Paranoid about diseases

LegacyUser

I am a 23 year old woman. My paranoia started 2 years ago when I went for a smear and had the doctor tell me I had chlamydia, based on her visual diagnosis. No tests done. I had had a one night stand earlier in the year and although used a condom and it didn't break, I believed the doctor and took a course of antibiotics. A few days later, it entered my head that if I had indeed contracted chlamydia, I could also have anything. I managed to convince myself that I have HIV or Hep B and had to get tested to relieve myself of these fears. The tests all came back negative but it didn't stop there. I am now paranoid about catching a disease. I have a long term boyfriend who has been tested and we use condoms but I am paranoid that I'll accidentally touch some blood or I'll get something from a dirty glass in a pub or from the communal shower I share with strangers in my flat complex. This never used to occur to me but ever since this doctor 'told' me I had chlamydia, I've had a full on paranoia 24/7. If I step on something in the street I worry it could have been a needle and I could have contracted something. Help!!!!!!!!!!

Xiney

First of all, I would have insisted on an actual bacterioculture. However, that's long since finished.

If this paranoia is affecting your day to day life, and your relationship with your partner, you should really visit a counsellor.

LegacyUser

Yes I know, I was just so scared that I trusted the doctor. I now know she was talking absolute bollix and that no reputable doctor would ever prescribe antibiotics without sending the patient to a GUM clinic. I have since talked to other doctors who have said it was very unlikely I even had chlamydia, as I do have recurrent bacterial vaginosis (a non std) which has the same symptoms, and I had used a condom. I'm so angry at this doctor. This has caused me so much worry and pain.

Affable

Don't worry, you're not mad. I'm like that. It's a sign of sensitivity/caution.
We are all human and subject to temptation and sometimes we do rash things, most of the time everybody takes precautions but sex without protection can be exciting. You can feel violated by doing loose stuff sexually and the worry about disease may be a projection of this. Just be cautious if it makes you feel better and be glad you could take the test to ease your mind. I don't even want to do that as I'm kinda neurotic about trusting the test procedure and not being given something, sounds crazy I know but I'm awlasy cautious re medical care. Be cautious, but enjoy your life too.
Ask me more if you want help as I have been through this.

TriceMarie

This sounds like possible OCD...
I know people with it (I think everyone does)and there's no reason to feel embarrased or ashamed
Perhaps visit a councelor?You could voice your fears and perhaps they might be able to help you rationalise things

LegacyUser

You could have anxiety, based on disease. Lots of people suffer from anxiety, relating to different things, be it flying, large groups of people, social situations, heights... even simply going out of doors.

Some people don't let it affect them, but for others it starts to control them, as opposed to the other way around.

OP, you should look into CBT, it has shown to be very successful in treating anxieties such as yours, particularly if this is constantly on your mid, it can't NOT be affecting your life. And with this sort of thing, the sooner you nip it in the bud, the better. Dont let it take over.