Not sure what further steps to take.

[Czavala]

Believed to have genital herpes (27M). Took antivirals and still taking antivirals as soon as IGG HSV-2 Positive result came back (18 APR 2022). I am also HSV-1 positive and have known for a long time (Lip Cold sores since youth). Believed to be having first OB but also had a yeast infection. Tested again May 23, HSV1 – Positive, HSV2 – Equivocal. Still having symptoms but never being able to see a doctor in time for a swab. Still taking 400mg acyclovir twice a day. Taking 800mg twice a day when I believe I am having an outbreak.

Still having symptoms of either Genital Herpes or Yeast infection (burning sensation and slight tingling). Being very clean and carful in the genital area. Tested again Jul 14, HSV1 – Positive, HSV2- Negative.

7/14 Take Fluconazole 150mg in hopes of relieving symptoms.

(Jul 25) Negative HSV-2 results and being less cautions with genital area and hands (was wearing gloves to wash before). Trying to believe I am negative and burning sensation/tiny tiny blisters on head of penis and not on shaft I believe it to be safe to masturbate. Still thinking it is probably yeast infection and not an OB.

Day later (Jul 26) I feel the same sensation of tingling then burning on my hands. Two days after I feel it around my eyes. Always washed hands between any and all activities for at least 30 seconds. Always washing hands and always having hand sanitizer around.

(Jul 30) Speak to doctor and go to emergency room for symptoms and explain I believe I may have transferred herpes to different parts of my body. Take IGG Test again. Results come back HSV1 – Positive, HSV2- Negative.

Still having herpes symptoms in genital area though it has gotten better, have been take 800mg twice a day of Acyclovir for 11 days.

Requested Western Blot from my doctor.

Do not want to spread herpes to my child from Herpetic Witlow

Not sure what else to do and what further steps to take.

[Czavala]

1. Having HSV1 Antibodies for my entire life, how can it be an HSV1 outbreak that then moves to my hands and eyes??

2. Spoke to doctors and have been told acyclovir does not interfere with hsv-2 antibody detection using IGG blood test. I have had no sex since first HSV2 “Positive” result. HSV-2 Antibodies would have shown up already no? Additionally, I have always been positive for HSV1 and each test has came back as positive.

3. I have came back negative on every test for any other STD

4. Symptoms fit so well with herpes and follow a path from my genitals to my hands then my eyes. I have not found anything else that causes these same symptoms in the same fashion with the same sensations at the same time.

5. Next step is to get off acyclovir and let the virus take its course but I am cautions because I believe it to be in my eyes. I also have a two year old and can spread it to him through my hands potentially.

Feel caught between a rock and a hard place where doctors need to see the actual full blown symptoms without the medication but I can potentially risk exposing my child through symptomatic or asymptomatic shedding of herpetic whitlow and risk potential vision loss for herpes in the eyes.

[Terri Warren]

1. Having HSV1 Antibodies for my entire life, how can it be an HSV1 outbreak that then moves to my hands and eyes??
The eyes are in the same nerve group as the mouth and face, but your hands don’t sound anything like herpes to me.

2. Spoke to doctors and have been told acyclovir does not interfere with hsv-2 antibody detection using IGG blood test. I have had no sex since first HSV2 “Positive” result. HSV-2 Antibodies would have shown up already no? Additionally, I have always been positive for HSV1 and each test has came back as positive.

The doctors are incorrect. Taking acyclovir or other antivirals at the very first sign of an outbreak, for an extended period of time, can interfere with antibody tests. Is that the case with you? Have you taken antivirals for an extended period of time after thinking that you have HSV 2 as a new infection? I’m confused.

3. I have came back negative on every test for any other STD
OK

4. Symptoms fit so well with herpes and follow a path from my genitals to my hands then my eyes. I have not found anything else that causes these same symptoms in the same fashion with the same sensations at the same time.
I seriously doubt that since your oral infection is well established and transmission to a new site on your body is so unlikely

5. Next step is to get off acyclovir and let the virus take its course but I am cautions because I believe it to be in my eyes. I also have a two year old and can spread it to him through my hands potentially.
Have you had a blister rash on a red base that is very tender on a hand? I don’t see that and think that is unlikely.

Feel caught between a rock and a hard place where doctors need to see the actual full blown symptoms without the medication but I can potentially risk exposing my child through symptomatic or asymptomatic shedding of herpetic whitlow and risk potential vision loss for herpes in the eyes.

I think this whole thing is a bit off base now. Your HSV 2 went from positive to equivocal. Did you have a new partner that has HSV 2, is that why you think you have HSV 2? What was your index value on the low positive?

I would suggest that you consider coming off antiviral and have a swab test of any concerning symptoms right away.

Terri

[Czavala]

Yes I Have taken antivirals for an extended period of time after thinking that I had HSV 2 as a new infection in April.

1)I think this whole thing is a bit off base now. Your HSV 2 went from positive to equivocal. Did you have a new partner that has HSV 2, is that why you think you have HSV 2?

I had a partner, believe I got herpes from that person. Had flu like symptoms and red dots on penis. Tested positive for hsv-2 (only positive hsv2 igg test in the past 3 months) Showed my primary doctor but he could not diagnose me. Started acyclovir obtained from WISP (website) because I was afraid of asymptomatic shedding. I have not had a new partner since.

I have taken 4 igg tests for hsv1/2. All came back positive for hsv1. 1 positive for hsv2, another equivicol for hsv2, third negative for hsv2 and last one negative for hsv2.

I have been on acyclovir all this time.

How long should I be off acyclovir to then order western blot?

[Terri Warren]

I would recommend that you are off of it for three months before doing the blot. If you have any sort of outbreak in the meanwhile, get it swab tested using PCR or NAAT swabbing.

Are you able to ask the partner about their HSV 2 status?

Terri

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[Czavala]

Terri,

I have asked but was not able to get the persons status.

Can you explain the science behind why the antivirals effect the antibodies? I was under the impression that once I tested positive I would always test positive once the antibodies were present in my body?

How long should a person wait once they find out they are positive to start taking antivirals?

How long until antibodies are set and able to always come out on a test?

[Terri Warren]

A person can start taking antivirals any time after being diagnosed by a lab test as positive. We only worry about the impact of antivirals when taken daily right after new infection when no lab testing has been done to confirm the diagnosis. If the antiviral are working really well, they will prevent viral replication and then the immune system can see the virus and can’t make an immune response called antibody. If you are antibody positive, then you can certainly take antivirals.

Terri

[Author]

Posts