can't relax

I've been dealing with anxiety for 2 weeks, when I found out my significant other had sex with another woman.  I felt at that point that I should be tested for STD's and HIV and while researching that information (where to go, etc.) I read too much and have now convinced myself I have HIV.  Now my anxiety has turned in to severe panic attacks, several a day.  My doctor did give me medication, and did bloodwork to test for HIV, but I am a wreck!  It takes 10 days or more to get those results, so I guess my next 10 + days will be spent in panic mode.  I am not even worried that I contracted HIV (or another STD) because of the unfaithfulness of my signaficant other, I'm more concerned about a fling I had 8 years ago before meeting my beau....I should have been tested then but I was young and stupid.  I'm going out of my mind and have no one to really talk to about this!  I could use some support!

[Beewoman]

Have you posted on the HIV forum to get some support there too?

The best way to get through the next 10 days is to keep yourself as busy as possible, exercise as much as you can, watch as many funny movies as possible and talk with friends over coffee about their lives.

You have to get out of your self for a while to make time go quicker until you know for sure with the results.  I was tempted at first to encourage you to find other forums specifically for people waiting for their own HIV results etc but the more I think about it I think that the best advice I could give you is to try and not think of yourself and the worse case scenario all the time or it is a downward spiral.

I don't know if I helped but I felt bad for you that no-one had yet answered your thread and I know what a relief it is when someone answers and tells you they are thinking about you and that they care.

[elees_31]

Thank you!  Those are very kind words!  I have posted on an HIV forum as well.  I've just never had anxiety attacks as severe as I'm having now.  I've always been an anxious little person, but this is as bad as it's ever gotten.  Thanks for thinking about me :)

[lynn57]

  I can understand your fears.  They are rational and at least you know what brought on the panic attacks.  Many of us don't.  Possibly the anxiety will remain with you even after you get the test results.  Then it will be time to really address the panic attacks and get meds or counselling as needed.  Good luck and keep us posted.