High Stress/Anxiety over HIV

[worriedaf24]

I've been stressed and had anxiety for about 7 straight weeks now being afraid I contracted HIV.  I've been told that my encounter was a no risk encounter as there was only Oral and genital grinding.  This question has to do with stress and anxiety symptoms that i may be experiencing and just want them confirmed.  I know LIZZYLOU posted the ARS vs ANXIETY article, however there is a lot of information in that and to hear directly from someone may give me more relief.

The last week or so (encounter happened 10 weeks ago), I've felt fatigued (don't feel rested even though i slept through the night for 7 hours) during the day and have had very minor tension headaches.   I'll feel them for 5 seconds and then it goes away.  I don't know if it has to do with my eyes feeling tired or not.  Also, I get lip pimples here and there (heard that stress and be a cause of this).  I'll also feel slight itching in my genitals.  I don't know if thats just my mind thinking i have something going on down there, the fact that i trimmed (electric not a razor), or if its just my mind and anxiety and stress playing a role.

I'd greatly appreciate answers to help me relax and get pass this whole episode i've been going through, especially knowing it was a no risk event.

[worriedaf24]

In terms of warm spells, I'll just feel my body heat up quickly for a few seconds then it goes away. It's not chronic and with length. I do notice that it's usually whenever all of this is on my mind. I've never gone to bed and got sweaty or get the sweats or wake up because of night sweats. So that's the kind of warm/hot flashes I've been getting.

I listened to my dentist, mainly te hygienist that examined my mouth. She said she saw nothing worth noting. The mind is weird though how it just won't let things go sometimes. But I feel like I'm making strides and just going on with life.

The past day has been a better one. But I still haven't been able to get through a day where I feel refreshed.

[anxiety860]

Definitely change that habit. That will only make things worse. Also, when you mention "warm spells" are you talking about your body being warm? When I go to bed with a lot of anxiety I will sometimes wake up sweating. Which sparked more anxiety as I thought it was due to something worse... Just my expiernece. And hey if your dentist was worried about your tongue at all they would have told you to see a doctor.

[anxiety860]

D

[worriedaf24]

Thank you very much for your input.  I did go to the dentist about 3 weeks ago. They scoped my mouth out, cleaned my teeth and told me i have a coated tongue and that it was normal for some people to have a coated tongue.  I just can't remember if I've ever noticed that I've had a coated tongue before which is why it freaked me out a bit.  And i lost a tad of weight (5-6 lbs).  I didn't know if chronic anxiety and stress caused that as well.  But my guess is your answer will be those are symptoms as well

All in all, I'm just wondering if I'm ever going to see these symptoms subside.  I will begin to do all the things you mentioned.  I have found myself just kinda laying in my apartment by myself day in and day out so maybe ill change that.

Thanks anxiety860

[anxiety860]

First thing, I would stop anayalyzing your body for every little symptom. I once thought i had a white coat over my tongue when I was worried about HIV... Doctor looked at my tounge said no you're fine!!! Which I was.

Don't google symptoms, stay busy, hangout with family, friends, exercise, etc. you're going to be OK. Talk to your doctor if needed

Once you focus on eveeything your body does you'll notice little thing and your mind will play tricks on you. The mind is more powerful than you or I could imagine

[worriedaf24]

Also I've had minor minor warm spells the last week or two. Nothing like night sweats or anything

[worriedaf24]

Also, what do you recommend doing on daily basis, to calm and relax to eliminate the stress and anxiety?  What has helped you?

Do I expect these symptoms to subside once i stop worrying so much?

[worriedaf24]

Thank you, and just a couple other things that i've noticed that I need reassurance on.  My tongue on my right side has felt weird (kind of like a burning raw feel).  Also i've noticed that my tongue has been whiter than normal like its coated.  Are these symptoms as well?

Thanks for all your input, it really is much appreciated.

[anxiety860]

100% normal. I'm guessing you're examining your body more and more.

Example, when I have a pain on my body I feel and feel and feel around for anything abnormal and eventually I will find something. And boom the anxiety and stress kicks in. I finally realized that are bodies aren't perfect statues of David. Ya know?  

Stress and anxiety will make you very tired. It is a known cause for fatigue.

[worriedaf24]

Thank you anxiety860.  I also posted in anxiety and stress communities as I wasn't sure where to post.  

I'm mostly worried about me just feeling tired constantly with heavy eyes, etc.  I don't ever recall feeling like this.  And then again i don't ever recall being this stressed out and anxious of something before either.  But if the chronic stress/anxiety for 5/6 straight weeks can cause that, then it makes sense.  

I feel as though everything I notice on my body that i haven't noticed before sparks the stress and anxiety further.  Is that normal?  

[anxiety860]

As far as the itching, im willing to bet it's from shaving. That's normal.

[anxiety860]

Well first off. You were told correctly. You had no risk.

2nd off stress can cause everything you listed. Stress and can crazy havoc on the body.  

HIV is so rare, and you didn't have a risk.

Hopefully your worries will go away soon. I once had anxiety over HIV for nearly 3 years. It ruined 3 years of my life. I finally had to educate myself on the disease, believe the facts, and realize that I am negative and I can't stress out over no risk situations.

You'll be ok. If it comes down to it get professional help, have it be therapy or talking to a medical doctor.