HSV2 and Shingles?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I had shingles and chicken pox at a young age. I was around 11 or 12 when I had shingles. Is it possible that the antibodies detected for hsv2 are conflicting with my previous shingles infection?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

Also, can something like chlamydia impact antibodies detected in the lgg tests?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

My last follow up question is: I tested with a 1.2 value, then negative at .2 value, then positive at 1.8. My doctor gives me incorrect information such as hsv can’t be spread unless you have symptoms, so I knew it was time to use Western Blot. I have since scheduled an appointment with you. What is the likelihood of these being false positives?

• This reply was modified 6 months, 4 weeks ago by UnsureandScaredx2. Reason: Wording

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I forgot to ask: will the $325 charged at the end of our video consultation pay for UW to run the sample that is sent in? Or will I need to pay another $325 to UW?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I’m really frustrated with my doctor behind this. They seem to think that if I use western blot it’s going to come back positive because it’s just a “more sensitive antibody test,” so it’ll come back positive no matter what. I don’t understand how this makes sense and they refuse to listen to me when I tell them that my index values are low at 1.2, negative, and 1.8 and that there is a chance I have a false positive.

They essentially were condescending because I am wanting to do a more accurate test. Even if this is just a different type of antibody test, the amount of people who receive negatives after being positive from a a lgG test should alarm them, but it doesn’t. I don’t understand and I’m frustrated with them over this. They refuse to listen because I’m not a doctor. I even mentioned CDC and they said CDC is wrong about a lot of things.

Not to mention that they said “treatment will not change” if i do come back positive from WB. Meaning they won’t give me suppressive therapy because they believe transmission can’t happen unless there are symptoms. I’m confused and frustrated.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by UnsureandScaredx2.

[UnsureandScaredx2]

Based on my values being low positive, but the doctor saying I will be positive no matter what, which i don’t believe..I don’t know if I should get WB. Im hoping you have an answer on whether or not I should go for it if I have a chance of being false positives.

I have severe OCD, so my doctor ignoring the negative value and insisting I have it without symptoms and a test at 1.2 index value. I tested negative after 1.2, but my doctor said I still had it. Which caused me to get tested again when I don’t think I should have. That test led to a 1.8. Im still not convinced I have it as I haven’t been with anyone who has it as far as I know.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by UnsureandScaredx2. Reason: Obsessive thoughts

[Terri Warren]

You most definitely need a western blot. Your doctor is apparently unfamiliar with the CDC guidelines that recommend everyone with an index value below 3.0 should be taking a confirmatory test due to high rates of false positives on these tests, when the value is below 3.

If you do the western blot with me, the $325 would be charged at the end of our visit, correct.

Terri

[UnsureandScaredx2]

Hi Terri, I just purchased additional questions. I’m obsessively testing with tests from “any lab test now” and keep coming back with low positives (anywhere from 1.2-1.8 value) and negative as well. I still don’t have symptoms and I have never been with anyone with a confirmed hsv2 test.

I don’t feel I have hsv2 because I’m a very symptomatic person whenever I catch a virus of some sort. My provider (who I have since switched since they refuse to adhere to cdc guidelines) really messed with my head on this telling me I had hsv even though I had a negative test—which caused me to test again unnecessarily.

My question is: is it possible to test multiple times with low positives and still be negative with western blot?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I added to this with my second—this is the same question but with an additional question at the end.

Hi Terri, I just purchased additional questions. I’m obsessively testing with tests from “any lab test now” and keep coming back with low positives (anywhere from 1.2-1.8 value) and negative as well. I still don’t have symptoms and I have never been with anyone with a confirmed hsv2 test.

I don’t feel I have hsv2 because I’m a very symptomatic person whenever I catch a virus of some sort. My provider (who I have since switched since they refuse to adhere to cdc guidelines) really messed with my head on this telling me I had hsv even though I had a negative test—which caused me to test again unnecessarily.

My question is: is it possible to test multiple times with low positives and still be negative with western blot?

My second question is: I discovered I had chlamydia and after treatment I’m still experiencing a tingling sensation at the tip of the urethra opening. It does not hurt to urinate. Is this hsv related or am I just experiencing lingering symptoms of chlamydia?

[Terri Warren]

My question is: is it possible to test multiple times with low positives and still be negative with western blot?
Definitely

My second question is: I discovered I had chlamydia and after treatment I’m still experiencing a tingling sensation at the tip of the urethra opening. It does not hurt to urinate. Is this hsv related or am I just experiencing lingering symptoms of chlamydia?
I would guess that it is a lingering symptom of chlamydia while the cells of the urethra heal.

Terri

[UnsureandScaredx2]

Hi Terri,

First I would like to say I appreciate the work you’re doing and how big of an advocate you are for accurate testing. It’s really frustrating going to a doctor that doesn’t understand how unreliable testing for HSV is. Over the past month I have gone through the worst time of my life because my medical provider decided I had HSV2 despite testing with a 1.2 index value and then a negative right after. I don’t understand why a medical professional would be so quick to diagnose and not advocate for the most accurate test possible. So, thank you for being an ally and advocate for us. I’ve seen the amount of lives that you have changed by advocating and helping them receive western blots despite their PCP writing them off as HSV2 positive.

I have a few questions I would like to ask:

1. What do you believe the likelihood of me having HSV2 is with zero symptoms and the following index scores: 1.2, negative, 1.8, 1.7, 1.4, and 1.8. I have tested repeatedly because I have pretty severe OCD, so when the NP I saw diagnosed me as HSV2 positive, I couldn’t comprehend how when I tested negative most recently at the time. So, that’s why I am now doing the western blot.

