[Question #7923] Symptoms or Anxiety?

51 months ago

Hello again, Doctors

I hope this finds you well!

I promise this would be my last question.

I have noticed that I have developed moccasin infection (athlete foot) I’ve had this condition since I was a teenager, but I felt it’s back now, sole/heel of right foot is itchy; and it has been for

Some time, I haven’t treated this time yet.

I also had 1 stubborn herpes wart under my lip that I had a dermatologist remove.

I also get tiny folliculitis, on my trunk from time to time I sit down for too long and in between my thighs due to pants rubbing on skin

My skin seems a little dry.

Last year, I had a maculopapular rash on the left side of my buttock 8 months after my last sexual encounter so I’m assuming that wasn’t a seroconversion... allergies maybe?

Does my negative Rapid Alere combo hiv test after 8 months overrule those symptoms?

Nail cuticles

Do you think the Medical assistant at planned parenthood might have made a technical error or is it just anxiety? I also have OCD..

Thank you so much!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

Thank you for acknowledging your OCD. I suspect that it you reflect on you question you will be able to acknowledge that these questions are OCD manifestations and that you are overthinking this. Each of the problems you list are nonspecific, everyday occurrences which are not the least bit reflective of HIV. Once again, I urge you to believe your test results. EWH ---

51 months ago

Thank you, Doctor

I have spent over 5 weeks looking up signs and symptoms online from skin disorders to peripheral neuropathy, freaking out at every little unusual physical Sign that I got. My life has been revolving around this ever since I knew the status of my ex...

I’m seriously considering therapy at this point so I can move with my life.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

Your OCD is getting the best of you. Your “looking up”:signs and symptoms on the Internet is a mistake. The Internet is full of misinformation. I urge you to take a deep breath and relax. The so called “symptoms” you are fixated on are non-specific. In the face of a highly reliable NEGATIVE test, to worry or consider therapy is a mistake. EWH ---

51 months ago

Thanks again, Doctor for the reassurance.

I’ve had on and off bouts of loose stools (twice a day) urgent BM, accompanied by loud growling (stomach) intestines heard mostly when I look up things get anxious and over think. I will try to work on my anxiety.....

thank you for all your answers and time.

50 months ago

Doctor,

Question:

I remember seeing the nurse use a pipette to draw blood from my finger, and then there was one big drop of blood that she has dropped into Alere hiv 1/2 ag Ab test strip. Not exactly sure it was enough?

Does test still pick up HIV antibodies (after the window period) even from one drop or two mixed with buffer?

I just want to make sure that I didn’t need a proper vein draw instead.

Thank you!

50 months ago

https://ibb.co/6mBTYpZ

I found some online resources stating that 1 drop should be sufficient for Alere

Edward W. Hook M.D.

50 months ago

Final response. Yes, one drop of blood is sufficient to provide you with accurate test results. I am confident the results will show that you do not have HIV.

The thread is now complete and will be closed. Reminder. Further anxiety driven or repetitive questions may be closed without comment and without return of your posting fee. Take care. EWH

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