Unprotected Anal, Scared S&*#%@less

I had a high risk exposure 2 weeks ago tomorrow (woman having unprotected anal with boyfriend).  I'd already requested that we get tested together since he wanted to have a monogamous relationship with unprotected sex.  But this high risk incident occurred prior to our testing. I already know I don’t (or didn’t) have HIV since I haven’t been sexually active for 2 years, and was tested about 1 year ago.

I’ve searched the health boards, and most of the supposedly high risk encounters aren’t high risk at all, and just posts from hypochondriacs.  Unfortunately, I’m not in that category.  Exactly 1 week after my possible exposure, I came down with a flu-like illness: sore throat, poor appetite, headaches (at night only for 3 days), weakness (especially in knees), burning sensations in my back, and a small flat rash under my breast.  Slight runny nose, but nothing significant.  The fever aspect is odd; it never rose above 99.3, but I’ve felt hot and feverish intermittently all week.  I’m so freaked out I’ve been taking my thermometer with me everywhere.  The 99 range temp lasted intermittently for about 2 days.  I still feel slightly off, but I started feeling better after about 3 days.  The rash is slightly itchy, but not overly so, and is still there.

I developed a burning sensation when I urinate, but tested negative for gonorrhea and Chlamydia.  Waiting for results on herpes.

When I asked my boyfriend about his HIV status earlier this week, he said he’d been a “wild child” (heterosexual), and agreed to get tested.

I know I was a complete idiot to have taken this risk, and really don’t know why I did.  I also know you can’t diagnose HIV from symptoms and that I need to get tested, but 2 weeks out is too early unfortunately.  For those who actually know something about HIV ARS, can you tell me if this sounds like ARS to you?   I’m just looking for input since I have to wait so long for testing, and any input/advice would be greatly appreciated.  I’m literally sick with worry and haven’t been sleeping well.  Teak, you seem to be the grandmaster here…your thoughts?  Anyone?

[VY_Canis_Majoris]

      It usually takes about a fortnight for ARS to happen. Looks like the HIV paranoia has started to creep inside your mind. Whats comfirting though is that you feel like a fever but you actually haven't got that. Rash is a bit worrying but then one can't be sure if thats engendered by HIV inefction.

     Umm..By your symptoms, their timings and severeness ( Mildness rather ..slightly runny nose.. feeling like a fever .. poor apetite and headache which i bet are due to stress.. hmm ) I surmise you are clear of  HIV though only a test could give ya a decisive answer.


Good Luck....

[canermy]

so you and your boyfriend did test? what was the results?

[BiggestDummy]

We haven't tested yet.  Me because it's too early, and him because he's traveling.  He'll be back early this week, and will test.  I'm so scared.

[BiggestDummy]

Thanks for your speedy reply; I really appreciate any thoughts right now.  I had a slight rash in the vicinity of this spot for a while, but it didn't look quite like this.  I could never tell my family (father, brother, etc) since they all think of me as the smart one, but sometimes the smart ones make the dumbest mistakes.  God, what an idiot I am.  I'll keep you posted.

[sonic91]

They certainly sound like they could be ARS......but then again so do most peoples symtoms (symptoms) on here as they are more or less just symptoms of the FLU or common virus'

Yes you are right, the highest risk is receptive unprotected anal sex, but even then it is more likely that you would not be infected even if your BF was.

the "odds" are still with you, but there isnt much you can do until the results come back. out of all the thousands and thousands of posts a year on this forum, only 2 people are know to have testes positive.

the chances are you bf doesnt have hiv anyway, but use a condom next time. good luck.

[reallyregret]

Hi BiggestDummy,

Take a deep breath, get tested with your boyfriend, and wait for his test results. If the result is negative. There is a very good chance that he is not infected and cannot pass anything to you (other than probably the flu bug).

However, to be very sure, since you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with him, you might want to have another test at 3 months again to make sure and to have a conclusive result.

In the meantime, condoms if you want to stay safe.


May God bless you


reallyregret

[BiggestDummy]

Update...The rash has now spread to my neck and parts of my face.  Very faint.  I've also been nauseous all day and seem to have swollen lymph nodes in my neck, and my entire body itches and stings.  I just can't see how I can attribute this to anything but ARS.  This isn't even flu season, and no one I've been around has anything like a flu.  I'm past scared now; I'm starting to just accept that I have it.  BF is still traveling.  I'm going to make an appointment to see if I can get the RNA and HIV test at this point.  

I don't see a WooHoo in my future.

[dluvn]

Have your bf tested soon. There are many rapid test sites.
If he is tested neg, you'll be worry free.