very worried

[vworried2]

I am a 37 year old female who has had gent. herpes for about 10 years. after my divorce in 2012 I had unprotected sex with a guy of unknown hiv status. I have never had any fever other than the common cold, no skin rashes, no swollen lymph nodes, some diarrhea but that normal for me. I do have and have often had multiple outbreaks with the herpes. I am now having severe anxiety due to the fear of HIV. after all the anxiety started I have had mild muscle aches in my arms and legs, diarrhea and some mild sweating at night. Please help me shed some light on this. Do I have anything to worry about? I'm going crazy

[stearingmal]

Your anxiety is understandable.  In fact, stress (anxiety) is a known cause for herpes outbreaks and other symptoms you describe.  I have suffered anxiety and panic attacks most of my life and treat the condition with medication.  I think you may possibly benefit greatly from a short term course of medication, or take the medication as needed.  Benzodiazapines work best for anxiety.  Alprazolam and Clonazepam work best for anxiety.  I have taken them with great relief for several decades on a daily basis, which is not recommended unless it is necessary.  Most people use them short term, or as needed with excellent results.  Reduce your anxiety, with medication if needed, get into a good sleep pattern, exercise, AND GET TESTED FOR HIV.  Finding out you do not have HIV may solve your problem without continued medication.  Being a person very familiar with anxiety, your post strikes me as a fair indication that you may be prone to anxiety, I have experienced everything you mention. NO, YOU ARE NOT CRAZY.  Anxiety is based on physical brain chemistry and genetics.  I had a Psychiatric Genetic profile run a year ago (it is now finally available) and identified specific gene "polymorphisms" with know connection to anxiety.  This was inherited, just like any other physical trait.  Do not feel that it is a moral or religious weakness.  I did for much of my life, now I understand it is just science.

[SweetHomeAlabama]

Hello! Given the fact that the symptoms did not appear until after you began to experience anxiety over the possibility, it is possible that these are symptoms of anxiety. Get tested - it's never a bad idea. I hope you feel better soon!

[vworried2]

I will add that the intercourse lasted 1 to 2 mins at the most and he did not finish inside me