[Question #4584] HIV ocd and worry
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81 months ago
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Hello DR's, I'm sorry that I'm back here. I suffer from OCD and have been for some time, I have times were I go long periods and don't worry about HIV and times I do worry about No Risk events. The incident that is bothering me is I was working (fire marshal) at a Irish dance competition and a woman in her 60's fell and cut her head open, I went and assisted her. She was bleeding from the head, I asked her if she was on any medications or if she has any medical conditions and she and her daughter who was there both said NO. She is a nurse, her daughter and an other nurse there both had blood on their hands. I didn't have gloves on but I only touched her on her back, she was wearing a sweater. the ambulance came and transported her. I didn't have any cuts or bleeding and I didn't see any blood on me! yet I worry about this. I did not get any blood on me!!!
17 Days after the incident I went and donated blood platelets, I received a thank you yesterday and the Red Cross asked me to donate platelets again. I know that The Red Cross uses a RNA test to test my blood and I know that I haven't done anything to put me at risk! except help this woman who fell. and this was't a Risk!! But now at home both my wife and 23 yr old daughter have bad colds with severe sore throats, I also have had a sore throat and congestion for 2 days. My son was recently home from college and was sick with the exact same thing. common sense tells me that this is nothing and to stop worrying! But I think what if I did get the woman's blood on me and what if this is ARS. I have no reason to think that this lady has anything! she was at this event with her husband, daughter and granddaughter.
I'm a regular blood donor and donated 13 days before I helped the woman and donated platelets 17 days after I helped her. sorry for repeating myself!!
Dr's thank you so much for all you do here and previously on Medhelp!!! My wife and daughter being sick has got me worried. Please help me !!!!
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81 months ago
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Sorry - Red Cross uses a NAT test.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
81 months ago
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Welcome back to the forum and thanks for the reminder of your struggles with your OCD. That it has been 15 months since your last post suggests that you continue to work on it with some success- congratulations. I can likewise understand how your interaction with the woman you describe might raise concerns had you not been tested. The facts are that the statistical likelihood that the woman who fell had HIV, given her age and statement that she was not on relevant medication is a small fraction of 1%. Most importantly however, as you acknowledge, you were tested as part of your platelet donation with a highly sensitive RNA HIV test which provides conclusive proof that you were not infected. You can move forward without concern.
Your wife and daughter's illnesses do not fit timewise with your having acquired HIV and transmitted and are almost certainly merely coincidental to the events that have you worried. It is cold season (I am getting over one myself).
You have nothing to worry about. I trust that this assurance will help you to acknowledge this (your post suggests that your rational side already knows this) and move forward without concerns. Take care EWH
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81 months ago
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Dr Hook, Thank you for your reassurance! the battle with OCD is ongoing. one question- is the NAT and RNA test the same test?
Thank you again for your help!!!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
81 months ago
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Yes, the terminology is the same NATs = NAATs = RNA = RNA PCR. EWH---
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81 months ago
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Hi Dr Hook, I know this is repetitive, the Nat test that the Red Cross gave at 17 days after my interaction with the woman is conclusive? I saw an other post you stated the person could have a RNA test at 11-14 days and that would be definitive! I apologize for asking again, that's what OCD does! esp now I've been sick the last few days with congestion and a sore throat that won't go away! same with my wife and daughter. Thank you for you valuable time!!
Best regards and Happy Holidays to you and your family!!! I'm moving forward!!!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
81 months ago
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Thanks for your thanks but yes, this is a repetitive, oft answered question and I know that this is your OCD talking. I trust that you are seeking professional help in addressing it. Your Red Cross 17 day NAAT for HIV is conclusive. Believe the results, Your family's respiratory tract infection is coincidental.
As this is my 3rd reply to your question, this will complete this thread and it will be closed shortly. EWH
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81 months ago
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Best regards!!! Happy Holidays!!!