[Question #116] Really worried - lap dance (question 111 continuation)

98 months ago
Dear Dr,

I still can not get out of my head the possibility that I contracted HIV from my "exposure" last week. I am particularly concerned about the fingering with a freshly bleeding cuticle. I am wondering how you could be absolutely certain that this is a no risk situation. I understand it is highly unlikely the stripper had HIV even though she was african american and in miami, however, for some reason, I feel like the combination of the masturbation of me by her with her hand covered in her genital fluids, and me having genital warts irritated by podofilox treatment (potentially open) as well as the fingering made something as trivial as going to a strip club something more dangerous than that. I always want to be the person who plays it safe and have never had unprotected sex yet contracted genital warts from unprotected oral with a CSW. Since the exposure last week Thursday (6 days ago) I have been highly fatigued and obviously extremely stressed out. My biggest symptom is fatigue. I just want to understand if there is truly no risk from these events. Please read my previous question 111 before replying to get a complete understanding of my situation. Could symptoms even appear so quickly and is there any chance at all I contracted HIV from this? It would absolutely ruin my life. I am considering ordering the hiv rna test on stdcheck.com although I am terrified of a false positive. Is this a likely occurence? AT what point would that test be definitive? I think it might be the only thing that can calm me down. I feel so guilty I have constant headaches and stress and I think it is making me physically ill. I am so scared it is ARS. Please doctor is there any way you could reassure me or do I potentially have some risk?
98 months ago
I am literally having a panic attack at work Dr. I can not calm down about this no matter what :(. Are you 100% certain that I had no risk from all of the exposure I describe assuming 100% she was HIV pos? If you knew that the woman had HIV would you still reccommend no testing based on what I describe? 
98 months ago
My fiance would leave me my family would shun me away, my life would literally be over. I am so worried about this. I am truly terrified. I asked on several other websites and some say I had risk and some say I did not . It is so difficult for me to relax I feel so tense and stressed and tired all of the time. Waiting for a response online is agonizing. This fear is affecting my personal life, professional life, and more.
98 months ago
I was just wondering are symptoms even possible so quickly after. Less than 6 days. Or is it all in my messed up head 100%? For some reason I just can't get this out of my head and have convinced myself that I have this terrible disease even though deep down I know it is impossible. I am just wondering if it is truly impossible 
98 months ago
Doctor I called my city's HIV helpline info line and the lady was certain that If there was an open wound in my finger she is certain that there is risk  she even said it does not matter how big or small. I am certain you know better but am simply looking for some more reassurance and information about everything I asked. Thank you. 
98 months ago
She did say it is very unlikely but that there is a risk and I should come in for testing! Now I am really terrified. 
98 months ago
I have literally been at home feeling sleepy and tired all day non stop. No fever or rash or sore throat but I am freaking out. I left work early and have been lying In bed a afternoon feeling exhausted and headache and pressure in ears and neck. Please give me some advice doctor! Thanks in advance. 
98 months ago
Also Dr just in case you do not have time to look at my previous question. My concerns are 2. One being masturbated with hands containing vaginal fluid on my penis which had irritated genital warts (red raw - bleeding earlier - not sure if bleeding during handjob). Secondly I am worried about fingering with a hangnail wound. I am not sure when th hangnail occurred but it was certainly bleeding at some point as when I returned from the strip club there was dried blood on the finger. I could have bitten the nail right before the lap dance. Dr hook said this is no risk I trust that but I am just looking for some r assurance that there is no chance I had a risk even if she was HIV positive. 
98 months ago
Doctor - I am eagerly awaiting your reply. I'm sure you can tell I am a very anxious person I would like to understand my risk and I am just wondering at what point also would the RNA test be conclusive I am highly tempted to just spend the money and get the test as that could hopefully get rid of my fears 100%. This website stdcheck.com offers it for 500 dollars. It is very expensive but perhaps it would be for the best in my case. I really would love some more information and look forward to hearing from you. I will hold off purchasing the test until I hear from you. Thank you so much kindly. If I do not get a fever over the next few days can I be 1000% certain I did not contract HIV? Or is it certain that I did not regardless? I am just so terrified of this and I am terrified if it is not HIV what is making me so terribly fatigued and lack of appetite. 
98 months ago
Doctor would you agree with the information in these two threads? 

