OCD in concern of HIV transmission

[Cruz2708]

Having a mental breakdown over an HIV test I took at planned parenthood. They administered a rapid HIV test (unigold) and several things with the process are making me go ape ****. I saw her open the the test but she pulled the lancet seperate my out of a drawer. She said she has come across numerous people with HIV in her career and this scared me. She had an attitude as well. Long story short. I fear that she may have infected me by using a used lancet or by placing some blood of hers or another on some gauze which then touched my blood from the lancet prick. I've read several articles saying that the lancet does go deep enough but let's just say there was blood on the lancet and the gauze and it was fresh and no time surpassed, could this have infected me? I've purchased over 10 tests and find myself spending over 10 hours a day searching the Internet for more answers but nothing helps as I am losing it and could use somebody's advice. I have seen that nursegirl is a big contributor so a response from her or anybody would help out tremendously.

[sparky43]

I'm not sure - it looks caregiver222's was selected as the best.   No worries, I'm just happy to have helped you out.   The next time you encounter someone who is in a jam and needs help, just pay it forward.    : )

[Cruz2708]

How do I go about selecting your answer as the best? The information is awesome as has definitely helped. I've never been one to think like this but it really is debilitating. Means a lot for you to respond.  

[sparky43]

Glad to have helped Cruz, you're welcome and I'm glad you are feeling better.  OCD can be terrible - people who have never experienced it don't understand how debilitating it can be.

I would still recommend getting some treatment for your OCD.   Many times one fear/obsession will pass only to be replaced by another.   There are many ways to fight OCD and I recommend a multi-pronged approach.   Drugs (SSRIs) can be very effective but do have some side effects.   I also recommend talk therapy with a psychiatrist or psychologist, meditation, eating a good diet, keeping occupied and vigorous exercise.   It takes some work on your part, but it is definitely worth it.

You're going to be ok dude.   Hang in there.    : )

[Cruz2708]

I can't thank you enough sparky as I think this is the response and answer I needed to hear. Thank you so much.

[Cruz2708]

Can anyone out there give some feedback?

[sparky43]

Hi Cruz.  I want you to take some deep breaths.   Concentrate on the feeling of the air filling your lungs and then flowing out of your nose.  Really concentrate on it.   Now, there are several reasons why you were not infected with HIV.  First of all, HIV does not live long outside the body.  Minutes at most as it dies after making contact with air.  When doctors or nurses accidentally stick themselves with a needle that has fresh wet blood on it from an HIV positive patient, they only get infected 0.3% of the time.  99.7% of the time they do not.  On top of that, the nurse would have had to purposely taken a Lancet that was used on someone who was HIV positive right before you, keep it in a drawer and pull it out just to use on you.  Even if she wanted to infect you on purpose, this would not be a good way to go about doing it. Why would she purposely do that?  What would she have to gain? The answer is nothing and she would not do such a thing.  I realize that being in an environment where blood is being tested can raise anxieties, but that's all they are - anxious thoughts that keep rolling around in your brain.  You were not infected with HIV at planned parenthood.   You do have a problem with OCD though and you should get help to treat it.

[Cruz2708]

Could use more info if possible

[Cruz2708]

Thank you for your
Time. It's just scary. After the test I had a migraine that day and just worried.