Confusing test results

[Beyond stressed]

Terri,
I had unconsentual sex on August 26,2017. I went in 2 weeks later for a STD screen. Once the results came back negative, I started to put this behind me. Fast forward six months, I had some vaginal irritation. When in to doctor they knew what happened to me prior and suggested I do another full std screen in case something has popped up. I thought I was in the clear and immediately started to have flashbacks and nightmare occur. Anyways found out I tested positive for both HSV 1- 1.6, and HSv2- with a 10.10! I was so shocked. I figured I had hsv1 but never any symptoms of hsv2. I told my bf, he tested negative and wanted me to get retested. Less than a week later from the first blood drawn, I went back to a different clinic and had an IGG test ran again because I didn’t want to accept me having this. They used the Herpeselect I tested 1.0 equivocal for hsv1, and barely positive 1.3 for HSV2. My first igg test I couldn’t get the name for. I went ahead and got the western blot. I sent it off April 18th. I’m anxiously waiting he results. Do you think I can have a negative on the western blot even with that first test being so high? I don’t see how I can test a 10.10, and less than a week later take another IGG and it drops to 1.3, with 1.1 being positive. I feel like my life is ruined. I didn’t think I’d be dealing with both emotionally and now physical life long consequences from this happening to me.

[Terri Warren]

There is something very odd going on here. I’m wondering if somehow there was a sample mix up somewhere along the line. Good that you sent off the blot – I’ll be eager to hear the results. And are you certain that HSV 1 and 2 testing was done at the first round of testing?

Terri

[Beyond stressed]

I don’t believe so. At the time I had a cut, which they said looked like nothing, but did a swab year to be sure, it came back negative. I believe they only did a swab test at that time. Oh and the reason why I had the irration was because I had BV. They saw no lesions or physical signs when I had the examation done a couple weeks ago.

[Terri Warren]

Bacterial vaginosis does not cause irritation. The “osis” part of this diagnosis rather than “itis” is becAuse it is not an inflammatory condition. I can cause an abnormal odor but not normally irritation. I hope you will get a western blot as a confirmatory test to clear up this confusion.
Terri

[Beyond stressed]

Terri,
Western blot came back positive. I’m confused because my first score was 10.10 a strong positive. Wouldn’t that mean I’ve had it for several years? Test a week later showed barely positive 1.3. My doctor refuses to prescribe me meds to take daily to prevent transmission to my partner who tested negative. She will only prescribe me mess if I have an outbreak.
1. If I’ve had this for several years, wouldn’t I have had an outbreak? I’m layered down there so there’s no mistaken anything for razor burn or ingrown hairs and I’m highly OCD with any changes in my body and I’ve never noticed anything.
2. Which antivirals are the most effective e for preventing shedding? And what dosage should I take daily if I can find a doc to prescribe me some?
3. I’ve heard daily use of antivirals can had a negative effect on your kidneys or liver. Is this true?
4. Is there any benefit to him showering after we have sex with a certain kind of soap to help? I think I read someone was using some kind of antiviral soap after they had sex and they haven’t passed it out to their partner.
5. Is it common for people be married several years where one is positive and never passes it on to their partner without using meds or protection? I’m just worried because I have no idea what area below this virus has entered my body since I’ve never had any bumps, cuts, or sores.
6. With a score of 10.10 IGG does that mean I’ve had this for years even though a week later I scored 1.3 on HerpeSelect IgG? So confused by these varied results.

[Terri Warren]

1. If I’ve had this for several years, wouldn’t I have had an outbreak? I’m layered down there so there’s no mistaken anything for razor burn or ingrown hairs and I’m highly OCD with any changes in my body and I’ve never noticed anything.
Some people really just don’t have outbreaks. And remember that they can show up anywhere between waist and mid thigh.

2. Which antivirals are the most effective e for preventing shedding? And what dosage should I take daily if I can find a doc to prescribe me some?

Yes, get a new doc for this or sometime people can get them online with an online doc.
Valtrex 500 mg once a day or acyclovir 400 mg twice a day – equally effective when taken as directed.

3. I’ve heard daily use of antivirals can had a negative effect on your kidneys or liver. Is this true?

No, but if you already have decreased kidney function, your dose should be adjusted.

4. Is there any benefit to him showering after we have sex with a certain kind of soap to help? I think I read someone was using some kind of antiviral soap after they had sex and they haven’t passed it out to their partner.

Maybe but we have no evidence for that – it can’t hurt!

5. Is it common for people be married several years where one is positive and never passes it on to their partner without using meds or protection? I’m just worried because I have no idea what area below this virus has entered my body since I’ve never had any bumps, cuts, or sores.

Yes,I have seen this over and over again.

6. With a score of 10.10 IGG does that mean I’ve had this for years even though a week later I scored 1.3 on HerpeSelect IgG? So confused by these varied results.

Did you use the same lab or different labs? Different labs use different brands of tests and the results can vary quite a lot. Both however, were positive.

This is your final post on this subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.

[Author]

Posts