ARS

[hah137]

Hi,

I've been searching the board and can't find any similar questions to mine, so I thought that I would ask. I had a relatively risky sexual encounter with another male on December 11th, 2009 (he entered me without a condom for about a minute or so with only the aid of saliva; no ejaculation, and then afterword put a condom on and we continued. He ejaculated outside of me), and on January 6th, began to develop symptoms that I believe may be consistent with ARS. On the 6th, I felt like I had the chills, although I had no fever. I also developed swelling in the lymph nodes up and down the right side of my neck. At first they were all very tender, but now, they are beginning to become progressively less so. At this point, I still do not have a fever. Tonight (again, the 8th, 28 days after possible exposure), I developed a papulomacular rash on my chest and neck over the course of about three hours (or however long the third Lord of the Rings Movie is, lol). It doesn't itch, however, the portions of the rash on my neck do have a slight burning feeling.

I know that you cannot diagnose HIV based on symptoms, and I do intend to be tested next week to find out for sure, but would the symptoms that I do have give me reasons to be worried that I may have contracted HIV? And also, would ARS progress over a number of days like this?

Thanks,
hah137

[hah137]

Sorry to bump this, but I am still quite curious as to what you meant by "all at once," as the rash (previously just on my chest, neck, and upper abdomen) appears to have spread to my back today.

Also, again, I know that you can't diagnose HIV by symptoms, but is it common for a rash associated with ARS to fade and come back? The rash across the front part of my torso appears to fade to some degree (from dark red to a barely noticeable pink) only to become quite vividly red again later. Also is it possible for a rash associated with ARS to be easily irritated? The rash across the front of my torso seems to be somewhat easily irritated whenever I wear certain clothing pieces (ie, button-down shirts or woolen scarves).

Thanks, hah137

[hah137]

All at once as in the same day?

I know I'm being somewhat thick, I'm sorry, but I'm just freaking out a little and looking for clarification.

I appreciate that you're taking the time to respond to me, though. Thank you so much! I honestly didn't expect any responses this fast, if at all.

[Teak]

All at once.

[hah137]

Yes, I know, but my question was more geared toward the way in which ARS progresses. Does it generally all happen at once, or does it usually come little by little over the course of a few days?

Thanks,
hah137

[Teak]

There are 3031 questions and answers on unprotected anal sex.

[hah137]

Also, I'd like to add that the areas of my neck and torso that are covered by the rash are hot to the touch.

Thanks,
hah137