On going numbness on feet/legs

[worryALot]

Hi Terri,
Situation:
I have been diagnosed with Herpes 3 months ago (Feb 7, 2023) with a swab test. Got it from an ex who did not disclose it to me and still lied to me that it was his 1st OB too (long story). Was on antiviral on the 1st outbreak and I have this rash after a month also. I went to see the doctor for the rash because it was getting worse the doctor said that it was the reaction of the body trying to fight off the new virus. Dortoc put me on another dose of Antiviral (just like the initial outbreak dose). And the rash gets better.
Then, for the past 1 week, I have been having this ongoing numbness down on my leg and feet (with no sign of an outbreak) and left abdomen pain I went to see PA and she said the abdomen pain is caused by Diverticulosis which is shown on my CT scan. However, the numbness down my leg/foot has not been explained well. PA keeps on saying that this is not related to Herpes which is very very hard to believe for me. I honestly just feel cheated by the medical system in the US (given that I am not originally from here, had NO idea about Herpes before the day I contracted it, and am on STD testing panel regularly). I am really not sure if she is lying to me to just keep the treatment going for money (I know I am horrible to think in this way, but I am not sure whom to believe anymore). This whole antiviral industry scam. I am surprised how any other part of this world does not really think that Herpes is as big of a deal as the US.

The feeling is extreme and overwhelmed:
I have never had this before contracted Herpes, and I have read the information research online that Herpes could do worse damage to the nerve. Is it true? Will I have this symptom for the rest of my life now? Not being able to have sex is 1 thing, now, do I have to accept that I will have this numb sensation for the rest of my life? I am a very active athlete and I am currently crying every night that I might not be able to function the same anymore.
-Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

First, let’s start with exactly how you were diagnosed – blood antibody test, swab test? IgG, IgM? Were you told that you have HSV 1 or HSV 2?

Have you tried continuous antiviral therapy for any extended period of time for the numbness? If yes, for how long and how much.

I don’t know what you mean by antiviral industry scam. Would you like to explain>?

TErri

[worryALot]

Hi Terri, I did mention the swab test for HSV2.
Have you tried continuous antiviral therapy for any extended period of time for the numbness? If yes, for how long and how much? -No, I have not had continuous treatment of antiviral for suppressive therapy for numbness/pain down the hip/leg/foot. I went to see OB/GYN NP and PA of my family doctor, both said the same that this is NOT due to Herpes.
“I don’t know what you mean by antiviral industry scam. Would you like to explain>?” -I am sorry. I think I have been reading content online too much, and I know I need to stop.

Anyway, what do you recommend? Do you think I should be on daily antiviral since the 1st year of contracting Herpes? In my mind, I was thinking to see how many outbreaks I have for the 1st year, so I can decide on the treatment plan which is most suitable for me. Or do you think otherwise?

Thank you so much!

[Terri Warren]

Yes, you did mention the swab. Sorry.
Well, if you were my patient, I would try you on three months of daily antiviral medication, 500 mg of valacyclovir daily, and see if you see any improvement. If there is no improvement, that suggests that the numbness is likely unrelated to herpes.
I don’t think you need to wait a year to try this, no, there’s just no reason to do that.

Terri

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