Worried about HIV

[Hypochondriac3]

Similar to the earlier posts, I have the phobia as well. I had unprotected, insertive oral sex w/ a 24 yr old call girl.  About a week after, I had severe abdominal gas and pain, followed by swollen lymph nodes in the groin and abdomen for the last 2 1/2 months.  5 Weeks after the encounter, I had an STD panel done, and a HIV test. All were negative. However, I am continuing to experience symptoms of HIV. Diarreah, STiff Neck, pain behind the eyes, ect... I've asked the question to doctors on the std forum the liklihood of my risk,  and they believe it is astonishingly low. My Family doctor also thinks my concern is rediculous.  Has anyone studied symptoms so much that they have them? Is this possible? I've also had panic attacks since this, and have been given Klonzepam, which does make me feel a little better. Anxiety is I guess new to me, so any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Hypochondriac3]

Thanks Red, I have an app. Monday with a psyc.. and will keep you posted.

[Red931]

I am sorry to hear about your daughter, that is very sad. The answer to your question is yes anxiety can cause these symptoms.

The next step is trying to find the root cause of what is causing your anxiety. That is why I asked if you were married. Even if you may not be afraid of your wife finding out about your indiscretions, you may also be harbouring guilt which will also cause anxiety.

The testing for HIV is very specific these days as the hospitals don't want the risk of contamination in the operating rooms and the ER. If your tests were negative then you are negative.

That is the good news. The bad news is you may have to be honest with your wife to ease your anxiety symptoms. If you go to a therapist and be as honest with him/her as you have been here I am sure you will find the answer.

Good Luck

[Hypochondriac3]

I meant " in utero"

[Hypochondriac3]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I am married with a 6 mo old at home.  The problem that I keep hanging my hat on is the use of the words "virtually non - existent". That leaves room for error. I've had stranger things happen medically in my life where doctors have said the chances of that happening is 1 in 700,000. In that case, it was the unfortunate death of my other daughter, in vitro, at 8 months pregnant,, and she was stillborn.  Statistics kind of are meaningless when you have it happen to you. No question I've made mistakes. But the original question is that can Anxiety mimick or cause these sort of symptoms?

[Red931]

I read you other posts. The doctor has explained to you that the possibility of you having HIV because of this incident is virtually non-existent and your blood tests were negative.

Are you married? If so maybe the thought of your wife finding out is causing your anxiety symptoms.

[Ariom63]

I think it has everything to do with worrying...ANXIETY!!!  

if you blood tests came back negative, don't worry about it. I know easier said than done..try concentrating on something else.  next time...use protection!  

Best of luck to you.

[getwellsoon250]

Hi
I am in the same boat. As many people suggest it has more to do with our anxity leveal than the actaual symptops. I had an unprotected oral episode like you but did not know that is can cause HIV (v. low) so i was always fine, it is more than an year now. But then I had a protected sex episode (< 1min) which is driving me nuts. Whatever symptomps we start looking for they seem to be present. If i canentrate too much onb my throat I feel like I have some easyness. If I concentrate on my eyes they dont feel ok. sometime tongue, rashes etc you name it. I will keep ypu in my prayers.

[nursegirl6572]

" they believe it is astonishingly low"

Not low...NO risk.

You may need to seek some preofessional help to move past this.