WB assistance in Fl

[HelpinFL]

Hi Terrie-
In 2014 I found out my long time partner had cheated, around the same time I had a painful bump show up on my bikini line which I assumed to be an ingrown hair or similar. Made appt with dr for full screening on day 2 of the bump. Had full panel done which included Igm, Igg, and culture. Igm was negative for 1&2, culture showed not isolated, Igg showed 1.12 for HSV1 and 2.84 for HSV2. Retested 10 days later with different lab showed Igg hsv1 showed 1.08, and hsv2 showed 3.02. Tried to discuss possibility of false positive with my dr as culture of what he called a lesion was negative and he told me there was no such thing as false positive. That I had a positive result and there was nothing else he could do. I have since re addressed with him to see if he would assist with the western blot process as I have never had a breakout or cold sore and have had 2 full blown chicken pox episodes (age 5 and age 26)and he states he will not, and I need to accept my positive result. I have disclosed to any potential partner since my divorce because I feel it’s the right thing to do, but also feel it’s time to know my true result as the more I research it seems false positives are common and most people test with some value as opposed to just zero. Few people choose to risk getting herpes obviously and I have not been sexually active in 2 years (I have heard my values could have been affected by my ongoing relationship with an infected partner, using protection) I am having new bloodwork done today at ALTN separate from my Dr to get a current baseline value. But would like assistance in obtaining a Western blot confirmation. Is this something you can assist with as I cannot find resources to assist in Florida? The stigma and ignorance in society and the medical community about this condition is appalling and I’ve spent almost 10 years trying to figure out my true answer. Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

[HelpinFL]

Hello again –

I used AnyLabTestNow and the only results they gave me was >5 hsv2 and negative hsv1. Not sexually active 2 years, never an outbreak or cold sore. Please help me understand what is going on??

[Terri Warren]

well, shame shame shame on your doctor! The CDC guidelines about low positive HSV 2 results are very clear and readily available.
However, your >5 value is concerning to me and a bit confusing as well. Have you had intercourse without a condom between the testing in 2014 and now? It is possible you were infected in between those two dates?
I would be delighted to help you with the western blot. I have definitely seen false positives at >5

Terri

• This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[HelpinFL]

Hi Terri-

No I have not, obviously I was very concerned about infecting anyone and couldn’t get clear answers from my Dr. I did test on my own a few times over the years through quest and values were always under 3 for hsv2 Igg. I haven’t tested at all for a few years due to not being sexually active so I was really surprised to see that result! I did call the lab and found out they used the Liason chemiluminescence immunoassay this week. What are your thoughts on this test? As I looked up studies on it and didn’t see great info. I have a video consult scheduled with you for next week and I am attempting to have a another test at quest prior to the consult in an effort to get an actual value. My health has always been a bit tricky, previously called zebra by old dr before he retired. As said previously I did have multiple chickenpox episodes as well as EBV as a teen and HSP as a child, and spent most of 2020 undergoing testing for autoimmune issues, possible Hodgkin Lymphoma etc. only to be told it was reactive nodes that continued to grow. And have had multiple confirmed Covid exposures this year without ever testing positive and I’m not vaccinated. All 2020 health issues started before last sexual partner or I would have assumed possible infection from him. A lot of info I know but didn’t know if any of these could cause these results. Is it even possible for this to be false? How often are there false positives over 5? And should I even trust that result?

[Terri Warren]

I’m not sure what to add, except that you should get the western blot. There are false positives over 5, yes. You can either trust your current result for the rest of your life or get a better test, your call. I can definitely help you with this

Terri

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[HelpinFL]

Terri-

Thank you, As I mentioned in previous post I already have an appt scheduled with you to consult for the western blot. Unfortunately we had a hurricane the day of my lab draw and I was unable to get a new value. Is that something that will be required for the blot?

[Terri Warren]

Nope, you don’t need a new value, we’ll work with what we have.

Terri

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