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HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Curls on August 01, 2006, 02:51:28 pm

Title: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on August 01, 2006, 02:51:28 pm
Hi there.  I had an active account before the website changed but could not find my past thread, so I created a new account.  Did it automatically delete?

I went out with a friend of mine to a club on Friday night and we engaged in very very deep kissing, where he sucked my bottom lip a lot.  I had a wound on my that lip which was healing and which was at times oozing little fluid, but not blood.  Anyways, while we were kissing, I tasted blood and have been scared ever since.  In addition to that, he told me that he had made a huge mistake by sleeping with a woman (I assumed it to be a prostitute) and getting tested afterwards.  My fear - what if it was his blood in his mouth and it came into contact with my wound.  Is there any risk?  Three days later I got really sick - swollen tonsils and flu-like symptoms.

Thanks
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on August 01, 2006, 02:55:51 pm
No risk what so ever and asumptions mean nothing. See your doctor for you symptoms. They are unrelated to HIV.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Andy Velez on August 01, 2006, 02:57:29 pm
You and your buddy could easily have passed germs back and forth during your kissing moments. That's a not uncommon occurence.

However, there was no risk of HIV transmission in that incident. Theoretically it could happen but in the real world of HIV it just doesn't, never has and you aren't going to make history by becoming the first to be infected through kissing.

If your symptoms persist you should discuss them with your doctor. There's no need for HIV testing.

Cheers,
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: AIDS2HIV on August 01, 2006, 04:49:55 pm
No risk, regardless of theory....no matter how deep, or shallow, wounds or no wounds.....Kissing is NOT a mode of HIV transmission*
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: jkinatl2 on August 01, 2006, 05:15:55 pm
wow, drama much? Deadly Kiss?

Seriously. Its no risk. Which, if you have been here before, you knew already. I hope you find a way to overcome your paranoia regarding HIV transmission. In the meantime, I'd avoid human contact of an intimate nature.

Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on August 01, 2006, 06:00:09 pm
Even if he was bleeding? 

Thanks so much for helping me out!
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on August 01, 2006, 06:22:06 pm
Even if he was bleeding.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on August 10, 2006, 09:15:22 pm
Guys, I'm still worrying.  I tasted blood when we were kissing and I'm afraid it came into contact with the wound on my lip....please help put me to ease.  I'm going on vacation tomorrow and I don't want to keep worrying about it! 
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Morgan on August 10, 2006, 09:30:51 pm
Curls,

Symptoms related to hiv infection would not manifest so quickly.  If they appear at all, they do so 2-4 weeks after exposure.  The symptoms that got you going could not be related to hiv.

And just to reiterate what Rod, Andy, and Jonathan have already pointed out...... you had no risk for hiv infection.

Morgan
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on September 13, 2006, 12:20:44 am
Guys, I am freaking out, only because I have been dizzy for 2 weeks and worry it is HIV related.  I have been experiencing whooziness, disorientation, and headaches which have all not subsided yet. 

I tasted blood while deep kissing him, and I had a wound on my lip that had not healed.  He sucked my lip a lot as well.  I'm terrified that the blood came into contact with it, passing the virus onto me.  Please tell me that I am fine and nothing is wrong! 
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Matty the Damned on September 13, 2006, 12:22:36 am
Curls,

Obviously you're not fine and something is wrong. However that something is not HIV. Kissing, even in the manner that you describe, just isn't a risk for HIV infection. If you feel ill, please see your doctor.

MtD
Title: New worry
Post by: Curls on October 31, 2006, 10:48:33 am
Hey guys:

I was at a hockey game and went to the washroom.  I touched the garbage can when throwing out the paper towel and noticed blood on it.  I had a hang nail on my finger and I am worried I contacted the blood right there.  Is transmission possible if the blood on the surface of the garbage contacted my hang nail?  The blood didn't look dry yet, as it was a red color (not brown). Thanks!
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on October 31, 2006, 11:50:31 am
No, you do not get infected by environmental exposures.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on October 31, 2006, 12:59:28 pm
Even if that blood was fairly fresh?  I'm not sure if it was, but it was there and it was red.  I'm just worried it came into contact with my hangnail, allowing for entry. 
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on October 31, 2006, 01:05:13 pm
Like I said before you do not get HIV from environmental surfices. No matter if it was fresh or not.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on November 01, 2006, 01:31:43 am
I'm just worried the hangnail was bleeding or oozing fluid - it was rather new and stung when touched.  If it was open and it contacted the blood on the garbage can, there is still no risk of transmission?
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on November 01, 2006, 01:52:22 am
No, there is no risk.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on November 01, 2006, 11:55:05 am
Thanks Rapidrod! 
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on November 01, 2006, 11:59:00 am
Andy, are you in agreement with Rapidrod?  Thanks so much!
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Ann on November 01, 2006, 12:21:11 pm
Curls,

You have not had a risk. No way, no how. No risk.

