosis, German measles (rubella), tuberculosis, mumps, ear infection, tonsillitis, an abscessed or impacted tooth, gingivitis (swelling of the gums), mouth sores, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Immune or autoimmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph nodes include rheumatoid arthritis and HIV. Cancers that can cause swollen glands include leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the type of problem and the body parts involved. Identifying the location can help determine the possible cause.

Swollen lymph nodes may also be caused by some medications (like phenytoin for seizures) or certain vaccinations (namely, typhoid).

[Anxious and Worried]

Can extreme anxiety cause swollen glands??  I've been worried sick day and night over this for the last month.

[monkeyflower]

Or far more likely, you don't have swollen lymph glands at all. Unless your doctor actually told you that they were swollen, I'd bet a zillion dollars they're fine. And if they are actually diagnosed as swollen, it sure isn't 'cause of HIV.

Your STD counselors have even told you the tests are conclusive (not that you ever needed testing to begin with--that was indeed a zero risk exposure. Zero.). Since you can't seem to let this go, I really urge you to seek counseling.

[wackybong]

swollen lymph nodes indicates infection, check your body for infection, you might have infected wound, swollen gums, infected tooth which can cause the swollen lymph nodes

[Firstandlasttime]

Let me try to help. Make it an even wost case than it could be. Imagine it were sperm. It's even more contagious than milk. Well last time I checked it is still very difficult to get infected that way (1/10,000 chance or so).

Children might get infected that way, but they drink only milk for the first months of their lives with weak immune systems. You "maybe" had one sip. It takes lot of virus and a place for that virus to get into your body.

You tested negative and had a no-risk situation. You're fine. Swollen glands or not. They're probably just anxiety symptoms.

By the way, my gf is breast feeding our child. When she is aroused or when she starts milking, milk litterally shoots out. Just so you know. Relax you're fine.

[Anxious and Worried]

Then whats up with the swollen glands all over??  This happened oversea's with a Brazilian woman with a young kid.  My anxiety had gotten the best of me - the DNA PCR test at three weeks calmed my fears and so did the negative anitbody test at 7 weeks but I still can't let you - especially because I never had symptoms like this before ever.

[Teak]

So you are saying you tasted breast milk from this woman? And she was breast feeding a child? hmmm, how did you find out that? Setting that aside, you are not going to become infected, by a taste of breast milk.

[Anxious and Worried]

When a woman is aroused that has had kids which this woman did breast milk can frequently come out when the nipple is sucked on - therefore possible breastmilk exposure.  I'm know its a long shot but I have been having major symptoms from about the third week on and cant stop thinking about it and my family.

[Torontoguy28]

That's not a low-risk exposure, that's a no-risk exposure. You didn't need the test in the first place. On top of that you had four tests done. You need to see a professional for your anxiety.

[Teak]

You didn't need to test in the first place. Have you ever seen a lap dancer in her second trimester dance, let alone, let you suck on her nipples?