› Forums › Herpes Questions › Testing accuracy and should I retest
- This topic has 23 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 3 months ago by Terri Warren.
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September 4, 2015 at 9:02 am #9229GuiltandworryParticipant
Unpro. encounter with an old friend. We regret. I tested negative igg HSV2 at 2, 9, and 11 weeks after the encounter. I do have HSV 1, cold sore when kid. He tested neg for HSV2 10 weeks after encounter. He has been married 6 years said she has no history of herpes. Swears this whole year no one but she and I. I am freaking out bc I have had a bump (doc said maybe a block sebaceous gland between the two labia) it went away in a few days, anal fissure at week 11 and doc said it didn’t look suspect, uncomfortableness, tingling in hands and legs, sore throat, itching, full body itching, random rashes on arms that come and go. . I have gone to obgyn for all vaginal related issues and they said nothing looks like herpes. I was tested again through STDCheck igg HSV2 at 12 weeks since encounter and it was negative. The guy says I’m worried over nothing and freaking out and he is clean. I have been tested for everything else and all negative. Can I rely on 11 & 12 weeks post encounter negatives and his 10 weeks neg give what I have described above? Should I retest? I’m going crazy. Or is there a chance we haven’t seroconverted? Please help.
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September 5, 2015 at 3:25 am #9245Terri WarrenKeymaster
If his report of no other partners besides you and his wife is accurate and he is negative at 10 weeks then you should be just fine, yes. The ELISA does become positive more quickly than the western blot – I like 16 weeks for that one – so you should feel fine about this. Also, your symptoms are not those of herpes with your full body itching, random rashes on arms that come and go. Herpes affects the area of encounter – like genital – not full body symptoms. I feel that you are very likely worrying way too much and that neither you nor your partner has anything to worry about. I don’t believe that you need to retest, no.
Terri
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September 5, 2015 at 4:53 am #9256GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you for the response. I have had itching in the genital area as well. I had some itching and inspected two nights ago and there was some white in a labia folder near the clitoris. I wiped and cleaned the area. The next morning the fold was super red and it looked like a mini cut or tear in the middle of clitorial hood. I have also had discharge that is mucous like and whitish yellow. I am embarrassed to admit but I was pregnant during the sexual encounter and now 8 weeks postpartum. The encounter had some intercourse but I came to my senses and was like OMG stop…maybe 5-10 minutes tops. He says Im freaking out. He says that he is being honest and would never have jeapordized my baby and I, I gave birth 4 weeks after the encounter. He thinks I’m stressing and researching and going nuts for nothing and reading too much into all my issues. To help me calm down he did the test 10 weeks after our encounter. He knows what’s at stake so I think he is honest about no other people except his wife and this one stupid episode with me this entire year. Like I said he was negative at 10 and I have been negative at 2, 9, 11, and 12. I am just so worried and ashamed. My baby is my world and I was a horrible mother by letting this episode occur while pregnant. The babys father and I are try to mend our relationship, but if I tell him about this mistake there is no way he will try to form a family with us. This is the only dishonest, immoral thing I’ve ever done and I’m afraid of ruining my babys life, mine, and my partners. I don’t want to transmit anything. Am I being too paranoid like the now ex-friend says. Are these results accurate enough for me to move on without compromising my partner? I also fear herpes whitlow and transmitting to my child, I have washed my hands so much the finger tips are dry and cracked. I’m like OMG it that whitlow or really from washing hands too much. Please help me put my mind at rest with these tests. Thank you and thank you for responding, I don’t deserve compassion or help but I’m terrified.
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September 5, 2015 at 4:31 pm #9265Terri WarrenKeymaster
I wonder if being newly postpartum is affecting your ability to sort through this a bit more rationally. I know when I was postpartum, my judgement sucked – I was exhausted and hormonally so nuts, it is understandable that you might be freaking out. But assuming his wife does not have HSV 2, then there is no way if he didn’t have this at 10 weeks post encounter that you do! That is, of course, unless you’ve had sex with the baby’s father and he has it. So if I were in your shoes, and there is so much at stake here, like putting together a family, I would believe the antibody test that both of you have and work on putting this behind you now. and quit washing your hands excessively. This can get to be a very bad habit and it won’t help anything because I don’t believe you have herpes. I believe that if the test is negative at 12 weeks then it is going to stay negative.
Everyone deserves compassion and help when they are in a tough spot. We all make errors of various types. I think this is so profound for you because there is a baby and family at stake – I get that. But I hope you can step back and look at this more carefully and see that all the news is good.
Terri
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September 5, 2015 at 6:25 pm #9274GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you for being kind and helpful. I do not know his wife’s status but he said she hasn’t had anything he knows of. Additionally, he claims to never tested positive for anything. I guess even assuming his wife is HSV2 positive, then I could still feel confident about my 12 weeks negative?
