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I need someone to tell me I'm being crazy.

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Posted 2/2/2011 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know why I keep dealing with this irrational fear, because I realize it is absurd. Logically, I know that it's irrational, but I can't shake it.

I had an old boyfriend who had been with a ********** before he was with me. When we first started dating, I had him tested for HIV, and it was negative. I was with him for two years thereafter.

This didn't even cross my mind for years, but for the past few months I can't shake this horrible fear that I may have HIV. To ease my worries, I went and got tested; it was negative. It made me feel better for about a day before I irrationally thought it may have been done wrong.

I should also mention I give blood regularly and have never had any negative feedback.

I know I have discussed this problem in this forum before, but I need people to tell me how this fear is irrational. I don't understand why I can't shake this.

Please help me.

Hi K.K. I modified your post to make it a little more family-friendly, we have had some really young members on lately-thanks for understanding:)

S.C.

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 2/2/2011 2:14:19 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/2/2011 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Oh K.K., I'm sorry that you are having this nagging worry bothering you. I know how it is...rationally you know that this is an unrealistic fear, but your anxious brain just can't let it go!

One of the things that helps me when I have a stubborn worry is to make a pro and con list of how likely that fear is to be/come true. I take a piece of paper and make two columns. On one side I write the arguments in favor of, and on the other the arguments against.

If you were to do this, you would see the overwhelming odds in favor of the fact that you are perfectly healthy!

Another thing that you could do is to keep your test result printout handy, and look at it for reassurance when the worries come up. There is something empowering about seeing something like this in written form...you can't argue with facts!

When over-all stress is high, it sets us up for these irrational fears. You'll probably notice that you can go days with out thinking about this, and then it will hit you again. Working on managing your stress/anxiety levels in general will help.

I hope that this will give you some comfort. Due to all of the things that you told us in your post, I can tell you that you are most definately safe, just over anxious!

Take care, breath deep, and try not to worry about it,
S.C.
Posted 2/2/2011 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
S.C., I can't thank you enough for your quick and reassuring response. I feel like I have people here I can really turn to and be completely open with, and it means the world to me.
Posted 2/2/2011 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, me too...that's what makes this place so great! Hugs, and hang in there:)

Talk to you soon,
S.C.
Posted 2/2/2011 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KK87,
I have seen alot of people freak out about HIV. The fact is, that HIV is starting to really die off (it is a fact and a statistic I read about a month ago.)
I if I were you, I wouldn't constantly worry about it.
You will get over this fear, just believe that you can :-)
Hope this helps, good luck!
Posted 2/2/2011 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
KK,

It is so easy to get caught up in the "what if?" thinking and let your thoughts spin out of control. 

Here is a link re HIV Facts,  just click on the link and you will find some really helpful info. 

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=6&m=1086751

You are not crazy, sweetie,  your anxiety is just running in high gear right now. 

Kindly,

Kitt

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