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HIV OCD & Sharps Container
Hi, I would like to ask a question and before I do please no funny or rude comments as I am truly suffering from HIV OCD. I am truly struggling with this on a daily basis and am getting psychological treatment. I was in the hospital doing a test and I keep thinking that I put my hand in the sharps biohazard container. Can you get HIV this way if you stuck your hand in a bio hazard sharps container? I don't even go to doctors or hospitals anymore b/c of how bad my HIV OCD is and am working hard on it now. It is a huge reason I avoid dr. offices and hospitals but I can't stop thinking this happened so somebody humor me and tell me what is the possibilty of getting HIV through this incident from a sharps container? Thanks and sorry for troubling you all.
Sounds like you're on the right track. I think you should start looking for a therapist now, there's no need to wait. Plus, it takes time anyway, by the time you find one, get an appt, and then start getting comfortable with him/her.
I normally am willing to accept messages from anyone anytime, however, I REALLY think it would be counterproductive for you to keep revisiting the HIV issues, and details. That just keeps you stuck in that anxious way of thinking, and isn't helpful. You'd be relieved for a few minutes, then there would be a new worry. You've already acknowledged that your fear is an irrational one. I'll be more than happy to talk to you about anxiety, however.
I think your time here would be better utilized in focusing on ways to decrease the anxiety and change your way of thinking, rather than continuing to discuss sharps' containers and HIV.
Best of luck to you.
I normally am willing to accept messages from anyone anytime, however, I REALLY think it would be counterproductive for you to keep revisiting the HIV issues, and details. That just keeps you stuck in that anxious way of thinking, and isn't helpful. You'd be relieved for a few minutes, then there would be a new worry. You've already acknowledged that your fear is an irrational one. I'll be more than happy to talk to you about anxiety, however.
I think your time here would be better utilized in focusing on ways to decrease the anxiety and change your way of thinking, rather than continuing to discuss sharps' containers and HIV.
Best of luck to you.
I have started seeing a psychiatrist and have been starting medication. I want to do therapy but am not ready yet for this step. I am waitng for the medication to kick in a bit and than will proactively look for a therapist. I was wondering if it would be okay to message you and ask you questions about my HIV OCD and fears. I hope i am not a burden on you
Let me help the best I can.
For one, even if you DID stick your hand in a sharps' container (which your rational mind certainly knows you didn't), you can NOT get HIV that way. The HIV virus is extremely fragile and cannot "survive" when exposed to air.
Secondly, most ALL sharps containers actually are completely inaccessible. They are tamper proof and puncture proof, and they have a sort of a swinging panel right in the top of the container...it opens slightly to allow the disposal of an object, then it swings closed again. With that "panel", it would be physically IMPOSSIBLE for you to stick your hand in the container. There might be a few containers you could get a finger or two into, but it would take sokme serious work and time. It certainly couldn't be accomplished while sitting in an exam room waiting for the doc. I'll tell you, there have been a few times I accidentally disposed of non disposable equipment at work, and would TRY to retrieve it (not with my hand, but with hemostats, etc). NOT possible. That little panel makes it imposible. If you push the panel open a little, it's literally a very small openeing, not big enough to fit anything larger than a pencil in. The sharps' containers today are really incredible. You cannot put your hand in one, trust me. IMPOSSIBLE.
All that being said...how are you addressing the OCD? With therapy? Have you looked into CBT? That's an incredible form of therapy, very helpful for OCD and anxiety. Have you tried meds? If not, you may want to give that some thought, as obviously, your OCD is far from being managed properly, it is still quite out of control.
You HAVE to start dismissing the scary thoughts when you get them. Another thing you could do. Our JGF recommends this and it is great. Write all of the FACTS you know down on an index card. On the top of that card, write "FEAR IS NOT FACT". Then write the facts down...like the things I've told you here, that it would be nearly impossible for you to put your hand in a sharps' container, that HIV wouldn't be a risk even if you DID stick your hand in one and get poked by a needle. Also, you could write, "I would have a memory of putting my hand in a sharps' container. If I don't remember it, it never happened" Those kinds of things.
Best of luck...start looking into getting some more help!
For one, even if you DID stick your hand in a sharps' container (which your rational mind certainly knows you didn't), you can NOT get HIV that way. The HIV virus is extremely fragile and cannot "survive" when exposed to air.
Secondly, most ALL sharps containers actually are completely inaccessible. They are tamper proof and puncture proof, and they have a sort of a swinging panel right in the top of the container...it opens slightly to allow the disposal of an object, then it swings closed again. With that "panel", it would be physically IMPOSSIBLE for you to stick your hand in the container. There might be a few containers you could get a finger or two into, but it would take sokme serious work and time. It certainly couldn't be accomplished while sitting in an exam room waiting for the doc. I'll tell you, there have been a few times I accidentally disposed of non disposable equipment at work, and would TRY to retrieve it (not with my hand, but with hemostats, etc). NOT possible. That little panel makes it imposible. If you push the panel open a little, it's literally a very small openeing, not big enough to fit anything larger than a pencil in. The sharps' containers today are really incredible. You cannot put your hand in one, trust me. IMPOSSIBLE.
All that being said...how are you addressing the OCD? With therapy? Have you looked into CBT? That's an incredible form of therapy, very helpful for OCD and anxiety. Have you tried meds? If not, you may want to give that some thought, as obviously, your OCD is far from being managed properly, it is still quite out of control.
You HAVE to start dismissing the scary thoughts when you get them. Another thing you could do. Our JGF recommends this and it is great. Write all of the FACTS you know down on an index card. On the top of that card, write "FEAR IS NOT FACT". Then write the facts down...like the things I've told you here, that it would be nearly impossible for you to put your hand in a sharps' container, that HIV wouldn't be a risk even if you DID stick your hand in one and get poked by a needle. Also, you could write, "I would have a memory of putting my hand in a sharps' container. If I don't remember it, it never happened" Those kinds of things.
Best of luck...start looking into getting some more help!
hello!! im not a doctor or anything but my opinion of this is very obvious! im pretty sure if you stick your hand in a sharps container there could be a possibility you would get hiv or some kind of experience! idk for sure but im pretty sure its not safe or healthy for you. but i do not recommend you do it to find out. and as far as phobias i know alot about them i have an overwhelming fear of death and that somethings going to happen to me after everything i do. but in saying that it doesnt stop me from doing anything or going anywhere i would normally go or whatever the case may be :)
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