Dr. Holodniy:

I tested negative via standard Western/Elisa at about 8 weeks after what I now think what might have been an exposure. I was a Paramedic in New Jersey for three years, so I used to get tested regularly. I had brief contact (digital penetration, nothing else) with a woman at a bar in New York who had a C-section, and who I did not know.

It is now about 10 months later, and I have noticed what may or may not be swollen glands by my cheekbone, in the area an inch in front of my ear, and at the point where my jaw and neck meet. A few times, a single node directly under my chin (soft palate) has become extremely tender/swollen. I have experienced irregular diarrhea as well. These are not remarkably painful, but I am more aware of them than I can remember.

The problem is that I am also becoming aware that I am an alcoholic. I have been drinking about a 12-pack of beer per night, and although I generally feel like crap, I cannot determine whether these may be symptoms of HIV or whether stress and booze are taking their toll.

Asymptomatic HIV, or is this related to alcholism?

Thank you.

Based on that story, the latter. MH