2. I’ve seen you touch on balanitis. I’ve sent a picture of the gland to a doctor and they believe it is balantitis. I do not have discharge or anything. It gets more irritated after intercourse with my partner (using a condom). I did have chlamydia 3 or so weeks ago. This started then and has been ongoing for about a month now. Could this be herpes related? I’ve seen you say that balantitis isn’t herpes related, but I believe that was in a thread from 2019 and I’m wondering if anything has changed. I see online that herpes causes balantitis and I’m wondering if that’s accurate or not? Especially if I’ve been having this rash type thing for almost a month now.

[Terri Warren]

1. What do you believe the likelihood of me having HSV2 is with zero symptoms and the following index scores: 1.2, negative, 1.8, 1.7, 1.4, and 1.8. I have tested repeatedly because I have pretty severe OCD, so when the NP I saw diagnosed me as HSV2 positive, I couldn’t comprehend how when I tested negative most recently at the time. So, that’s why I am now doing the western blot.

If the index value falls between 1.1 and 1.5, there is an 85% chance this is a false positive. If it falls between 1.5 and 2.0, I believe it is about a 70% chance that it is a false positive You need the blot

2. I’ve seen you touch on balanitis. I’ve sent a picture of the gland to a doctor and they believe it is balantitis. I do not have discharge or anything. It gets more irritated after intercourse with my partner (using a condom). I did have chlamydia 3 or so weeks ago. This started then and has been ongoing for about a month now. Could this be herpes related? I’ve seen you say that balantitis isn’t herpes related, but I believe that was in a thread from 2019 and I’m wondering if anything has changed. I see online that herpes causes balantitis and I’m wondering if that’s accurate or not? Especially if I’ve been having this rash type thing for almost a month now.

Balanitis is a word to describe inflammation on the head of the penis. This could be caused by many things, but mostly fungal infections. is it possible that inflammation could be herpes, yes, I suppose that is possible, but most people would not describe herpes lesions on the head of the penis as balanitis, they would describe it as an outbreak.

Terri

[UnsureandScaredx2]

If I’ve had balanitis for weeks would that be considered an outbreak? It’s only red and it doesn’t hurt

[Terri Warren]

No, it would not.

Terri

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I think I’m confused. I know I shouldn’t be searching online for answers, but I’m curious…different places online say that balanitis is a symptom of herpes. Is that accurate? I was under the impression that it was only certain lesions such as blisters or fluid filled pimples?

[UnsureandScaredx2]

To add to this: I think I’m confused. I know I shouldn’t be searching online for answers, but I’m curious…different places online say that balanitis is a symptom of herpes. That seems to be atypical to me as no where on here or any other form does anyone describe balintitis as their sole symptom. I didnt even realize there was a change in appearance until a week or so ago, I thought it was just normal friction from sex the entire time.

– Is that accurate that balintitis is a symptom? I was under the impression that it was only certain lesions such as blisters or fluid filled pimples?

– I’m seeing a dermatologist about it tomorrow because the prescribed cream I’m applying isn’t getting rid of the redness. It’s a textbook balantitis look, but not severe, and only noticeable under brighter lighting. My Doctor said it was balantitis, but the cream isn’t working as I had hoped. Have you ever seen balintitis as the sole symptom of HSV2?

– I have an appointment with you on 10/18, so I’m trying to hold in all of my questions knowing they will be addressed during our meeting for the western blot, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. One of the main reasons I’m concerned is because my partner is immunocompromised. Would someone who is immunocompromised be more likely to show symptoms than someone immunocompetent? Will they always have a telltale outbreak or is it possible for immunocompromised to not show symptoms?

[Terri Warren]

Is that accurate that balintitis is a symptom? I was under the impression that it was only certain lesions such as blisters or fluid filled pimples?
Balanitis simply describes inflammation of the head of the penis. if herpes lesions are on the head of the penis, I guess one could use that term but generally, not. Generally, balanitis refers to more generalized redness and irritation of the head of the penis

– I’m seeing a dermatologist about it tomorrow because the prescribed cream I’m applying isn’t getting rid of the redness. It’s a textbook balantitis look, but not severe, and only noticeable under brighter lighting. My Doctor said it was balantitis, but the cream isn’t working as I had hoped. Have you ever seen balintitis as the sole symptom of HSV2?
NO

– I have an appointment with you on 10/18, so I’m trying to hold in all of my questions knowing they will be addressed during our meeting for the western blot, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. One of the main reasons I’m concerned is because my partner is immunocompromised. Would someone who is immunocompromised be more likely to show symptoms than someone immunocompetent? Will they always have a telltale outbreak or is it possible for immunocompromised to not show symptoms?
It is certainly possible for an immunocompromised person to not show symptoms or to show symptoms – both are possible.

Terri

[UnsureandScaredx2]

I see that WB tests for 16 different proteins rather than 1. A doctor has told me that the WB is the same test as the commercial one, only stronger. So, if I’m positive with the commercial one, I’ll be positive with WB, according to them. Is this false info? So my question is, If I had a protein in my blood that is artificially tripping the IgG test, wouldn’t it have tripped it years ago? Or is testing from 2015/16 different from now?

[Terri Warren]

Whoever told you that is mistaken.
The igG test has evolved over time and people who were negative before have been getting some false positives now.

We have been round and round and round about this. This is my final response to you. Get the western blot to find out for sure if you are infected or believe whomever and live like you have herpes. Your call.

Terri

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