[Question #12998] Follow up still worried

3 months ago

Hello Doctors,

Here Marcos again with my worries, but in this case it is derived from a control analysis at work that I have done.

The thing is that the RDW was a little high (15%) and I looked on the internet and the word HIV appeared there and I got an incredible anxiety.

The other parameters seem to be correct, total hemoglobin 15.1 g/dl, MCV 93.5fl, MCH 31.1pg.

You know that my exposures have been erotic body body massages in Spain (with females from here and South America) in which there may have been some rubbing between our parts although I always try to be careful and I would like to think that if I had penetrated I would remember it and immediately remove it

I know that the best thing to do would be to take a test to remove my anxiety but I already have it negative from August last year and go through it again, my question now would be if it has something to do with what I have said

Gracias

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although it is unfortunate that you felt the need. Dr. Handsfield has tried to reassure you that you are not at risk and I completely agree with his assessment. You do not help yourself by looking at the Internet. Much of what is to be be found there is exaggerated or incorrect. An abnormal RDW is non-specific and has almost no direct relationship to the possibility of HIV. It is not something you should worry about.

Testing is always a personal choice. I see no medical or scientific reason for testing although it it would allow you to stop your unnecessary worrying, it may be helpful. EWH

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3 months ago

Gracias Dr Hook for your reply

I understand what you say that on the internet you can find too much information and much is not correct, first the websites said that when the RDW was low could be HIV one of the many causes another website indicated that it is when it was high, although I understand that it is not specific and my 15% may be within normal range as it is not very high right? All the other parameters of the analysis are fine.

Another issue although DR Handsfield already explained to me that my situation was not risky and I can continue unprotected sex with my wife as I am doing, I am not circumcised and I have read that the foreskin is a very delicate tissue, but despite this even if there has been intense rubbing between the parts (which in my case I think was not intense, just maybe some touch due to the body body massage) or even a brief penetration (which I think I would remember) I would not need to be tested and I could continue with my normal life, right?

Thanks again

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

You are letting the internet lead you astray. YourvRDW is not very high and not a concern.

There is no reason related to the concern you mention to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife. Please stop worrying and move on with your normal life. EWH

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3 months ago

Last year I went through the same anxiety until I had the negative result in August and then I started having unprotected sex with my wife again, but now I find myself in the same situation (my totally mistake, Im stupid) I am almost sure that I have not put myself at risk because in all the massages I have never sought penetration or even tried to avoid the friction between genitals, but knowing that a naked woman has been in contact with my naked body also makes my mind tricks me and tell me what if. ... but the truth is that these words of two experts like you make me less worried and I understand that I can continue with my normal life and it would be very unlikely that I could have been transmitted, right?

Mil gracias

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

I would say it more strongly than you. You are not at risk for HIV from the encounters you describe. There is no medical or scientific reason to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife.

This is the final response as part of this thread which will now be closed. You should not return with further anxiety driven questions.. If you do, you may not receive a response and your fee will not be returned. You need to move on. EWH

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