Asymptomatic and confused

[mimih23]

Hello. I was diagnosed with HSV-2 as a result of having had my blood drawn during my usual std panel request. I request everything given my number in partners and yeast infection issues. I make it a point to request the blood test ever since I realized that it was not a part of the basic std panel. My results were 5.3 (igg test) in November 2015. My last 2 tests, one conducted in August 2015 were negative…so a small window for infection between August to November.
Anyway, given that I’m asymptomatic, when and how should I be tested to confirm diagnosis? Could this be a false positive? How many more times should I be tested before resuming sex (that’s if I ever do it again anyway)? Thanks!!!

[Terri Warren]

A 5.3 is pretty high and very likely to confirm by western blot, which is the gold standard. What about sexual contacts between, say, May and October? Did you have any new partners? Have any of them been tested that you know of? Have you talked to any partners about their HSV 2 status? Have you had any genital herpes symptoms at all, lesions or sores in the boxer shorts area?
I don’t think you need to do any more IgG testing at all, though you could, to be certain there are no sample mix ups. If your test is positive again, you may wish to confirm with western blot. I have had a person with an index value of > 5 not confirm by western blot in the past six months and four with index values greater than 4 not confirm, as well.

Our clinic can order this test for you to be drawn at a Quest lab near you or you can order a test kit directly from UW for your provider to draw and ship back to UW.

Terri

[mimih23]

Thank you very much. I’ve had a few between April 5 to November 1. I tested negative for hsv2 in August. I’ve not spoken to anyone before that. The two afterwards I have. One, stopped speaking so I have no idea of his status. The other claims he’s never had symptoms and “feels” that he doesn’t have it. I sent him all of the literature and begged him to get tested. Pretty sure he hasn’t so no clue there either. I inspect them all beforehand and do ask about previous test results but apparently forgot about the potential for shedding.
Anyway, I would like to have the western blot ordered for me through your connection. Also, because I was so afraid of the idea of having an outbreak, I immediately started taking the valtrex subscription that my gyn gave me not realizing the dosage was for an outbreak not suppression (confirmed with the pharmacist).
As far as potential outbreaks, I deal enough with boils, precancerous cells popping up externally and then removed (happened once, I’m noticing the sane white patch again near my anus on my hemorrhoids so I will be going back for that soon) and yeast infections that I hope I’m not missing something. All of the gyns in the past year and a half have inspected and have always confirmed that there were no visible signs…even on this last trip when I went in due to a bad yeast infection (I moved 3 times, 3 states in 12 months due to work so my first doc is usually a gyn then an internist to monitor my type 2 diabetes) So at any rate, let me know what I should do to get the ball rolling for the WB and the best time to get it done based on my history and possible anti-viral “overdose”. Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

How much Valtrex have you taken?
I ask about partners prior to August because it can take up to four months to become positive after an HSV 2 infection.
All you have to do is call the clinic and set up a phone consultation. They will tell you prices (based on where you live) and a time to talk with me and we’ll get the ball rolling.

terri

[mimih23]

Do I just tell them that Westover sent me? Thanks again.

[mimih23]

I took 500mg twice a day for 5 days the very night of my diagnosis.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, just tell them that Terri Warren sent you. No problem with the medication.

Terri

[mimih23]

I think I’m having symptoms. I started feeling groggy, like flu symptoms I think. I’ve never had the flu but anyway….
As I’m always videotaping myself to check on things…. I turned the camera on the other day same time my menstrual calendar indicated that I was ovulating. I noticed a white discharge and then itchiness. A few days later I could see small fissures above and to the right of my vaginal opening. A usual spot for previous irritation so I’m annoyed.

I just hate that all of this is happening during the holidays. I have to wait till the 7th for my doc to look at it. He’s also gotta look at this rash that appeared after my last visit that I’m wondering is the result of the anti-fungal ointment prescribed on that last visit.

I still want to take the western blot though. I just want to confirm. I’ve dealt with some form of irritation over another for years that it’s all becoming a blur.

Thanks for reading.

[Terri Warren]

Too bad you can’t see your doctor sooner than that to get that fissure swab tested to know if that is anything to do with herpes. Let’s get that ordered as soon as we can next week.

Terri

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