Descovy, mpox vax for the first time
Hello,
This is my second attempt on Reddit. The first time I used this platform, it was so negative, judgmental, and nasty. So I had to get off of it. But I’m back, so I hope this time (and this forum/community) is better.
I’m a healthy, gay male, aged 36. Got a prescription for Descovy/PrEP (and doxycycline/doxypep) for the first time ever but I have OCD and, in this case (more specifically), pharmacophobia. I also have hypochondria (both tenets of my OCD). I’m terrified of side effects, so I’ve been staring at the pill bottle for a few weeks now. I have generally tolerated medications just fine (I’ve been on over a dozen meds in my lifetime, mostly due to my Tourette’s, ADHD, OCD, GAD, panic attacks). I’ve read about bone mineral loss with Descovy and other things; am worried in general.
I’ve also been wanting to get the mpox vaccine just to protect myself. I’ve had the MMR, meningitis, influenza, J&J COVID (2x), Gardasil-9 (HPV), and Twinrix (Hepatitis A/B) vaccines. Never had any bad reactions or side effects to any of them. But yet, I’m still afraid to get the vaccine.
Any words of wisdom or advice? I’ve been tested and in the “all clear” to take the medication and vaccine. But I’m plagued by “what if” scenarios, which I’m seeing my OCD therapist for next week.
Thanks.