Scared and Waiting

[scared1977557]

I have done the unthinkable, and I am going through major panic attacks because of my stupidity.
I recently had unprotected sex with a girl at a massage parlor in Wisconsin.  The sex took place just recently on 1/11/08.  It was vaginal sex and lasted 25 minutes or so.  She assured me she was clean, but I'm losing my mind here.  I went in today to get a full STD/HIV testing done.  I know it is too early for the HIV test results, but I'm trying to calm my nerves and want to know what are my chances of catching HIV?

Thanks for your time.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Please get yourself under control. You cannot undo what has been done so making yourself sick over it serves no purpose..  In addition, the odds are very low that you acquired HIV from this encounter.  You can get an HIV test at any time beyond four weeks post exposure and when it is negative, you will be able to rest assured that you do not have HIV.  Until then, let me tell you why you need not worry:

1.  Chances are your partner was not infected.  HIV rates in CSWs are very low.  she told you this was the case and it is unlikely that she was lying.
2.  IF she was infected (and she was probably not) the chances of your getting infected after a single exposure are 1 in 1000.

Putting these facts together, your odds of having gotten HIV infection from the encounter you describe are very low, probably less than one in 10,000.

EWH

[scared1977557]

I'm pacing my house.

[scared1977557]

Thank you for answering my question.  It's helped calm me down.  I've learned a valuable lesson in all of this, and it's time to start making better decisions.

Thanks again Doc.

[joggen]

The doctor will tell you the odds are GREATLY in your favor.  You did not have a high risk exposure, it was low risk (but it was not absolute zero risk either).

If she says she's negative she most likely is. But, if your mind can't accept that reassurance, I suggest trying this. If you have access to a clinic that offers rapid testing, one thing that I think would REALLY calm you down is to go back to the massage parlor, explain your fears/state of mind to the girl, pay for another hour of the girl's time (or not if she is exceptionally nice), drive her to the clinic and have her tested by Oraquick. Her negative result will make you feel 99% better.

[scared1977557]

I apologize for my high anxiety, but my initial test results came back negative, but keep in mind that was only 5 days after exposure.  You had mentioned that anything post 4 weeks can be conclusive, but this wait is quite enduring at times.  My questions is how soon can the antibodies show up on a test?  I would like to get another test done this Friday which will be 2 weeks from my encounter.  I guess to try to help ease my nerves.

Once again Doc, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Weekly testing is a waste of your time and some-one's money.  Your risk is tiny.  Please wait till at least 4 weeks before re-testing.  Given how low risk your exposure was, a negative test at four weeks, when 85-90% of test results will be positive if they are going to be should be considered conclusive.  If you cannot wait till then, my sincere advice is that you should work with a mental health professional to address what has become pathological, debilitating anxiety.  EWH

[scared1977557]

I took your advice and am seeking a therapist in regards to the stress this has caused and other things as well.  I do have a question regarding a sore throat and headaches that I had about 9 days after exposure.  My sore throat lasted about a week, and I had no other symptoms except stiffness in neck and re-occuring headaches.  My doctor did prescribe Amoxicillin just in case and the sore throat is now going away.  Due to my lack of knowledge in this, could this be ARS related?

Once again, thank you for your time.

[scared1977557]

My blood test came back negative after 30 days post exposure.  I understand that 4 weeks will not be 100% certain.  My question is should I get tested one more time at 6 weeks?

Thanks for your time.

[paterlasco]

hey man... scared1977557... good nickname by the way... I KNOW... believe me... I KNOW what you are going through... i did 2 tests... 6 weeks and 9 weeks after... and I AM STILL panicing... i cannot calm it. i suffer from 2 great losses... my best friend and grandpa.. and things like this cause you anxiety... I know your mind will not accept the idea that you are clean... neither does mine. ITS IS LIKE THAT.. that is an anxiety attack.

The doc said...
Please wait till at least 4 weeks before re-testing.  Given how low risk your exposure was, a negative test at four weeks, when 85-90% of test results will be positive if they are going to be should be considered conclusive.

take care man... hope the best... AND YOU are OK...
"if we did not have this strikes in life... it wouldn't be called life"

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear of yor negaitve test result.  Getting another test at six weeks will further reduce the already miniscule chance that you got HIV.  While I am confident that you did not get HIV from the exposure you describe. I think that in your situation (susceptible to anxiety attack), you should get a six week test.  It that time, when your test is negative (it will be) you can be sure that you did not get HIV and move forward without further testing.  EWH

[ANDUNODIS]

Sorry to hear of your losses...but your anxiety seems self-imposed. LET IT GO!!!! Once the external stressors subside, so will your anxiety.

God Bless,

Jh

Doc EWH - Why don't they just read the posts? Seriously, you are a veritable saint for the assurance and knowledge you have provided over and over and over....I guess the point is....don't believe what you read unless it is directed to you.

And yes, I was a little worried, but not anymore...