Exposed Oct 2022 atypical symptoms and negative IGG

[HSVdistress]

I am a 40 year old female. I had vaginal intercourse and oral sex and was possibly exposed to hsv2. He did not notice a cluster of dried sores in his pubic hair above the penis. 4 days after exposure I experienced tingling in my inner thighs and vagina. I immediately started to panic and pay very close attention to the area. I kept looking for a cluster of blisters in the area surrounding and my vulva. Eventually I looked inside the opening of my vagina and saw an irritated area. I was told it was contact dermatitis by a gyno and I left without a swab. It has been 4 months of off and on pain that follows my cycle. Both when I ovulate and have my period. Each part of my cycle is prefaced by nerve activity in my thighs. I have never presented with blisters but the irritated spot has never completely healed and I also have a spot that looks like an ulcer that does not heal. I’ve tested igg negative at 2 weeks, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. I’ve tested negative on a culture swab also. Now a week ago I began having oral symptoms. My lips burned and tingled as if I would get a cold sore but again no cluster of blisters. Just irritation.
1. Would I be infected inside my vagina if his were higher up on his pubic area?
2. Is there a chance I don’t have enough antibodies at 16 weeks?
3. If I had a canker sore in my mouth at the time, is it likely I would get oral HSV2?

Thank you for your time and expertise!

[Terri Warren]

1. Would I be infected inside my vagina if his were higher up on his pubic area?
Probably not
2. Is there a chance I don’t have enough antibodies at 16 weeks?
Yes, there is a chance. The igG test for HSV 2 misses 8% of HSV 2 infections compared to the western blot.
3. If I had a canker sore in my mouth at the time, is it likely I would get oral HSV2?
No

Terri

[HSVdistress]

Everything I have seen so far suggests that I do not have hsv2, but my symptoms before an outbreak are spot on and the timing after exposure is way too coincidental. Every 2 weeks my nerves in my legs begin twinging. It’s not painful but they intermittently twinge for a couple of days. Then I will experience discomfort in my genital region. It is sometimes a burning, sometimes a throbbing and sometimes the outer area is sensitive to touch. The nerve activity is on both legs but everything else is on the right side of my body. I have the 2 sores inside my vagina that seem to start healing and then become painful and red again. One looks like an ulcer and the other is raised and appears to have open cuts or sores on it.
10 days ago I experienced severe burning in my lips after another sexual encounter in which he licked his fingers after having them inside me then immediately kissed me. I know transmission is unlikely for HSV2 but the symptoms and timing are too coincidental. I am still suffering with a headache and sore neck muscles. Again everything is on the right side of my body. I never got a true cold sore though.
Could my breakouts present abnormally? Does this sound like any cases of HSV you have seen? I cannot find any other reason I would be experiencing so many nerve symptoms. Any ideas? How would you proceed? It has been 4 months and I do not have any kind of diagnosis. I’m desperate for some answers.

[Terri Warren]

This does not sound like any case of herpes that I’ve heard of, no. However, the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 1 infections compared to the western blot so it could be. For the person that swab tested the sores – what did they think it was?
I think the leg nerve things could be a red herring here.
I would suggest the western blot so you can at least be clear about HSV and then start working on other possibilities of a diagnosis.

Terri

[HSVdistress]

I would like to start the process for the western blot. I’m not sure what you would need from me and how long this could take. I would really like to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. I’m in located Florida. Please let me know what to do. Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

If you want to do the blot through me, you need to make an appointment through this website to visit – just follow the link to “get a western blot’ We’ll talk and get it all set up. While you wait for an appointment, order the kit: call 206-685-6066 they will send it to you.

You can also try to do this through your provider if you wish – that works for many people. but if you want to do it with me, I would be happy to help.
The cost is $325 for the test and the consult with me and then you still have to pay for shipping to UW and a blood draw. Just so you know the cost.

Terri

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