Re: atypical hsv vs vulvodynia?

[Coco9090]

I have been having chronic burning/pinching sensations in my left lower labia majora/perineum for 3.5 months following sexual encounters with two men a week apart. One completely protected, one with oral sex unprotected and sex protected (except condom came off for maybe 2 seconds and was replaced).  Both men have told me they have since had blood tests-the first completely protected encounter was  igg positive for hsv 1 neg hsv 2 (said he thought he had cold sore as child) and second encounter stated negative for both-wasn’t sure if igm or igg.  I have not had any typical outbreaks.  For first two months providers stated they couldn’t see any redness when I felt I was on fire. Anything that has looked remotely suspicious I have had cultured, all negative. At 2 months post exposure I thought I was experiencing folliculitis and was overzealous with some razor burn wipes (containing alcohol, salicilic acid and glycolic acid) which I think gave me a chemical burn in my vagina and rectum-that was the only time that a provider looked and saw red raw patches near introitus and rectum and said could be wipes, yeast or herpes. All cultures negative. I was also experiencing some peripheral neuropathy.  I was given a 7 day yeast cream, which was so painful I could hardly sleep for three nights...She put me on a 10 day course of valtrex just in case...raw skin healed but burning pinching sensation remained. I was very concerned this might have been a herpes outbreak, but given the timing of the wipes right before-they immediately burned like crazy.... Have seen vulvar dermatologist and had biopsy of affected area-no viral material found. She doesn’t believe this is herpes, is calling it vulvodynia. I have had hsv 1 and gotten cold sores on my mouth since childhood so only did igg for hsv 2. One at ten weeks post exposure (but 2 days after completing 10 day course of valtrex) was negative. Second igg at 14 weeks post exposure and one month after last valtrex dose, also negative. Plan to do one more at 18 weeks exposure to get one more after no valtrex for two months. I am in a constant state of discomfort. Peripheral neuropathy has stopped (lasted for 5 weeks), but I am experiencing crazy burning sensations-I keep looking to see an outbreaks but there is nothing there. The only other time I have experienced any redness is from giving myself contact dermatitis in my vagina from too much aspercream with lidocaine down there.  Am now just using coconut oil with lidocaine for pain and started a ssri. Saw a pain doctor who believes my pain is viral in nature-maybe shingles recurrence (which I have had in the past but not in groin area).  Have you ever heard of any cases of herpes like this?? I just can’t get it out of my head as the symptoms started 2 weeks after the semi protected exposure...and the fact that I was experiencing peripheral neuropathy around the time of the raw patches in my vagina...it’s killing me that I am already positive for hsv 1 from cold sores so can’t use that as diagnostic.  I’ve considered going on valtrex for a month just to see if my symptoms improved but wanted to wait until after one more igg (18 weeks post exposure and 2 months post valtrex)...I am just getting desperate at this point to make the pain go away, I can only put underwear and pants on after applying topical lidocaine at this point. I’ve also emailed Terri with Westover heights.  Any additional input from you would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!!!

[feelingundone]

In all honesty I really doubt hsv in your case. These lingering symptoms are not what hsv is known for and your risk was extremely low. In all my time doing this I have never had anyone with symptoms you describe turning out to be herpes related. Not to mention your exhaustive testing. Surely something would've popped positive by now. In my opinion I would be looking for another reason for the discomfort you feel. Herpes is beyond a long shot. You can also find Terri Warren at the asha answering questions. I wish you the best and hope you find relief real soon

[Coco9090]

Thank you!