Ann
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Curls on November 01, 2006, 02:03:01 pm
Even if the wound was open?  I'm worried the hangnail area was bleeding or oozing fluid!
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: RapidRod on November 01, 2006, 02:42:07 pm
Curls drop it. You didn't have a risk, you were given your assessment, now move on.
Title: Re: Deadly Kiss
Post by: Andy Velez on November 01, 2006, 03:53:33 pm
Curls, you may have missed your calling.

If this thread, starting with how you titled it is any indication, you're a dramatist.

We've done what we could for you here. Happily you do not have an HIV problem. Get on with your life. No kidding.
Title: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on January 21, 2007, 11:57:06 pm
Hey guys:

What is the risk of hiv transmission if someone who is HIV positive accidentally scratches someone and makes them bleed?

Thanks!
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: RapidRod on January 22, 2007, 05:05:14 am
None, hiv is not transmitted in that manner.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Andy Velez on January 22, 2007, 08:50:20 am
Please read the lesson on transmission. It has all the essentials you need to know in there. There's a link to it in the welcome thread which opens this section.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Ann on January 22, 2007, 10:29:01 am
Curls,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

You've been hanging around this website long enough now to know that this latest thing you bring to us is not a risk for hiv infection.

Ann
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 13, 2007, 03:01:10 pm
Hello again:

I've had another occurence and have been worrying because of it. 

I went to a washroom and noticed blood on the wall of the the stall I was in, right by where the toilet paper hangs.  I am worried that the toilet paper contacted the blood, which then contacted me.  I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping - I tend to bleed when I wipe my anus.  Anyway, what is the risk of hiv transmission if blood on toilet paper contacted my anus, which was bleeding (from wiping).

Thank you! 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: ACinKC on March 13, 2007, 04:09:56 pm
No risk.  The virus isnt transmitted that way.  No matter what type of spin you put on it there is NO WAY it happens.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 14, 2007, 12:58:42 pm
Thank you.  It's just that I have had diarrhea for the past few days and it is making me worry. 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: thunter34 on March 14, 2007, 01:52:07 pm
You're probably just scaring the shit out of yourself- literally.

While I am not saying you have any HIV worries from all that you have described, I can't help but note:

You have a freakishly high amount of environmental blood encounters, don't you?  Kisses, trash cans, toilet paper dispensers...

It's very fortunate that HIV doesn't transmit in the ways you describe, isn't it?
Title: new issue - please help!
Post by: Curls on March 19, 2007, 12:20:45 pm
I'm back again.  I feel as though everything happens to me and because of my anxiety disorder, it feels worse to me.  I do want to thank you all, for helping me through this.  Even though my worries are sometimes illogical, your words REALLY help me.

My story:

I went to get my nails done at the spa on the weekend (fake nails), and the lady that did them did not clean her area up from her past client.  Anyway, she was using a paper towel that had a red patch on it - I couldn't tell what it was....it almost looked like someone was wearing heavy blush and then wiped it on the towel.  Anyway, there were also red specks on it.  My fear, of course, was that it was dry, drying blood, or dry blood speckles.  Anyway, I am worried because after putting glue on the plastic nail, she always wiped the nail on the paper towel, most of the time on top of the red spot, before gluing hte plastic onto my nail.  So....with that, I'm worried that I have blood particles in my nail.  I am ready to rip the nails off I'm so worried.  I know that blood cannot penetrate through unbroken skin (and in this case, on my nails and maybe the skin near/surrounding my nails), but if the blood stays on long enough and it is HIV+ blood, can penetration occur, causing infection?  The fact that I still have blood particles on my nails and skin gets me sick! 

