Aa
HIV ANXIETY
Almost 4 weeks ago I had a brief encounter with another gay man. He provide me with proof he had taken an HIV DUO test the day before from the university clinic. They're legit. However, I still can't get over whats happening to me.
I did not have sex with him, we simply deep French kissed for a while and mutually masterbated. I also licked his scrotum and his lower penis shaft. I am now worried there could have been precum and have convinced myself I have HIV.
2 weeks after I developed a mild sore throat lasting 1.5 weeks. It didn't hurt to drink, eat, or swallow but it was surely itchy. I also had a canker sore for a couple days. 2 weeks after the sore throat, I got pain in my elbow. I randomly felt it as I got up from lying down on my sofa. It will randomly exert pain when I lean on something or stretch out my arm.
I get worried about ARS symptoms though I've been told I had no risk. Deep down I know too I didn't and EVERYTIME I convince myself I'm fine, some random symptom pops up like this.
I went to take an HIV test and I'm waiting for the results. The arm that I took out blood hurt a bit but that's normal. I told myself "so long as the OTHER arm doesn't hurt, then I have no worries." The next day, that OTHER arm begins to hurt. How is that even possible? Is it in my head? I surely feel it.
I did not have sex with him, we simply deep French kissed for a while and mutually masterbated. I also licked his scrotum and his lower penis shaft. I am now worried there could have been precum and have convinced myself I have HIV.
2 weeks after I developed a mild sore throat lasting 1.5 weeks. It didn't hurt to drink, eat, or swallow but it was surely itchy. I also had a canker sore for a couple days. 2 weeks after the sore throat, I got pain in my elbow. I randomly felt it as I got up from lying down on my sofa. It will randomly exert pain when I lean on something or stretch out my arm.
I get worried about ARS symptoms though I've been told I had no risk. Deep down I know too I didn't and EVERYTIME I convince myself I'm fine, some random symptom pops up like this.
I went to take an HIV test and I'm waiting for the results. The arm that I took out blood hurt a bit but that's normal. I told myself "so long as the OTHER arm doesn't hurt, then I have no worries." The next day, that OTHER arm begins to hurt. How is that even possible? Is it in my head? I surely feel it.
I found this on the web.......
----------------------------------------------------
Excessive Stress :
Experiencing stress for an extended period of time, put your immune system at risk. Scientific evidence has shown that chronic stress causes a measurable decline in the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
Normal stressors like traffic jams, demanding work situations, family squabbles are usually temporary. Others can be more long lasting such as divorce and death in the family.
What happens when we encounter a stressful situation?
Our brains signal our adrenal glands to start releasing stress hormones. This causes our blood pressure to rise, hearts to pump faster, pupils dilate and we are ready for action. And within a short time our bodies return to normal.
However under constant stress, it can have a harmful effect on the immune system. Our T cells do not work efficiently. People who are depressed have depressed NK cell activity.
Any type of stress, physical or emotional increases stress hormones which can dampen immune response.
---------------------------------
The scientific reserach was not cited. However, I am a firm believer that stress does weaken the immune system and causes all kinds of problems if left unchecked.
----------------------------------------------------
Excessive Stress :
Experiencing stress for an extended period of time, put your immune system at risk. Scientific evidence has shown that chronic stress causes a measurable decline in the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
Normal stressors like traffic jams, demanding work situations, family squabbles are usually temporary. Others can be more long lasting such as divorce and death in the family.
What happens when we encounter a stressful situation?
Our brains signal our adrenal glands to start releasing stress hormones. This causes our blood pressure to rise, hearts to pump faster, pupils dilate and we are ready for action. And within a short time our bodies return to normal.
However under constant stress, it can have a harmful effect on the immune system. Our T cells do not work efficiently. People who are depressed have depressed NK cell activity.
Any type of stress, physical or emotional increases stress hormones which can dampen immune response.
---------------------------------
The scientific reserach was not cited. However, I am a firm believer that stress does weaken the immune system and causes all kinds of problems if left unchecked.
Bump
Hello
Help. These symptoms? How do they come when I think about them?
Anybody?:(
Thank you. I'm just concerned cause of these symptoms and the stress :'( I was SO careful. I didn't let him anywhere near my penis and what makes me frustrated is how I know I was as safe as I could be and yet I'm doubting my actions. I blame myself all the time. But I tried my hardest.....
You never had a risk.
Gay, straight, bi...............I don't care WHO or WHAT you are, one of the biggest problems in this screwed up world we live in is the lack of education about HIV/AIDS. If you're going to have sex, I belive it's a personal responsibility to know the risks, to know what is and what isn't safe sex. Knowledge is power and if everybody would just take the time to learn the truth, the facts, the science, this virus could be stopped.
This is not directed at you personally. We ALL need to learn this, to share what we have learned, to spread the truth............not the virus.
Gay, straight, bi...............I don't care WHO or WHAT you are, one of the biggest problems in this screwed up world we live in is the lack of education about HIV/AIDS. If you're going to have sex, I belive it's a personal responsibility to know the risks, to know what is and what isn't safe sex. Knowledge is power and if everybody would just take the time to learn the truth, the facts, the science, this virus could be stopped.
This is not directed at you personally. We ALL need to learn this, to share what we have learned, to spread the truth............not the virus.
Any thoughts about what I said?
I didn't know that simply worrying and worrying could lead to me feeling these physical symptoms.
Thank you. You have no idea how much what you've said to me means.
I only got worried cause I thought maybe he got HIV right before he took his test and that wouldn't pick it up in the lab. Crazy what-ifs that are driving me insane.
I only got worried cause I thought maybe he got HIV right before he took his test and that wouldn't pick it up in the lab. Crazy what-ifs that are driving me insane.
Your HIV anxiety is causing the symptoms. What are minds are capable of is astounding. You are worried about ARS symptoms and boom, you start to feel them or at least attribute every ache and pain to ARS.
Your test is going to come back negative. Your "risk" is not really a risk at all. The most important thing is to relax, use controlled breathing if you need to. Remind yourself that he is negative and you are too. There was nothing done that would put you at risk and there can be no risk if the other person is negative to begin with. I know it is hard. I think when you get your negative result you will be able to move past this.
But, and there is always a but, you need to seek professional help with this. The only reason I say this is because you say you are gay. You can't live your life like a hermit. I'm sure you are going to want to have a relationship at some point so you want to get a handle on the HIV anxiety so you can move on and enjoy life.
Wishing you the best that life has to offer!
Your test is going to come back negative. Your "risk" is not really a risk at all. The most important thing is to relax, use controlled breathing if you need to. Remind yourself that he is negative and you are too. There was nothing done that would put you at risk and there can be no risk if the other person is negative to begin with. I know it is hard. I think when you get your negative result you will be able to move past this.
But, and there is always a but, you need to seek professional help with this. The only reason I say this is because you say you are gay. You can't live your life like a hermit. I'm sure you are going to want to have a relationship at some point so you want to get a handle on the HIV anxiety so you can move on and enjoy life.
Wishing you the best that life has to offer!
Sorry the man is negative. But I keep doubting it all.
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
