Arginine Theory T or F?

[kierke]

I am still testing negative for HSV1 and 2 via serology tests after 5 months even though I have had some symptoms (oral and genital).  I decided to do an experiment and see if the arginine/lysine theory had any merit.  This evening I consumed good sized portions of almonds, cashews, raisins and some chocolate.  I experienced a disturbed sleep and felt like the virus was surging inside my body (warmer than usual and felt weak,head throbbing and like I was coming with the flu, even feet felt numb since I have been having some burning and pins and needles in them).  This usually does not occur if I have not consumed these arginine rich food items.  Is this merely a coincidence, or does this happen people who are not infected?  I don't recall this happening before I supposedly contracted this virus or viruses 5+ months ago.

[worryman297]

The only thing to do is to get a Western Blot or have any of symptoms (should they reappear) get PCR swabbed. You contact University of Washington or Westover Height clinics for that. No reason to speculate about a  slight possibility of an infection  which theoretically is affected by some foods. I know about Bigtime s situation from an old post and it can be confusing but not getting repeated symptoms,  atypical  time frames and atypical presentation plus  Western that shows the result for you will be the most conclusive as you can get. Even if you have it those burning stinging sensations are probably psychological as herpes doesn't cause constant symptoms. Burning durin urination caused by herpes would be very painful because there would be sores in the urethra. Not slight burning.

[kierke]

I assume you are male.
Am I wasting my time going to see a urologist?  Experiencing frequent urination, constipation, slightly burning (and clammy) genitals, buttocks all day long (most noticeably at night when trying to get some sleep).  
Prostatitis?  Urethritis?  Cystitis?  (possibly aggravated by virus?).
Have you done a culture of semen (mycoplasma, etc?)
Not sure what to do anymore.

[kierke]

If I were to have been infected orally at the same time, based on your research and experience, would I have had a major outbreak (sore throat, lesions inside mouth and outside that would have lasted 1-2 weeks)?

[kierke]

If I were to have been infected orally at the same time, based on your research and experience, would I have had a major outbreak (sore throat, lesions inside mouth and outside that would have lasted 1-2 weeks)?

[kierke]

Thanks.  Scary stuff.  Do you steer clear of arginine-rich foods (chocolate, nuts, etc.?).  If so, do they create issues for you, or do you believe that it is all psychological?  Have you experimented with anti-virals or monolaurin to see if they make a difference in how you feel?

[Bigtimeworried55]

Welcome to he HSV1 enigma club. I have had similar symptoms and lesions and yet still showing a negative for HSV1: 0.30 and HSV2: 0.06 over a year and a couple months from exposure. Even took a Western Blot at almost 6 months- negative as well.

If you're still throwing a negative like that at 5 months, outside of catching an active lesion with a swab, you will never catch this virus theough antibody tests. You just won't. There is no explanation for this but HSV1 is almost always the culprit because it's the most difficult to test for in certain people. Why? Nobody knows.

I would focus more on active lesions and use your resources and time to swab when/if these issues present themselves again. It's the only way (if you truly have HSV) you will catch it.

Sucks, but it's just the way it and these tests are the best we have.

[kierke]

Thanks worryman.  Yes, initial water blister pretty much healed quickly after it burst (clear liquid first and then some minor bleeding at the end) and did not reappear and/or turn into painful crusty ulcer(s).  I have never had another fluid-filled water blister appear since that initial episode ---only some flat, reddish lesions (some tiny, pen point bumps that lasted for a few days, others somewhat larger that lasted a week).  All in all, although the initial bumps and then blister appeared for only a few days, the run-down feeling, burning sensations, genital numbness at times, neuralgia have persisted for quite a while (months), so I assume it was the virus gaining a foothold in my system.  I hope that you are able to find some resolution with your ailments.  

[worryman297]

You can seek. Western Blot to be sure

[worryman297]

I can't exactly say but still a strong negative at 5 months and the 10 days isn't the most common incubation period. Also no first time herpes does not last 1-2 days but 1-2 even 3 weeks.

[kierke]

Thanks, worryman.  I had unprotected oral, so, unfortunately, I don't think it would anything but HSV-1.  My recollection is that the bumps appeared 1.5 weeks after exposure, next day turned into water blister that I punctured and healed up immediately.  Sounds like mild case of HSV?  

[worryman297]

First time herpes sore would not heal in 2 days. The time I t takes them to appear is 2 days after burning and they stay there as painful blisters for 1 week and Burst and heal as it scabs over for another week. But yes I understand your concern but with those number you only have a 5-9% of being hsv1 positive. Those blisters could have appeared because of friction or irritation.  Maybe you can order a Western Blot for a peace of mind. You can ask you provider.

[kierke]

Worryman, I experienced burning in genitalia and flu like symptoms/fatigue followed by a few reddish bumps on penis that turned into a water blister just under 2 weeks from exposure.  Blister healed quickly (a day or two).  Continuing neurologic symptoms not to mention extreme anxiety for past number of months.  All my tests are low negative (.10 or below for both 1 and 2), but I understand that these may be false negatives, especially 1 (acc. to what I have read on these posts).  I have not had a chance to swab yet but I am planning to take Western Blot.  If this isn't HSV, not sure what else it could be.

[worryman297]

I think your body isn't used to consume that amount of unusual food esp like chocolates me you are stressed out and hypersensitive these are most likely the reason for disturbance. And symptoms you describe has nothing to with herpes. What kind of oral/genitals symptoms find you have in the first place?