Terrified about ARS symptoms 9.5 weeks after possible exposure.

[Boo1912]

Hi all. Thanks for taking the time to read this and respond.

Basically, it is the same old story, I was a stupid American girl and reconnected with an ex-boyfriend whilst in his home country of England. I had unprotected sex with him 3 times in the course of about 10 days. I am now terrified and very paranoid about having contracted HIV. I have no idea who he has been with since our break-up two years ago. And I am very scared.

The first time we had unprotected sex was (October 14th), the final time was (October 23rd). I developed a pretty severe Cold (coughing, congested chest, stuffy nose, yellow mucus) on (October 24th) one day after the last time we had unprotected sex on (October 23rd), which was about 9 days after the first time we had unprotected sex on (October 14th).

A few weeks past and I did not develop any of the symptoms generally associated with ARS like fever or a red body rash. However I did have two more bad Colds in between (October 24th) and now (December 30th) and the occasional bout of diarrhea. But this could be seasonal allergies or the fact I was traveling so much in-between countries near the holiday season.

Now here we are, it has been about 8-9 weeks past exposure. In the past week however (week 8), I noticed a few itchy, flesh colored bumps with a dimple/dot in the middle on my body. Three on my chest. A few on my legs/ankles. A few on my arms.They are flesh colored and raised when not bothered. But when I scratch at them they become red. Could it possible be an ARS rash? Can ARS rashes develop 8-9 weeks past exposure? I have also had a few bouts of diarrhea and my right hip is very achy and sore. Could these be late onset ARS symptoms? Those symptoms in combination with the three Colds I have had in only the past two months have me terrified that it might be HIV.

Better yet, is it possible for ARS symptoms to appear 8-9 weeks after exposure? Could I possible have contracted HIV? I am so scared. Someone please help.

[Hayer26th]

ARS symptoms most generally occur between 2-6 weeks, and when they occur they usually occurs as a bunch and go as a bunch. Most HIV websites say if you only have one or two of the symptoms of HIV it's probably not HIV. Hypothetically speaking, if what you had were ARS symptoms, get a 4th generation test and if it's a negative then thats a very good sign. After initial symptoms are gone, as you said you had a cold on October they don't come back and usually from what i've researched is HIV symptoms do not occur regularly, once you have seroconverted, you do not get any more symptoms until you get to the final stage of HIV (AIDS).

I hope you're okay and that you do not get HIV. Have you asked him, when the last time he got tested was? You might have just got a general cold, and if your cold was HIV related, you would have got the rash, muscle pains at the same time. But the only way you will find out is if you get tested.      

[Boo1912]

Thank you so much for your input! I really appreciate it. Perhaps I am worrying myself for nothing. I think I will go get tested. It is better to be safe than sorry!