Guys, please help.  I know you are probably so annoyed with me and my phobia, but you have to understand that you do help me so much.  I have gone to a therapist, and I am taking Effexor XR, an antidepressant that I am sure you have heard.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: ACinKC on March 19, 2007, 12:24:37 pm
This is not a risk.  And dont go destroying a great nail job over this either.  This is your anxiety again.  Try to let it go.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Andy Velez on March 19, 2007, 01:17:02 pm
Along with taking your medication you need to be talking about your fears with your therapist.

This is not the place for you to come everytime you have another non-risk incident that you start worrying about. We've given you the basics.

Now you need to do some work with a therapist in a professional setting.

Good luck in getting that help in addressing this issue.

Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 19, 2007, 03:16:47 pm
I just re-read what I wrote and realized that I worded it wrong.  I am assuming the red spot was blood, not just the speckles.  If this is true, there is still no chance whatsoever, correct?

I am praying I will one day get over this phobia.  Thank you Andy and ACkinKC for your words.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 19, 2007, 03:18:33 pm
Andy, thank you very much again for your patience and words of encouragement!  I think I'm going to print this out to show my therapist. 

Curls
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: ACinKC on March 19, 2007, 03:32:15 pm
I just re-read what I wrote and realized that I worded it wrong.  I am assuming the red spot was blood, not just the speckles.  If this is true, there is still no chance whatsoever, correct?

I am praying I will one day get over this phobia.  Thank you Andy and ACkinKC for your words.

still no way no how.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 22, 2007, 06:15:30 pm
I wasn't thinking just now.  I had a hangnail right by my thumb nail and pulled the hanging skin off.  I started to bleed right in the crack between my nail and my skin, some of the blood moving under my nail!  It happened right where the lady brushed the nail on to the paper towel.  Still no risk at all? 

Thank you!
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 22, 2007, 06:17:37 pm
Is there any way blood can still stay HIV active if it is mixed with the gel that hardens to become a nail? 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: RapidRod on March 22, 2007, 10:30:09 pm
NO!!!
Title: Needle
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 11:48:45 am
Hi guys:

I was walking home from a club downtown and kicked something while walking.  I worried all night, thinking it was a needle.  I went back the next day to examine the area (a lot of homeless people and drug addicts walk on that particular street) and didn't see anything, but there was a lot of garbage on the ground in that area.  What is the chance of transmission if someone like me gets pricked by a needle fron a drug abuser?  Please help me in this regard.  I'm worried that from my examination of the site the next day, that I got pricked by something. 

Thanks
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: thunter34 on March 26, 2007, 11:56:51 am
That's a might big "What if?" scenario.  You weren't wearing shoes or what? 

I'd say a resounding NO to such a scenario. 

PS- I just read back up through your thread.  Thought you sounded familiar.  Another one of those bizarre environmental contact scenarios you keep coming back here with.  Come on...give us a rest already.  There are people here dealing with REAL risk issues- not to mention people struggling with life issues who are already dealing with this virus in the real world.  Read the Lessons section here and get wised up on how HIV really transmits from person to person.  Enough with this.
Title: Re: Needle
Post by: ACinKC on March 26, 2007, 12:05:03 pm
Hi guys:

I was walking home from a club downtown and kicked something while walking.  I worried all night, thinking it was a needle.  I went back the next day to examine the area (a lot of homeless people and drug addicts walk on that particular street) and didn't see anything, but there was a lot of garbage on the ground in that area.  What is the chance of transmission if someone like me gets pricked by a needle fron a drug abuser?  Please help me in this regard.  I'm worried that from my examination of the site the next day, that I got pricked by something. 

Thanks

If this continues to happen you have one of two options to choose.  First, DONT EVER LEAVE YOUR HOUSE AGAIN.

Or second, please PLEASE seek the help of a mental health professional to help you with your anxieties.  We cant.  And you desperately need it.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 12:10:44 pm
Thank you thunder34.  I keep getting anxiety attacks now and am ready to hurt myself as a result.  This all started from a non-risky sexual exposure 2 years back and I will never forgive that fellow for ruining my perception of how I'm supposed to live on.  

