Paranoia before results due

Hello Doctors

I posted a few days ago with regard to anxiety making me ill. I found your response very helpful, but I just can't seem to accept that the likelihood of my experience resulting in a negative test is possible.

I know that there is no risk from fingering. But if the fingering was rough & it possibly scratched the inside of my vagina would that pose a risk if my partner touched the head of his penis & then fingered me?

The ache from my right arm spread across my shoulders and down my other arm & lower back. It feels very much like tension & does ease occassionally. Could this be an early symptom? I don't seem to have any other aches & pains (apart from a mild sore throat - run down?)

I'm also sending myself mad looking at every blemish & mark on my body.

Since I last posted I rememberd that the week prior to perfoming unprotected oral sex on the man in question, I did have a cold sore. This had cleared by the time we had sex. Is there any risk from that?

My results are due this Friday & I am absolutely terrified.

Thanks once again for taking the time to read & reply.

[Dr Sean]

Hello

Thanks for the further posting.

Fingering does not pose a risk of HIV. Obviously you're imaginging the worst case scenario but it doesn't change my view. I do not believe that represents a risk to you at all.

Cold sores - herpes - will increase the risk of HIV transfer - but the data relating to that has been gathered on genital transmission not oral. The risk of oral transmission of HIV is tiny, even if we accept that the man you had sex with was HIV positive and not on treatment at the time - which I consider to be unlikely.

I think you'll be fine,

best wishes, Sean

Thank you once again for your speedy & rational response.

As you advised, the results came back negative. I can't tell you the relief I feel.

Keep providing a great service!