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:sh9FZLgLqMMJ:forums.poz.com/index.php%3Ftopic%3D45417.0+&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca


When I logically think about it I understand that both things seperately do not have risk but for some reason when I combine it I worry...Please reply soon Dr.

98 months ago
I also feel like there was a good chance the lady had HIV. Miami has a high % of people living with HIV and even higher among african american women. I am the furthest thing from a racist, but I try to be realistic. From what I understand, irrespective of her HIV status, I had no risk from anything I described and no need for testing? I have calmed down a bit I dont have any of the classic symptoms other than extreme fatigue, but that is more likely due to anxiety. Just need your expertise doctor. I know you probably think I have gone completely insane. There is just so much at risk in my life. I came clean with my fiance and she forgave me, however she can not handle my anxiety, and said that she would not remain with someone who is HIV positive. This is stressing me out like crazy and I am trying to avoid her now so she does not see how stressed I am. I did tell her that a true expert said that I have no risk. Maybe I need some reassurance once more. Can I go to my doctor and ask for help for my extreme fatigue and any other symptoms without even mentioning HIV? 
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
98 months ago
Welcome back. I reviewed your discussion with Dr. Hook. I agree with everything he told you, and in this thread you ask nothing that was not covered in that discussion, so my rpoies are brief.

I will start with 100% agreement withour comment (two fields back) "When I logically think about it I understand that both things seperately do not have risk...." That is exactly right. You have a disconnect between your emotional reaction to a sexual decision your regret or that otherwise is causing extreme anxiety, and your intellectual understanding about it. The level of fear and anxiety you have, in the face of the repeated science-based reassurance you have had, indicates a need for professional counseling. No matter how many times you ask and re-ask variations of the same questions on this forum (or anywhere else on line), you are going to continue to worry and I'm confident nothing but personal counseling will get you beyond it. I suggest if from compassion, not criticism.

All I can add is that nobody in the world has ever been reported to have HIV after the kind of exposure you are worried about. You aren't going to be the first. And to repeat Dr. Hook's judgment that it is unlikely your partner had HIV anyway. Despite what you might assume from the media, HIV remains rare even in the most sexually active women in the US, including sex workers. In the world's busiest HIV/AIDS clinics, like the ones where Dr. Hook and I have experience, there simply are never any patients who did not have traditional sexual or blood related exposures. Nobody ever with stories like yours. As for your symptoms, they do not suggest HIV -- not even close!

So indeed there is no need for testing. However, you may want to do it anyway. Perhaps a negative test result will help you get beyond these irrational fears -- and trust me, they are beyond the deep end of irrationality. Plus the counseling suggested above.  In the meantime, try going to the mirror, looking yourself in the eye, and saying "I was not at risk and do not have HIV." Then repeat it a hundred times.

Very best wishes to you. Good luck.
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98 months ago
Dr H,

