Anxious Awaiting Medical Test Results

LegacyUser

Hi. I recently had a test for HIV and ever since I've been extremely anxious about it.

A couple of weeks ago I checked up the symptoms of HIV and noticed one thing that I had, and decided to get a test at some stage. But ever since I looked up the symptoms I've noticed more and more things that I may have. I'm not looking for medical advice before you say anything.

I'm hoping that somehow I'm just imagining these things or that they're a coincidence, but to be safe I decided to get a test. But now I'm even more anxious. The results aren't back until after Christmas. I am really down because I'm convinced I might have HIV. The odds say that I'm very low risk, but the symptoms start to make me feel more and more sure I am sick. It's possible I might be a hypchondriac but I dont know.

How do I cope mentally between now and the results? I've lost appetite, find it hard to work, just really down. Is there anything I can do to just relax? Anytime I try to reassure myself that I will be fine, I suddenly think of a reason I might not be.

Sorry if I'm rambling but I just needed to get this off my chest. I know my family will be asking questions why I'm so quiet over christmas and I dont know what to do.

Thanks.

looksee

I wonder what caused you to check up HIV in the first place. If you just randomly found it while surfing, well as you said yourself, the initial symptoms are very general, similar to flu.

If you felt you were at risk of HIV for a definite reason then that increases the chance a bit, but you say you would be low risk, so see the argument above.

If there is a small chance you might have HIV, there is a much greater chance that you haven't, worrying about it is not going to change the situation one way or the other.

Its very easy to convince yourself you have every disease going if you read enough symptoms, I would imagine most people could relate to all the symptoms of HIV at some stage, but it doesn't mean they have it.

The best thing you can do at the moment is put it out of your mind until you get the results. I know that is easier said than done, but you are not going to help yourself by turning it over and over in your mind. Make a decision to enjoy the holiday, good luck.

bakergirl91

From my perspective, you could be really over thinking it, making the symptoms appear. I agree with the post above, why did you think that you have it ? As you said its really unusual, unless you are a drug user or practice unprotected sex (but i am not accusing you of either! ). but if you are confident in the fact that you have been safe in all meanings of the word, you should not be so worried. However, i know, easy for me to say.

In order to reassure yourself, try relaxing exercises as well as realizing that HIV can seem like the end of the world, and i know it would be beyond imaginable to deal with, but it doesnt mean that you still couldnt have a life! The very best of luck to you !

LegacyUser

Listen first thins first, the internet while we all love it and has many great applications is the worst possible thing to have when you "think" there is something wrong with you.

Examples: My lymph nodes were swollen a few years back, so I typed that in and one of the first links was a lymphoma link which is a form of cancer. Shock horror I had a viral infection.

I recently was not feeling the best a few weeks ago, punched my symptoms into the search engine to amuse myself and I now have MS.....apparently. Turns out I had an inner ear infection.

The point I am making is that what your reading in these links is physically not you, there is no website with your name on it, stating that you may have HIV. Just because you have such and such symptoms really does not remotely mean that you have HIV. There is a possibility but a slim one at that.

The internet is a dangerous tool when it wants to be, I know waiting for results can be horrible believe me we all have been there at some point or another, just take a deep breath and wait impatiently is all you can do....and stay off the internets...guaranteed you have man flu or a virus.

LegacyUser

Tell yourself that whatever the outcome you will be able to handle it. The outcome for people with HIV is now considered very good with treatment. It's not going to be fun, but you will get the support you need.

If the test is negative, use it as a wake-up call, even if it is just to appreciate the people close to you or spur you to achieve what you want to in life.

Good luck.