I just freak out because of itching and I have had some hard bumps on my labia as well but they do not hurt to touch. He swears he is being honest and had told me that I’m being ridiculous, so much so he said he will no longer discuss this with me. So even assuming there is a possibility of her being positive …either he at 10 weeks post with me (using this bc I don’t know his last encounter with her) and I 12 weeks after him would have been positive by now if HSV2 was in play? I just want to feel confident in my 12 weeks negative and move on with life without hurting anyone further.
Thank you
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September 5, 2015 at 6:47 pm #9276Terri WarrenKeymaster
Yes, in my opinion, you can move on with your life and believe your 12 week test result.
Terri
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September 6, 2015 at 6:29 am #9284GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you for the response and I just want extra, extra clarification.
1. I do and have have itching and redness on my labia. Like I said I do have bumps, most are hard. Nothing seems to hurt to the touch. No painful urination. I inspect often and my labia seems irritated and I am hyper aware of it.
2. Even if his wife is positive for HSV2 or worst case he is lying about other people would I have a positive by week 11 or 12? I just want to make sure I pass nothing on.
What are the chances of a negative 11 & 12 week HSV2 being false negatives? Can I move forward confidently given all that I have explained.
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September 6, 2015 at 2:39 pm #9289Terri WarrenKeymaster
Herpes does not normally present as hard bumps – I have never really heard them described in that way. Many women do have redness and itching of the labia that is not herpes. Perhaps you should stop inspecting so closely – that, in itself, could be irritating, I think, if done too often.
If your test is negative by 12 weeks, it really doesn’t matter about his other partner(s). The chance of a false negative at 12 weeks is about 2%.
Terri
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September 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm #9293GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you that makes me feel better. So in your professional opinion I can move forward? I have noticed a red spot that itches and isnt hard that are like flesh but nothing broken open or painful to touch other than the abal fissure I mentioned.
Basically you’re saying him negative at 10 weeks post and I at 2,9,11, and 12 then I am fine and just going nuts?
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September 8, 2015 at 7:35 pm #9305Terri WarrenKeymaster
No, I didn’t say you were going nuts and I don’t think you are going nuts!
But I think that you can trust the test results at 12 weeks, yes.
If you have a red spot that you are concerned about you should have that checked out. But I seriously don’t think its herpes.Terri
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September 15, 2015 at 12:05 pm #9402GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Because I’m so worried I went to doctor and as always they say they see nothing that looks like herpes despite itching, pressure, bumps etc. I guess maybe it’s postpartum related.
Anyway as noted above the other person was negative for HSV2 10 weeks after the encounter. I tested at 2,9, 11, and 12 weeks negative for HSV2. I tested again 13 weeks and 5 days after the encounter and found once again I am negative on the igg test. I am assuming this truly means I’m negative and my issues are not herpes related? I just don’t want to infect my partner so I have tested a lot. I am assuming a Labcorp igg test at 13 wks 5 days post encounter is reliable I am negative!?!
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September 15, 2015 at 5:29 pm #9420Terri WarrenKeymaster
Good that you were seen and reassured about this.
A test at 13 weeks and 5 days is about as accurate as you are going to get unless you opt to do the western blot at 16 weeks from the encounter. But as both of you have tested negative. I believe you are home free.Terri
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September 17, 2015 at 5:07 pm #9458GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you for the response. As I have stated I have been to the OBGYN multiple times and they never seem concerned with lumps, bumps, itching, etc. I have been tested for everything and all is negative. I have researched HSV2 and if I have it I guess it would be atypical presentation. I have had red spots the size of a pin head some I can see a hair others I’m not sure. But I haven’t had classic blisters or wet ulcers. But like I said the guy said he never had issues and was neg 10 weeks after and I at 2, 9, 11, 12, and 13 wk 5 days.
1. Based on what I have stated above in previous discussions do you think I can can rely on the negative tests or should I do a western blot? I know you said many times before I am probably herpes free but then mentioned WB. In you opinion do I need it or you think ok to move on based on multiple negs?
2. I was pregnant at the time of contact as you know. If HSV2 was in play at all would my child have exhibited clinical manifestations by age 2 months if I had it and have to them?
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September 18, 2015 at 8:08 am #9469Terri WarrenKeymaster
I don’t think you need the western blot unless you just can’t let this go. Often people do the western blot just because they can’t stop worrying and this usually helps but do I think you need it scientifically? No
Yes, your child would have exhibited symptoms around 2 weeks of age if it was infected at birth.Terri
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September 18, 2015 at 11:34 am #9494GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
Thank you for being so helpful and kind.
1. I had researched a lot about the potential of transferring to my baby, I am glad to see your response above. I read that they would be apparent in a child so young and accompanied by fever and sickness. So nothing mild or subtle with a child?
