Reply To: Unfaithful husband HSV1, I'm positive HSV2

[FaithfullyFoolish]

Hi Terri,
I met with my OB-GYN last week and as I feared, she was very contradictory to everything I have read here and in other medical resources regarding HSV testing. She told me a positive HSV2 was a positive, no question. She also said that the IGG means I have had it for a LONG time, and that if she did an IGM that result could be a better judge if it’s recent or not. She is a fierce woman and I didn’t know how to politely tell her I think there is other information available today that reflects otherwise… She steamrolled me about my medical concerns and focused more on what I was going to do for myself to make a change in my marriage. When I asked if she was familiar with the WB she said “Yes, but that’s only for HIV. Your confirmatory test is your positive IGG” I tried to tell her that there was one for HSV and it was nationally considered to be THE confirmatory test, and she brushed it off. She also told me that if I never had an outbreak, my chances of spreading it to someone else would be slim to none and I didn’t need to worry about future partners if I divorce. Needless to say, this meeting with her was even more crushing and confusing. It is hard to argue with a licensed, degreed DOCTOR but I feel everything in the Herpes community was the total opposite of the information she was providing me. Regardless of her opinions, she ran my blood tests upon my request and the results were as follows:

IGG Type Specific AB HSV 1: <0.90 Negative
IGG Type Specific AB HSV 2: <0.90 Negative

HSV1/2 AB (IGM), IFA w/RFL to Titer
HSV IGM Screen: Negative
HSV 2 IGM Screen: Negative

I know you don’t put faith in the IGM but I am sharing my results with you simply because I have them. I have not spoken with my doctor regarding my results, she simply left them on my voicemail yesterday and I am able to access the lab reports through my patient portal online. I do not really care to speak with her, since she said a “positive was a positive” I am sure she will scramble for an explanation as to why my negative could be either/or. My questions to you are as follows:

1) How do you interpret this second round testing? Since my husband was negative for HSV2, and both of these tests show negative for me, do I have hope that I am truly negative?
2) Is there any way the 5 days of acyclovir could have reacted with the initial HSV2 test causing the positive?
3) How can I be included in your upcoming research?
4) Do you still recommend the WB? I have done my research and between plane tickets, hotel, your clinic fees and a rental car I will spend ~$1,000.00 to have the test done. I am 100% committed to my health and mental well being and would make the financial sacrifice without question if you felt the WB was needed.

Thank you for your time and THANK YOU for your information. All I can think about is how many people receive a diagnosis like mine, believe their physician and never look further. It’s life changing!