HIV fear

[Worried123456]

I have been plagued by this fear for 3 years after unprotected sex with a male of unknown status. Since then I have taken one lab based hiv test and 4 oral swab tests. All out of the window period.
I would move on but I am having true medical issues. Eye inflammation and abnormal bloodwork that could indicate infection.
I have been researching lik crazy and posting on various forums - even to Dr Hook - the well known hiv specialists. All forums even Dr Hook have stated that my testing is sufficient but my bloodwork and eye inflammation are freaking me out.
From an outside perspective- am I linking symptoms when I am clearly negative or does this warrant blood testing.
I am so depressed and anxious. I want my life back.

[nomorepanic]

If they are saying you don't have it you don't have it.

You do need help with the HA though so what are you doing about that?

[Worried123456]

Thank you so much for the reply! I was actually planning on making an appt to see a therapist on Monday. I can’t live like this anymore.

I am still waiting to see what the rheumatologist says about my abnormal blood work but all I can find online is infection or inflammation.

I guess I am just doubting the online advice because I wonder if they can form an accurate picture solely off my testing?

---------- Post added at 17:15 ---------- Previous post was at 17:07 ----------

I guess what I am asking is do you think that due to my anxiety am I linking these current issues with hiv?
After one blood test and 4 oral swab tests (which some say aren’t accurate )?

[GiovanniNL]

Relax and don't search on Google. Searching symptoms will make you crazy, just stop it! You will feel better soon. The HIV specialists say your testing was sufficient, just believe them. There a lot of rubbish health information sites on the internet, don't believe those crappy pseudo-doctor sites.

(Health) Anxiety can give you a lot of weird symptoms, a therapist can help you to manage your anxiety :).

[Worried123456]

Thank you so much for the kind reply. It doesn’t help that i am having true health issues.

Is it crazy that i have major doubts about the specialist forum?? Even though he signed it as if it were really him, I wonder if it’s an impersonator or a scam of some sort. Also how can he tell me with certainty without assessing me in person?

---------- Post added at 09:29 ---------- Previous post was at 09:06 ----------

It was from a .org site and seemed like a reputable organization. Chances of it being a scam??

[GiovanniNL]

Thank you so much for the kind reply. It doesn’t help that i am having true health issues.

Is it crazy that i have major doubts about the specialist forum?? Even though he signed it as if it were really him, I wonder if it’s an impersonator or a scam of some sort. Also how can he tell me with certainty without assessing me in person?

---------- Post added at 09:29 ---------- Previous post was at 09:06 ----------

It was from a .org site and seemed like a reputable organisation. Chances of it being a scam??

You mentioned that Dr Hook said your testing was sufficient. I know that Dr Hook is a specialist on STD´s and especially HIV. Just believe him and don´t search and post on health-related websites. It will make you more and more anxious and give you health issues.

You have major doubts, because of your anxiety. It is the reassurance that is driving you crazy. Have you made an appointment by a therapist? He/she would help you with your health anxiety. HA is a problem that need to be solved :).

All the best.

[Dave_Lister]

Ok, so you had the testing done and the window period was sufficient correct?

If so, like Dr. Hook has told you, you are HIV negative, and do not have it.

Dr. Hook, and Dr. Hunter Hansfield will always say that test results always trump symptoms, and that your symptoms are from something other than HIV.

I am certain that your symptoms are from anxiety. Look up the symptoms list of anxiety on this site, and you will see I am correct.

It is not unheard of for people to doubt the test results, but when they do, it is because they have an underlying anxiety issue that will not let them believe the results.

I would suggest that you see your doctor and tell him what is going on so he can help treat your anxiety because this is clearly what the cause is here.

[Worried123456]

Thank you all. My symptoms are actually chronic eye inflammation and abnormal bloodwork. Not necessarily anxiety related.

But I did make an appt to speak with someone about my anxieties next Monday.

[GiovanniNL]

Thank you all. My symptoms are actually chronic eye inflammation and abnormal bloodwork. Not necessarily anxiety related.

But I did make an appt to speak with someone about my anxieties next Monday.

Good to hear you have made an appointment with a therapist. He/she can help you with it.

All the best!