Aa
I'm really scared and need some help
Hi there,
First off, let me say I am working with my therapist on the issues of anxiety regarding this...so that part is covered.
I have checked on the site and found close enough questions, but not exact questions, so I thought I would post this.
I was working with someone and they knicked their hand on a sharp object (not sure what). I did not notice much blood, but I assume there was some. I asked if they needed a bandaid...they said no and washed their hands. They continued to work with me and physically show me how to operate equipment...holding my hand to do so. Trouble is, I have some hand cracks on my hands from dry skin. I don't think any of them were bleeding at the point, but, to be honest, I'm not quite sure in retrospect. The cracks were about 1/4cm deep probably and if the other person's hand was still bleeding, some of their blood might have gotten into the cracks. I am terrified that if this person had HIV, I have now exposed myself.
I am working with my therapist and she says to get tested at 3 and 6 months to calm my anxiety but she says that my fears are irrational.
I am also on Remicade so I am worried about that increasing my susceptibility.
I also got a bad sinus infection 3 weeks after incident. That has me worried.
Please help me. I am so worried and stressed and have a little one at home. Do I need to test? If so, when? Will the Remicade affect the reliability?
I appreciate your assistance and know I am being obsessive over it. I am just terrified.
First off, let me say I am working with my therapist on the issues of anxiety regarding this...so that part is covered.
I have checked on the site and found close enough questions, but not exact questions, so I thought I would post this.
I was working with someone and they knicked their hand on a sharp object (not sure what). I did not notice much blood, but I assume there was some. I asked if they needed a bandaid...they said no and washed their hands. They continued to work with me and physically show me how to operate equipment...holding my hand to do so. Trouble is, I have some hand cracks on my hands from dry skin. I don't think any of them were bleeding at the point, but, to be honest, I'm not quite sure in retrospect. The cracks were about 1/4cm deep probably and if the other person's hand was still bleeding, some of their blood might have gotten into the cracks. I am terrified that if this person had HIV, I have now exposed myself.
I am working with my therapist and she says to get tested at 3 and 6 months to calm my anxiety but she says that my fears are irrational.
I am also on Remicade so I am worried about that increasing my susceptibility.
I also got a bad sinus infection 3 weeks after incident. That has me worried.
Please help me. I am so worried and stressed and have a little one at home. Do I need to test? If so, when? Will the Remicade affect the reliability?
I appreciate your assistance and know I am being obsessive over it. I am just terrified.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Of course this makes no difference. See the last sentence of my reply. And I also suggest you also concentrate on the first part of the same paragraph and take it to heart.
That will be all for this thread.
That will be all for this thread.
Does it matter if I am a male or female or if the other person was a male or female?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
HIV has never been known to be transmitted in the environment or though the sort of blood exposure that you may have had (but probably did not). You're not going to be the first. Immunosuppressive drugs do not increase susceptibility to HIV. Your sinus infection undoubtedly is exactly that --- for sure not HIV due to this event. For sure you do not need HIV testing. If your sinus condition or any other symptoms continue, of course get medical care. But truly, there is no possibility of HIV. Believe it.
When people are anxious, irrationally terrified, and obsessed about something (all your own words), even the strongest evidence and most reasoned reassurance typically does not reduce the fear. Personal counseling is the answer, but this forum isn't a substitute for that -- so we'll dispense with the "yes but" and "did you really understand" questions. OK? There is no information you can provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
HIV has never been known to be transmitted in the environment or though the sort of blood exposure that you may have had (but probably did not). You're not going to be the first. Immunosuppressive drugs do not increase susceptibility to HIV. Your sinus infection undoubtedly is exactly that --- for sure not HIV due to this event. For sure you do not need HIV testing. If your sinus condition or any other symptoms continue, of course get medical care. But truly, there is no possibility of HIV. Believe it.
When people are anxious, irrationally terrified, and obsessed about something (all your own words), even the strongest evidence and most reasoned reassurance typically does not reduce the fear. Personal counseling is the answer, but this forum isn't a substitute for that -- so we'll dispense with the "yes but" and "did you really understand" questions. OK? There is no information you can provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