2. I cannot risk the WB as I am nowhere close to UW and I am not even sure my doctor could arrange it. Your confidence in my Elisa test and the other guy, has made me feel better. I want to move forth with my relationship, I just didn’t want to be an atypical case of herpes and pass this to my husband. He deserves to be protected and I want our family to work. So I am guessing by that response my tests have your complete confidence and I can move on and Im herpes 2 free?
Thank you in advance for your response, you have made getting through this horrible time in my life tolerable.
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September 18, 2015 at 12:49 pm #9496Terri WarrenKeymaster
No, herpes is not at all subtle in a newborn.
If you did decide you wanted to do the western blot we are can arrange it be to drawn at a lab very close to your home. But honestly I think the odds of the testing missing both you AND your other partner are extremely tiny.Terri
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September 18, 2015 at 1:58 pm #9509GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
1. If I choose to do the Western Blot how does this work?
2. Billing? Can I pay with credit card?
3. Does anything come to my home? Nothing can come to my home address, period.
4. Which labs can be used? Quest, Labcorp, or doctors office?
5. I may not be able to contact by phone as I do not want a The phone number to the clinic showing on my bill. Is there an email I can contact to set this up?
6. Finally to help make my decision. Is this test any more accurate than the multiple tests I have already conducted? I want closure. I want to say I am fine and I can resume my relationship without harming my husband.
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September 18, 2015 at 4:36 pm #9523Terri WarrenKeymaster
1. If I choose to do the Western Blot how does this work?
You call the clinic, set up a phone consultation appointment with me and we order the test to be drawn at a lab near your home.2. Billing? Can I pay with credit card?
yes. The cost is $250-$315, depending upon where you live.
3. Does anything come to my home? Nothing can come to my home address, period.
No, just the credit card bill. I email test results.
4. Which labs can be used? Quest, Labcorp, or doctors office?
We only use Quest exclusively
5. I may not be able to contact by phone as I do not want a The phone number to the clinic showing on my bill. Is there an email I can contact to set this up?
We can work around this, yes
6. Finally to help make my decision. Is this test any more accurate than the multiple tests I have already conducted? I want closure. I want to say I am fine and I can resume my relationship without harming my husband.
This test picks up about 2-3% more infections with HSV 2 than the screening test.
Terri
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September 18, 2015 at 4:38 pm #9524GuiltandworryParticipant
How can we do email contact since I am to afraid to use the phone?
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September 18, 2015 at 6:00 pm #9535Terri WarrenKeymaster
I would like you to set up an appointment with me with my administrative assistant Roger for a 10 minute time slot. You and I will email back and forth during that 10 minute slot. Would that work for you? You have used up all of your questions now.
Terri
- This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.
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October 7, 2015 at 11:01 am #9929GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
As I noted I had an encounter 17 weeks ago. I had testing at 2, 9, 11, 12, and at almost 14 weeks with IgG being Negative for HSV2. He was negative 10 weeks post encounter For HSV2. I have purchased the WB and I am awaiting results. I have a few questions.
1. I have always been told any bumps were not herpes and my Gyn said the IgG tests were re assuring. Now at 17 weeks post I have a new bump unlike others I have noticed. It is a single bump, slightly reddish with what looks like a large whitehead. It is located right next to my vaginal opening, but not on labia. It doesn’t really seem to hurt. If I touch it there is a bit of sensitivity. Does this sound like herpes? I have been to the GYN so much and with my testing results I know they will not test any further or probably even see me.
2. As I noted previously in our convo I was pregnant at the time of encounter but gave birth 4 weeks later. Will this affect my seroconversion?
3. Do you think the WB that I had drawn at 16 weeks post encounter will be accurate? I am freaking out that seroconversion could be delayed by pregnancy.
Sorry I am just freaking out with this new spot and waiting on my WB results.
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October 8, 2015 at 7:45 am #9947Terri WarrenKeymaster
I provided your western blot results yesterday, did you not get them?
If you have a bump you are worried about you should have it swab tested
Pregnancy would not affect your testing, as I mentioned previously
The western blot is accurate, yes, at 16 weeks – you have neither type of herpes.Terri
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October 8, 2015 at 10:01 am #9961GuiltandworryParticipant
Terri,
I posted before I saw my results. It seems that whatever issues I am having are not genital herpes related bc the WB was negative for HSV2!! It caught the HSV1 I had as a child and I doubt that I have an genital HSV1 issue bc of those childhood cold sores.
As you have told me the 16 wk WB is accurate and there is nothing more I can do…correct? So I should move on bc im HSV2 free … I can rely almost 100% on the WB result.
Thank you for everything.
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October 9, 2015 at 11:56 am #9979Terri WarrenKeymaster
Yes, you can move on and put this behind you. This is the best possible test that we have. And with a negative partner also? You are home free!
Terri
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