HPV Support Group
Human papillomavirus is a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted...
Hello,
I wanted to come in because I had a panic moment today. I went in for treatment on warts (mainly in the anus area) and started to talk to the doc about constant recurrance. He asked when I first noticed the bumps (which was in July of 2011), if I had a family history of HPV (Not sure what that has to do with it unless I had it from birth which I am sure is not the case) and then he asked if I had been tested for HIV. That freaked me out. I have been tested (out of my own paranoia) several times for HIV (at least Four) even though I have not had many sexual partners. All the previous times my tests were negative (I did the rapid test where they pinch your finger and you wait like 20 mins) but now I am really freaked out. I hadn't had unprotected sex since over a year after my last test until a stupid mistake I made 3 weeks ago with a lifelong friend :/. I already had HPV and was having the same symptoms and from what I know HIV cannot debilitate you immune system that quickly... most people don't even develop antibodies until 3 months to several years after being infected. Now I have to wait FOREVER to know since I will be away for the Holidays. I think he just wants to rule that out so we can get to the bottom of why the constant new bumps (new ones every week since August) and why it does get better. Is anyone in here dealing with something like this? I am scared to death about this... and I already think having HPV is the end of the world for me. I don't know if I can deal with an unwanted result.
I wanted to come in because I had a panic moment today. I went in for treatment on warts (mainly in the anus area) and started to talk to the doc about constant recurrance. He asked when I first noticed the bumps (which was in July of 2011), if I had a family history of HPV (Not sure what that has to do with it unless I had it from birth which I am sure is not the case) and then he asked if I had been tested for HIV. That freaked me out. I have been tested (out of my own paranoia) several times for HIV (at least Four) even though I have not had many sexual partners. All the previous times my tests were negative (I did the rapid test where they pinch your finger and you wait like 20 mins) but now I am really freaked out. I hadn't had unprotected sex since over a year after my last test until a stupid mistake I made 3 weeks ago with a lifelong friend :/. I already had HPV and was having the same symptoms and from what I know HIV cannot debilitate you immune system that quickly... most people don't even develop antibodies until 3 months to several years after being infected. Now I have to wait FOREVER to know since I will be away for the Holidays. I think he just wants to rule that out so we can get to the bottom of why the constant new bumps (new ones every week since August) and why it does get better. Is anyone in here dealing with something like this? I am scared to death about this... and I already think having HPV is the end of the world for me. I don't know if I can deal with an unwanted result.
I'm in a very similar situation. I first noticed mine around May and they keep coming back for me too. I had new ones just about weekly until recently they seem to have slown down a bit. I have had my freakouts too because I can't understand why my immune system isn't fighting this stupid virus. I've been tested for HIV multiple times and thankfully don't have it. On top of that I'm pretty healthy, I work out, eat right, and take care of myself but the little fockers still come back. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I'm so neurotic about them. I check constantly, when I think others just don't worry about it until they go see their doc which could be a month or a few months in between. Therefore, they don't realize theirs are recurring just as frequently. This could be true or not I dunno, just a thought. The thing you need to realize is that there's nothing wrong with you, you most likely don't have HIV. The fact that you warts keep coming back doesn't mean you have a compromised immune system it just means your body deals with it differently than others. Trust me I know how much it sucks but the best thing you can do is to be patient with your body, take care of yourself, and don't freak out about something that you don't have. HPV is enough to worry about by itself (even though it shouldn't be because it's harmless and just some extra skin), there's no point in agonizing over something else. Also, I think the doc asked about your family history because if others in your family have it you might be more predisposed to getting it. Not that they necessarily gave it to you. Anyways, you'll be fine, I have my freakouts too that's why this place is so great because you can actually talk to other people about it and they know what it's like. And like "whyme" said it's only been 5 months. It usually takes a year or two to clear. I know how hard it is to be patient but what other choice do we have? we, unfortunately, can't force them to go away. Just be good to yourself, it isn't the end of the world and you will beat this.