Dear Dr, I had received oral sex from a prostitute on June 6. Also, i had protected vaginal sex. after two weeks, i experienced diarrrhea, sore throat, head ache, joint and muscle pains and swollen lymph nodes on neck and jaw. These symptoms disappeared in two weeks except for swollen lymph nodes which are there even now. At the advise of my doctor, I took an antibody test for HIV 1 and 2 at 9. 5 weeks ( 68 days after exposure) and it came back negative. I also took a PCR RNA test at 9. 5 weeks which also came back negative. My doctor says im HIV free. But my problem is I have constantly swelling lymph nodes. At 10 weeks, it was collar bone. At 12 weeks, it was left collar bone. Now its behind the ears. Do i need to test more? My doctor says that my results are conclusive since i took a test which looks for antibodies and another one that looks for the virus itself. Whats your opinion sir? Im a very ordinary person with a wife and child. I come from very normal circumstances and live in a country which cannot tolertae HIV infected individuals. Im losing my confidence and cant concentrate on my job. Cant even sleep. Whats your opinion? help me doctor.

You are not infected with HIV and now that we have established that, you need to focus on looking for the correct diagnosis for your symptoms. If you have swollen lymph nodes, your doctor can assess these and if she or he agrees they are enlarged can pursue an appropriate work up. Similarly, stool can be sent for pathogens and blood collected for analysis. An obsession with HIV will only cloud the picture and may obstruct the diagnostic work up you need.

DW