The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

HIV- too paranoid
Jan 1, 2002

My partner is HIV+ and we have been going out for 9 months. After finding out he was HIV+ after 3 months into the relationship, I was tested 3 months after that and came out negative. A total of six months. I was tested again after another 3 months and was negative once again. My question is, at times I am very paranoid about symptoms. I feel very very nervous every time I get a headache or have diahrrea. I have experienced a lot of anxiousness since I learned of his status and have trouble sleeping at night. I have developed panic attacks and such, but I love him so much I am trying to work through it. My question is, "If you have a symptom that could possibly be the HIV virus, would it come in one symptom or in a few symptoms." Thank you.

Response from Dr. Remien

While your reactions are understandable, it sounds like you would benefit from professional help from a mental health counselor. The physical symptoms you are describing are "non-specific." That is to say that they could be caused by a wide range of conditions and/or from anxiety. You should be reassured by your testing HIV- and need to get help in dealing with your anxiety and panic attacks.



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.