1. I’ve seen some info indicating that it can take up to 16 weeks to develop detectable antibodies, but everything I’ve seen you say has said 12 weeks is sufficient. Have you ever seen a false negative at 12 weeks that turns positive later? Or is a negative at 12 weeks as accurate as the igg gets (92% for hsv2, 70% for hsv1)?
I have not. 12 weeks is adequate
2. During our discussion you mentioned you were concerned about my stomach issues. Obviously I am as well and intend to get a GI referral. Is any of this concern specifically related to herpes or another sti? Or do you imagine these issues are related to some other infection/condition that I may have?
Not related to herpes.
3. Also during our conversation you mentioned something called the “multiplex test” that I could get for my GI issues. I’ve done some research and haven’t been able to find much about this, nor any testing service that offers it. Could you possibly point me in a direction for more information about this?
It is offered at Quest labs – your provider would need to order it.
4. Lastly, are my symptoms, particularly the GI issues I have described, something that you have seen before in a positive herpes patient? I have done extensive research into peer reviewed studies and personal anecdotes on various forums and haven’t heard of herpes presenting in this way. Everything I’ve read makes it seem like the timing of my symptoms, the symptoms themselves, the absence of lesions, and negative tests to this point just don’t indicate a herpes infection. But I understand this is a very complex virus that presents differently in everyone, so it’s been very difficult to rule it out. Any thoughts here?
I don’t think your symptoms are related to herpes.
Terri