Dear Dr. H:

The title describes what I have endured for the past six months after being the victim of sexual assault. The fear of HIV overwhelmed me to the extent that it took on a life of its own. As a result, my physical and mental health has suffered!! Well, it is finally over...after AB tests (6,10,16,& 26 weeks/PCR RNA @ 18 wks - all negative), I can finally breath a sigh of relief!! I am not infected!! I just got my 6 month test result back yesterday and last night was the first sound sleep I have had in 6 months. The proverbial dark cloud over my head has gone away. Of course, there are still some other issues to deal with but counseling and therapy will help me get through that!!

I commend, praise and thank you (especially you) and your colleagues for the support and information that you have provided over the past six months. You may not realize that you have been a great source of support, but you have been. You have also inspired me to get off of my duff and volunteer! How, I am not certain, yet...but I will!! I did not realize that so many peoples' lives have been impacted by this terrible disease. You give your time so generously to answer peoples' questions. You took the time on a Friday evening (I judge from all the responses on 3/9) to answer numerous questions. So giving and unselfish!! Those of us who have utilized this website have been blessed to have had your time and the benefit of your knowledge. I will miss writing in to you (I feel as though I know you after six months), but from the bottom of my heart...Dr.H, I thank you!

P.S. I thought about nominating you to carry the Olympic torch since you have inspired me and I am certain...many, many others. God bless you.

Thanks for the followup. I always thought about carrying that torch.