Your response has certainly helped. You definitely read the part where the finger nail could have been bitten and bled very shortly before the fingering took place as well as the fact that the warts were bleeding earlier and I do not know what their condition was at that time? They were definitely highly irritated. I am just wondering even if the woman 100% did have HIV I still do not have any risk? Is that correct? Also was wondering about the RNA test - you are convinced I do not need it right? What is the window period for that test however just in case I can not reign in this anxiety? As far as symptoms it is 100% too early for symptoms right?  I can go to my doctor and discuss how I feel with now fear of HIV infection right? Thank you so much for your second opinion! I really appreciate your time. Please do not close my thread yet just in case I may have a few more questions. 
98 months ago
Honestly doctor - after reading your response I felt so much better - but now that I sent my follow up questions I feel nauseous again :( This sucks. 
98 months ago
My biggest fear was when I called my local HIV hotline they expressed that their is risk and that I should test. Now I understand that you know far better but im just wondering why is there so much disagreement if the transmission risks are so well known?
98 months ago
I can also accept that a big part of my anxiety about this is that somehow I feel I am a "bad" person and deserve to get HIV and I will somehow be punished with HIV for doing something so wrong.     :( 
98 months ago
I'm not hungry at all either all day - haven't had dinner yet tonight. Can this really be all anxiety. This is just unbelievable :( I am checking my temperature every 10 minutes. 
98 months ago
Also just to confirm - frottage clothed or direct and unclothed would make no difference to my risk as well. There was 1000% no penetration. Not even the slightest bit. I am so sorry it just sounds too good to be true :( I really really want to trust you doctor. Your expertise is legendary. Have you ever told anyone no risk and had them come back otherwise? Thank you so much once more. Please just confirm everything. 
98 months ago
Doctor one more question - my amazing fiance is getting really frustrated with me. Is it safe to continue to have unprotected sex with her? I 1000% do not have HIV prior to this event taking place. 
98 months ago
Doctor H, I am eagerly awaiting your response. No fever but I feel lethargic and depressed and have a cough and runny nose. You are 100% positive that I do not have HIV right? I am starting to convince myself it is impossible but could use some reassurance. If I do not get a fever I do not think I will go get tested I need to lean to trust. Would you agree with that or do I not need testing at all even if she was positive 100%? 
98 months ago
I also feel nauseous this morning I think it is because of my runny nose! I know it's not HIV. I'm just wondering how confident are you? 
98 months ago
Doctor I have calmed down substantially. I just feel this dread over me that I am waiting for all of the symptoms to start :( any advice? I just want to confirm it is impossible that I got HIV from that exposure? It has never happened before. If it had strip clubs would be national health hazards and tons of people could have contracted it from that right? It just doesn't happen? For some reason I just feel like something went wrong and it happened to me. I know it doesn't make any sense. It is just guilt. 
98 months ago
Doctor I think I have calmed down. I feel a bit better. I would really like your assessment and answers to my questions from earlier and then I could out this behind me. I am starting to accept that I did not catch HIV. I can just go on with my life and never think about this again correct? No matter what symptoms or anything else. 
98 months ago
Doctor I decided to order the HIV Rna test. I can take it as early as tomorrow my exposure was Friday Sept 4th at 4AM. What is the earliest I can test to have a conclusive result of does it not matter as I did not have any risk. Please reply soon sir. I really appreciate it. 
98 months ago
Doctor it's from stdcheck.com they use quest labs I believe HIV 1 rna test 
98 months ago
Doctor just to summarize I am wondering if this is a good test, if I need it, if there is a reasonable chance of false positive that could make me go completely insane, and if I had risk (which I do not from what I understand) what would be the window period to be 100% sure with a rna test. Thank you. 
98 months ago
Dr H,

I am starting to level with myself. Writing these posts is somewhat therapeutic to me I believe. I just want to confirm what you have said. Over your and  Dr Hook's  careers, you have seen thousands of people with HIV and have studied trasmission in depth. No one has ever caught HIV in the way that I describe even remotely. It simply does not happen? How confident are you that I am not infected? I am freaking out about normal bodily functions all day. I still feel tired although not as bad as yesterday, however my throat feels tight. No fever but maybe some light headache. I think I could really use a bit more reassurance. Am I safe to resume relations with my fiance?
98 months ago
I keep going in between I had no risk I am worrying for nothing and what if I was the one in a million unlucky person who is going to ruin their life from something as stupid as going to a strip club. Moments of calm and collection interrupted by hours of fear and anxiety 
98 months ago
Dr, The main reason I am worried is because I saw blood on the hangnail. It was quite a big one. It would still be no risk for sure right?
98 months ago
Doctor I called the CDC and the gentleman on the phone said I had risk! I trust you completely I just want to understand why there is so much confusion. 
98 months ago
Dr just read this article about the strip club I went to apparently prostutuition routinely took place there! Could that raise my risk? Here is the article. javascript:nicTemp();http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/footage-seized-from-cheetah-strip-club-in-hallanda/nLkny/
98 months ago
I also found this site showing statistics in Miami. Black women 13x more likely to have HIV. 

I just want to confirm no matter what her HIV status was I had no risk regardless. I am sure I am trying your patience doctor. I am just so worried. Would you resume sex with your partner (unprotected.) 

98 months ago
Doctor I have been obsessively checking my temperature all day under the tongue it varies from 36 - 37.3 but rises in the afternoon to 37. I know this is all meaningless. I am eagerly awaiting your response. 
98 months ago
Dr Handsfield , can ARS symptoms ever start after less than 1 week or 1 week exactly. I am completely freaking out. I feel a tickle in my throat I've felt tired for a few days I feel like I might get sick in the next day or two. Even if that was the case you would still not suggest any testing from a professional perspective? You are 100% confident I did not have a risk even if I bit my nail right before the fingering? There was definitely blood. I forgot to mention I may have fingered her anus as well probably not inside would that make a shred of difference? Different sources tell me different things. POZ.com forum has banned me for being so anxious and bothering them. They all state just use condoms for sex and you will avoid HIV. There is no other way to get it. I had no risk. Other websites say there is potential for risk. Please give me your judgement once more and answer my other questions about rna testing, sex with my fiance, symptoms, and etc. 
98 months ago
SUMMARY OF CONCERNS:

Dr. H,

I know you probably think I am crazy by now. I'm sorry for the multitude of posts I have written today. I am going to speak to a therapist tomorrow. I have summarized all of my concerns for you in this post. 

