You know, my MS basically turned me into somewhat of a pathophobic. Or is it a hypochondriac? In any event, even with all the testing I have been through in the last year, what really did me in was all my Internet research. It seems even the most minute symptom they manage to link back to things like cancer and HIV. It freaks you the heck out!

I should certainly not be so fearful considering my neurologist did 11 vials of blood work on me for crying out loud, and I was in a monogamous relationship for nearly 7 years (inactive prior to that one). But I still worry and panic about the silliest things (in my mind).

Go figure, my father and his mother are both anxiety sufferers, and I think I picked up this trait as well. I also have terrible fear of fire (irrational fears), and I suffer phantom smells (mine being smoke), so you can just imagine where my anxiety is at times.

We're a fun group here--so pathophobia isn't that strange. We welcome and embrace "weirder" people than you!

Welcome to the board and the MS boat.

ITA that it's probably a strange feeling to be afraid of germs and disease and to have MS as it is a bit of a contradiction. But then again, if you could choose one over the other, which would be worse? Either one has an impact on your life that's not fun. At least with MS you sort of know what you're dealing with. With pathophobia you're probably pretty much afraid of every encounter and surface that you are in contact with due to potential exposure. Heck, I'd rather have MS!

Garcon *snap* *snap* I'll have what she's having!