My question though - if a random person gets pricked with a drug needle lying on the street, is there a chance of transmission?  Is this considered an environmental exposure?  Please advise.  I am 99.9% sure this didn't happen to me, but just the thought makes me feel like fainting!
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 12:11:54 pm
Thank you ACinKC.  I know I need help.  My fear is causing problems in my household too.  My mother is consitently depressed and it's hurting me. 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: thunter34 on March 26, 2007, 12:16:27 pm
No, not even in that kind of scenario, I don't believe.  HIV dies very quickly outside the body and it would have to be a much quicker and more direct exchange from sharing a needle with someone infected to make anything like that happen.

That's all the entertaining I am going to do for this kind of senseless panic.  You do have an issue, but not from HIV.  You really and truly need to get yourself into some pyschiatric counciling to deal with your anxiety issues.  It isn't fair to expect us to spend time and energy to nurse your mental health problems.  We simply can't do that service here, and shouldn't be expected to either.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 12:21:27 pm
Thank you thunder.  Can someone else confirm this for me please?  I want to be 100% sure I wasn't at risk.

Thank you again. 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: thunter34 on March 26, 2007, 12:25:54 pm
Thank you thunder.  Can someone else confirm this for me please?  I want to be 100% sure I wasn't at risk.

Thank you again. 


Then read the Lessons section here for your peace of mind.  Besides, this kind of useless worry story has been countered countless times on this forum.  Scan a bit and pick a thread.  Nobody else needs to spend time entertaining your panic attacks anymore.  Enough already. 
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: ACinKC on March 26, 2007, 01:08:58 pm
Thank you thunder.  Can someone else confirm this for me please?  I want to be 100% sure I wasn't at risk.

Thank you again. 

Thunter is 100% correct.  I would heed our advice as well as you are cruising for a time out to encourage you to seek the face to face counseling we cant provide here.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 02:42:22 pm
So, accidentally being peirced by a syringe, a hollow bore needle, on the street is not a risk of transmission?  I thought it was!!  I'm relieved! 

Thank you!
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 26, 2007, 07:03:14 pm
Guys:

I can't find a thread where a person is pricked by an intravenous needle found on the street/the ground/not in a healthcare setting.  I'm REALLY WORRIED that blood from the needle/syringe/IV drug user needle came into contact with me.  Please help. 

Curls
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: ACinKC on March 26, 2007, 07:06:22 pm
You dont even know if you came in contact with a NEEDLE much less if it had blood in it and even less if it had HIV+ blood in it. 

Please seek the help of a mental health professional.  You are WELL on the way to a timeout.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Ann on March 27, 2007, 09:33:15 am
Curls,

You KICKED something on the street - I presume you are in the habit of wearing shoes? Guess what mate, shoes are worn to protect your feet. There is no way a needle would penetrate your shoes and besides, this type of needle stick transmission scenario is nothing more than urban legend. You didn't have a risk.

If you continue to come here with these fanciful environmental transmission ideas, I will have no choice but to give you a time out to encourage you to seek the professional help you need with your anxieties. We can't help you with that here.

Ann
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on March 27, 2007, 11:53:03 am
Of course I wasn't worried about the parts of my feet protected by my shoes - I have been worrying about the unprotected, uncovered portion of my feet.  Still, if transmission from a needle on the street to or through a persons' skin does not exist, I'm at ease.

Thank you all and I'm sorry for being a bother. 
Title: needle stick exposure
Post by: Curls on June 18, 2007, 01:37:52 pm
Hey guys.  I'm going to have a heart attack.  I looked down at my foot this morning and noticed that I had been bleeding (the blood was dry).  Something had pricked me, as the opening was a small dot.  I'm so scared that a needle/syringe poked me, causing me to bleed, leading to HIV transmission.  I went to a very sketchy club on Friday night and am really worried that it happened there.  Please help me!  I'm losing it!
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: RapidRod on June 18, 2007, 01:56:37 pm
See a mental health professional. You were never at risk.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Curls on June 18, 2007, 05:31:01 pm
I don't understand how this did not put me at risk.  I was definitely pricked by something and I definitely bled.  The diameter of the wound is about 20 mm, which makes me think it was a needle/syringe.
Title: Re: just a scratch?
Post by: Matty the Damned on June 18, 2007, 05:37:13 pm
If you continue to come here with these fanciful environmental transmission ideas, I will have no choice but to give you a time out to encourage you to seek the professional help you need with your anxieties. We can't help you with that here.

Curls,

Do you even bother to read the responses you're getting? If not you should, especially the one I've quoted above from Ann.

It's high time you saw a mental health professional.

MtD