Summary of my concerns/questions:


  1. My fingernail could have been bitten off and bleeding right before fingering - would this still be no risk? I am a heavy nail biter due to severe anxiety and bite them shorter than most people. There was definitely dried blood there later in the evening. When I washed it off it was red but did not appear to be bleeding further. 
  2. Why do other websites/hiv hotlines all tell me that I potentially had a risk. Some forums like poz.com and the body and medhelp (thanks to you and dr hook) all say no risk.
  3. Worried about possible naked frontage with the genital warts. This is very unlikely to have occurred as I was super careful but just in a worst case scenario this would still be no risk correct? Same for handjob with fluids (I have accepted this as no risk as well)
  4. Comment on resuming unprotected relations with my fiancé.
  5. HIV Rna test necessity and accuracy - fear of false positive and window period (std check.com) (quest labs)
  6. Comment on prostitution occurring at strip club and black women have 13x higher hiv rate in miami 
  7. comment on symptoms of fatigue and warm red face tingly throat (no fever or rash) - what is the absolute earlier ARS could start and is there even the slightest chance I have it/might develop it. I dont have the strongest immune system - I have had genital warts and etc and I caught them from a blowjob 1000%
  8. If you knew for certain this woman had HIV I would still not need any testing correct? 
Please leave my post open so I can update you with my results and ask a follow up to your responses. I will happily pay again to support the amazing work you and Dr. Hook do here. 
98 months ago
I spoke to the AIDS Vancouver helpline who told me that I had 0 risk from the exposure I describe. She was very helpful it is a great source. I am just wondering why there is so much disagreement. 
98 months ago
Dr H - eagerly awaiting your reply.
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
98 months ago
I don't mean to sound undiplomatic, but you need to cool your jets on the follow-up comments. This is not a real time forum and the moderators are not on call 24/7. Based on our professional schedules, which often includes travel both domestically and internationally, you should not expect more than one reply every 24 hours. You should keep your own follow-up comments to that frequency -- one a day, please. And you cannot expect the moderators to read long essays, or to look at links to other websites. I'll comment on the summary of concerns you posted an hour ago. (My all caps responses are not internet "shouting", just distinguishing the text from your own.)

