Hey Everyone

[Thomas1984]

I just thought i'd post a bit about my symptoms and situation and see if anyone had any advice for me.

Over three months ago now i found out my long term GF was cheating on me with several men and i became worried that i may have caught HIV!! So far three and a half months and several (11) state of the art tests later i'm still worried. I got diagnosed with an anexity disorder "worried well" by my pysch and was put on some meds that seem to be helping, everyday though i have some neck pain, can get a sore throat, feel very fatiged occasinonally and just feel a bit run down and pants!! if anyones got any advice or helpful tips i'd really appreciate it!!

[cj29]

First of all, you are not being silly; you have anxiety.  For coping, I believe you are doing all of the right things.  It may take some time but you are seeking help for this after recognizing that it is a problem.  This is 50% of the battle.  You also sound like you have willingness to learn about it.  Just remember, there will be ups and downs as with anything in life when dealing with this.   Just know, that you are clear medically to the best of science's abilities and keep on working at tackling the anxiety...keep us posted!

[Thomas1984]

Thanks for your message! yes all the doctors have told me i'm being silly and my consultant has said he's going to refuse to test me anymore as the chance of me having HIV he worked it out was 0.0000000004% so i should be moving on but it's hard!! My Psychologist is taking a behavioural programming route and the pyschatrist has done some more talk based sessions!

I'm starting to try to alter my thinking but it's hard after three/four months of worry and i'm having some side effects from the meds such as a bit of headiness and attention loss.

If anyone has some coping tips that would be great too.
Thomas

[cj29]

Health anxiety can manifest itself in many ways but you will usually see a similar pattern if you go through the archives here on this forum.  I would say that after 11 tests that conclude that you are fine, and doctors think you are fine then chances are medically you are good to go.  I am glad that you have decided to see a psychiatrist about this...do you talk this over in talk therapy?  I know, for me, that these meds work great but will not 'cure' you of anything unless you learn about this pattern of thinking.  This combined treatment regimen is VERY effective in my experience...please keep us posted!