HIV Concerns Over Dog Scratch

[puppiov]

I am a female.  On January 9, 2011. I was walking in a store with my puppy. She has sharp nails and has a habit of going up to anyone to greet/play with them. From experience she scratches people when she jumps on them or tries to grab at their hand of does draw blood unintentionally.  On this occasion two men were walking in the store, she ran to both of them and jumped on them. She was so excited, I think when I pulled her away she may have scratched one of the men. She then scratched me on the chest about 10 minutes later in the car. It was not bleeding, but it burned slightly. I am afraid that maybe she scratched them and blood or something was under her nails and then she scratched me exposing me to HIV.  I did not think about it at first, but at 9 days, my stomach near my navel was in pain and my entire stomach, mainly under my ribcage became tender. Around day 12 my lymph nodes in my groin and inner thigh area was swollen and tender. Then the back of my legs are around day 13 or 14.  I had nausea and had loss my appetite. Loss of Appetite may be from stress though. Also, my lymph nodes were swollen under my armpits also. I felt out of it for a couple of weeks.  I developed a rash on my chest, but I am not sure if I had it before, but it definitely got worse during this period of time. All of these symptoms subsided before day 35.

I know that people (Teak, Medhelp Nurse) say that I cannot contract HIV from a dog scratch, but I have been really scared because I have never had these symptoms before. I tested negative for HIV April 2010 (Blood Test) and January 21, 2011(Oraquick@Planned Parenthood). I know it may sound foolish to people, but I feel like it is so real in my mind right now.


I have been going through anxiety issues over the past 5 months - feelings of doom, etc.

Thank you for Reading my story,

Puppiov

Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

I

[goodness_x]

I'm glad you tested negative and I do suffer from great anxieties regarding HIV.

[joggen]

I'm glad to hear that you have a diagnosis for your symptoms- I hope you get better soon. Take care.

J.

[puppiov]

Hi, all.

I went to the doctor on last week.  The doctor said that my symptoms sounded systematic. She checked for pretty much every imaginable thing.  She checked me for mono and guess what - I tested positive for mono. All other test were negative including HIV.  Many of my symptoms persist even today (fatigue, nausea, sore throat, tenderness in stomach, etc), but it seems fairly common for mono to last for a while. My physican said that it has to run its course because it is a viral infection.  I have never had a mono test before, but have had numerous medical physical examinations. I am glad that I know what it is.  The symptoms were definitely not in my head, but the diagnosis of HIV was totally incorrect.   I don't know when I got mono, but from what I read, 90% of adults are positive for EBV by the age of 35. Many do not know they have it, because they do not show symptoms or aren't tested for mono when they do.  

Well my lesson here is not to jump to conclusions of having HIV, especially when your behavior was low or no risk. Symptoms do not equal HIV. I wish everyone well and thank you for this forum.  It has been tremendous in helping me get through this issue. I hope my story helps someone else. I am closing the book on this issue and is moving on.

[joggen]

The counselor at Home Access gave you correct advice. You don't need additional testing.

[puppiov]

I spoke to the counselor at Home access and she said there was no risk from a dog scratch.  I asked her why there was no risk from a dog scratch, but not a needle stick. She explained to me that once HIV hits the air it becomes inactive as in my situation with a dog scratch.  The only reason why HIV can be in a needle is because the needle is hollow and some blood can get in there and carry the virus a stay active for a longer period of time.

With this explanation, I am still a little afraid. I basically think it is because of the symptoms I have experienced. If I had not experienced any symptoms I would be fine and could move on. I do know that symptoms do not equal HIV.  I will do a 3 month test for a 100% conclusive result.

But overall, I feel so much better. I will post once more at that time and hopefully I will be moving on with my life.  


thanks so much for being very supportive. This forum is wonderful!

[puppiov]

Hi,

I have tested NEGATIVE for HIV per the home access express test.  Home access perform the test very quickly. I tested at 6 weeks and 1 day after exposure. I feel pretty confident at this point, but I would like to test at 3 months to be conclusive.  Why does Home access say test at 6 months post exposure?  Since mine was such low risk or even maybe no-risk, I do not want to do 6 months....

[joggen]

You're certainly welcome to join the group.  There's no way your symptoms were due to HIV. It's not a realistic concern. When you get your negative result, please accept it as proof that you were not infected.

[puppiov]

Yes, I posted a journal about this. When you commented on my journal,  I saw that you were a member of this support group and decided to join.  I just want to talk with people that are worried about their upcoming results.  Thanks so much for your positive words.

I had no other risk (unprotected sex, drug use, etc). My symptoms could be previously diagnosed medical issues that were reaggravated perhaps through stress/anxiety, but I am just not sure.

[joggen]

Didn't you post a journal on this? I'm pretty sure I left a comment stating that there is not a chance in hell that you were infected with HIV that way.

[puppiov]

To add, I will be taking an HIV test at 6 weeks.  I am very worried and scared about thise.