  1. My fingernail could have been bitten off and bleeding right before fingering - would this still be no risk? I am a heavy nail biter due to severe anxiety and bite them shorter than most people. There was definitely dried blood there later in the evening. When I washed it off it was red but did not appear to be bleeding further. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE
  2. Why do other websites/hiv hotlines all tell me that I potentially had a risk. Some forums like poz.com and the body and medhelp (thanks to you and dr hook) all say no risk. SOME SITES, ESPECIALLY BY PUBLIC HEALTH OR OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, HAVE A "TAKE NO CHANCES" MEDICOLEGAL POLICY -- IF THERE IS THEORETICAL RISK, THEY SAY SO, OFTEN WITHOUT DISTINGUISHING LOW VS HIGH RISK, AND EVEN WHEN NO SUCH TRANSMISSIONS HAVE  EVER BEEN PROVED. PROFESSIONALLY MODERATED, SCIENCE-BASED SITES LIKE THIS ONE AND POZ.COM, THEBODY.COM, AND OTHERS GENERALLY ARE RELIABLE.
  3. Worried about possible naked frontage with the genital warts. This is very unlikely to have occurred as I was super careful but just in a worst case scenario this would still be no risk correct? Same for handjob with fluids (I have accepted this as no risk as well) GENITAL WARTS HAVE NEVER BEEN DOCUMENTED AS A CONDITION THAT INCREASES HIV TRANSMISSION RISK IF EXPOSED.
  4. Comment on resuming unprotected relations with my fiancé. YOU SHOULD BE CONTINUING YOUR NORMAL SEXUAL PRACTICES WITHOUT FEAR OF INFECTING HER WITH HIV. THAT'S WHAT I WOULD DO WITH MY WIFE IF SOMEHOW I WERE IN YOUR SITUATION.
  5. HIV Rna test necessity and accuracy - fear of false positive and window period (std check.com) (quest labs)  MY VIEW IS THAT THIS WAS A WASTE OF MONEY. HAD YOU BEEN IN MY CLINIC, WE WOULD HAVE REFUSED TO DO THE TEST EVEN IF YOU WERE WILLING TO PAY. YOU WERE TESTED EARLY ENOUGH THAT A FALSE NEGATIVE RESULT IT POSSIBLE -- IT CAN TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE IT BECOMES POSITIVE. BUT FALSE POSITIVE RESULTS ARE NOT A CONCERN.
  6. Comment on prostitution occurring at strip club and black women have 13x higher hiv rate in miami  BEWARE OF STATISTICS. I'M SURE IT IS TRUE THAT AA WOMEN HAVE 10-15X HIGHER RATES OF HIV THAN WHITE WOMEN IN MIAMI. BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT NUMBERS, BUT LET'S GUESS THAT 1 IN 5,000 SEXUALLY ACTIVE WHITES ARE HIV POSITIVE. THIRTEEN TIMES THAT RATE CALCULATES TO 2.6 PER 1,000, i.e. AROUND ONE IN 400 AA WOMEN. STILL A VERY SMALL MINORITY.
  7. comment on symptoms of fatigue and warm red face tingly throat (no fever or rash) - what is the absolute earlier ARS could start and is there even the slightest chance I have it/might develop it. I dont have the strongest immune system - I have had genital warts and etc and I caught them from a blowjob 1000%   INNUMERABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS (AND EMOTIONAL ONES) COULD CAUSE SUCH SYMPTOMS; THEY DO NOT SUGGEST HIV. I WON'T GET INTO A DEBATE ABOUT THE SOURCE OF YOUR GENITAL WARTS, EXCEPT TO POINT OUT THAT ORAL SEX RARELY TRANSMITS GENITAL WARTS (WART-CAUSING HPV TYPES ARE RARE IN THE M0UTH); THAT IT TAKES UP TO 2 YEARS FOR WARTS TO APPEAR, SO IF YOU HAD VAGINAL OR ANAL SEX WITH ANYONE WITHIN THAT TIME  -- EVEN A REGULAR PARTNER WITH NO EVIDENCE OF WARTS OR HPV -- YOU HAVE NO BASIS TO ASSUME A PARTICULAR ORAL EXPOSURE WAS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WARTS. 
  8. If you knew for certain this woman had HIV I would still not need any testing correct? CORRECT
WITHIN THE FORUM RULES, AT MOST THERE WILL BE ONE MORE REPLY IF THERE IS STILL SOMETHING THAT ISN'T CLEAR. SO PLEASE LIMIT FURTHER COMMENTS TO ONLYE ONE AND EXPECT A SINGLE REPLY, AFTER WHICH THIS THREAD WILL BE CLOSED. AND PLEASE DON'T BE TEMPTED TO START A NEW THREAD WITH THE SAME QUESTIONS. IT'S YOUR MONEY, BUT THERE'S NO POINT. YOU CAN BE SURE THE REPLIES WILL NOT CHANGE.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR THERAPIST. THAT'S THE RIGHT DECISION; I'M SURE YOU WON'T REGRET IT. BEST WISHES AND STAY SAFE.


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98 months ago
Dr H.

I apologize for upsetting you. I respect what you do tremendously and appreciate you being so understanding. I will limit my response to one.

I have not been tested yet, I will be able to test at any point starting tomorrow with the HIV RNA test. You are absolutely positive that I do not need any testing correct? Because I saw you mentioned the risk of a false negative? In my case that is not applicable 100% right? They say that the test is 99%+ accurate after 9-11 days. I am not sure what that means. Could you please comment if 10 days post exposure would be appropriate to test? I want to be certain although I understand testing is not necessary. 

I do not want to bother you again, but if I continue to feel unwell I can be guaranteed that it has nothing to do with HIV right? If I even go talk to my doctor I don't have to mention that I am worried about it? I already have a strained relationship with my doctor as I am a hypochondriac and he does not take my very seriously. 

