Dr. Bob, This is not a question, but my story. I, like so many others, had a stifling, obsessive fear of being HIV positive despite testing. In 2001, I had an encounter with an ex-boyfriend just before I married my husband. I was wracked with guilt, and finally confessed my guilt to my husband and we were both tested for HIV. All tests were negative. I should have believed the serology, but for those in the WW category, you know how this goes.

Needless to say, I have not been tested since and have suffered from burning mouth, burning feet, numbness in my hands, digestion problems, everything. For years. However, my husband and I recently found out I am pregnant, so I went to the doctor for my first prenatal exam. There, the nurse told me I would be tested for blood type and rubella immunity, but also for Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphillis. I started to panic. I had the blood drawn and my doctor said, "the lab will call you if there are any problems." Well, I called the doctor the next day to say I want to be notified whatever the outcome of the tests.

This morning at 8:20am CDT, I got the phone call. Everything was negative! Five years of time spent with this always somewhere in my mind and now I can finally let go.

For all of you out there, please do not emulate me. Please do not sit around for months or years in fear. This last test was the best thing that could have happened to me and now I know my baby will be safe.

Mostly, I thank Dr. Bob for his infinite kindness and patience with people like me on this forum. And, I am truly proud to say, I will never be back.

Kind regards and stay well,

A

Hi A,

Thanks for writing in and sharing your story. Have you picked out a name for the baby yet? How about BOB? It's a great name and easy to spell, as it's the same forwards and backwards.

Stay well.

Dr. Bob