I can't believe anxiety can make me feel this way. I bet that 99.9% of people who go to strip clubs and engage in equivalent behaviour do not even give HIV a second thought. I will resume sexual relations with my fiance and calm down. I think I can accept that HIV is not a concern here. I am still so worried about some of the symptoms. Just out of curiosity to symptoms ever appear after 1 week or even less time? I understand in my case it is not HIV for certain. Dr H. would you consider leaving my post open only so that I could post my results I will go for the test when you reccomend me to and not post until then. Thank you kindly!


H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
98 months ago
In keeping with the spirit of 2 permitted follow-up comments and replies, I will not reply to these questions now, except to say the answers are obvious is you re-read (and concentrate!) on my replies above and in your previous discussion with Dr. Hook. I will leave the thread open so you can post your test result. I would advise a 4th generation ("duo", "combo") test 4 weeks after the event, but if you stick to your guns and have the RNA test, feel free to post that one instead. In any case, the thread will be closed after my next reply.---
98 months ago
Dr H,

I think one line from your reply helped me understand that this was a no risk situation. That essentially answers all of my questions with regards to testing and more. I simply do not need it. 
  1. If you knew for certain this woman had HIV I would still not need any testing correct? CORRECT
There is just one line in your previous post that is worrying me and I know it is just my interpretation but one last clarification would help me tremendously. You wrote "I would advise a 4th generation ("duo", "combo") test 4 weeks after the event, but if you stick to your guns and have the RNA test, feel free to post that one instead." 

I just want to confirm that all the testing is 10000% for my peace of mind and I had ZERO risk and do not require any testing. That last line just worried me after the fact. Thank you so much I will happily pay again but if you would not mind replying and leaving it open for a results posting I would appreciate it as I have already posted twice this week and the RNA test is going to cost me 500 dollars. Thank you fro your kindness and advice. I have calmed down a lot. 
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
98 months ago
If you keep posting comments of any kind, until you post a test result, the thread will be closed. And a new question on the forum will not be permitted.---
98 months ago
Dr H,

I am sorry for doing this. Please have some compassion. I am trying so hard I am going to a therapist today at 1pm. If you want to close the thread after this posting that is fine I am willing to pay again to update you on my test simply because it might help someone else worrying in the future as you are certain it will be negative. 

Last night I was a lot better I calmed down substantially, had intercourse with my partner as you suggested, and felt much better. Fast forward to this morning I had trouble getting out of bed I felt so fatigued and my throat feels a little sore like a day or 2 from being sick. No fever 37 under the tongue I am typing this from my family doctors office I don't want to discuss HIV with him as he will think I am completely insane and I have an RNA test scheduled for Monday which will be 10 days post exposure.  

I am just wondering if you could reassure me that these symptoms simply can not be due to HIV. My fiancé told me that everyone is sick at her work right now. I am so worried. All the experts say I had 0 risk. 

I am just wondering if I can 100% disregard any and all symptoms that I experience. And if you could confirm that any testing I do is guaranteed to come back negative even if the woman had HIV for sure. This is my last message until test results regardless if you close my thread or not. I am sorry for the long message and will happily pay again to get answers to these questions sir. Thank you so much. 
98 months ago
Doctor H - I really have calmed down. It's just these damned symptoms. I would love a comment from you about symptoms in general, my symptoms specifically, and perhaps one last bit of reassurance? It is literally impossible that I contracted the disease right? It just doesnt happen. For some reason I just feel like this woman may have had it. When I called the strip club they said they do not test the girls they test themselves and they can not vouch for any of their health. They were making fun of me on the phone - this made me even more paranoid. Even in that case it is not possible though correct. The sore throat is not as bad as this morning but my face is flushed and red - no fever whatsoever. 37.2 in ear is the highest all day. Will happily submit a third blank question with regards to test results and etc if you feel that I have taken advantage of this discussion already but I think you said I get one more judgement.  I just feel so tired. In all fairness I felt tired prior to this event several times and immediately afterwards. I just need some reassurance that it can not possibly have anything to do with HIV!! Thank you sir and have an excellent weekend. I would like to make a donation to this forum or any organization you may support for your kindness in answering all of my insane questions Dr. H. Thank you again. 
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
98 months ago
Get professional counseling. This forum cannot help you further. It is clear that every response intended to reassure you simply triggers further "do you really mean it?", "what if?", and "yes, but" questions. All it does is prolong and reinforce your anxieties. Do not start another thread with the same questions; it would be deleted without reply and without refund of the posting fee. Call it tough love if you like, but that's how it will be. Best wishes.---