Confused about test results vs symptoms

Hi all,

About 3 years ago I unprotected sex (dumb, I know). 6 months later, I had what  seemed to be classic symptom of hsv2...small bumps that itched on the shaft. They eventually went away after 2 weeks. Then within the last year (I haven't had sex since) I developed even more classic symptoms of clusters of blister like ulcers on the underside of my penis that were painful. Also it seemed to respond to valtrex (ordered online). since that time, I've had periodic bumps, rashes and irritations on my penis.
Now the confusing part. 2 years ago I got tested with igm( useless I know) which was negative. but last week I went again to a different  doc, who seemed to think it was fungal...and prescribed steroid cream. I was then given  blood work  at labcorp for literally verything: HIV, syph, clymdia, gon, hep b,c,a AND hsv TYPE specific of hsv 1 and 2, a different igg also (there were 3 total igg's listed ... All neg) additional igg, and igm. Everything negative. (Hsv below .09). I'm just confused since I was almost sure I had it... And its definitely been long enough for something to show up in the igg....any suggestions?

[gracefromHHP]

it's not likely this is hsv2 going on. Your negative blood testing reflects this also. Indeed there are false negatives but you waited long enough to test and your symptoms don't sound like they are herpes. recurrences for herpes aren't likely to keep showing up with multiple lesions as your symptoms have been doing either.

the topical steroid will help with symptoms but not treat the fungal infection itself. Did your provider also prescribe something to treat the fungus?

no reason for any more valtrex either - don't take any no matter how desperate you feel!  if you get a worsening of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for exam. should they feel that fresh symptoms might look like herpes, a lesion culture and typing should be done.

taking valtrex a few days before your testing had absolutely  no effect on your igg results.

the lysine/arginine theory was dis-proven a long time ago for herpes. Sounds like you are reading way outdated and inaccurate information online which is only adding to your anxiety about all of this :(  They are actually using arginine in studies to treat herpes infections now. it's not a real trigger for recurrences.  

honestly, not everything that goes on in the genital area is due to herpes.  you were seen, told this doesn't look like herpes and were given a diagnosis by a trained professional who has actually seen your symptoms. continue to follow up with them as needed.

grace

[NYguy]

Another confusing thing was, once I took an arginine supplement and it seemed to cause a red bump on my penis.... Confused

[bobrope45]

So a doctor actually saw the lesions in your penis and thought it was not herpes?

That should be done is a swab of symptoms next time they appear, so they can test it for herpes. It would be done preferably within 48h after appearance.

Blood tests for herpes do not pick up 5% of the infection, overall. So it would be ideal to get a swab to exclude herpes, just to be on the safe side.

[NYguy]

Well, I've had this ongoing red rash on the underside where the blisters were a year ago. The redness is pretty much always there, so that's what he looked at. I haven't had anything to swab recently so idk. He seemed convinced that the blood work was very accurate (he's a well known infectious disease specialist)

[NYguy]

Also, I had taken a single 1g valtrex pill about a week or so prior... Idk if this would affect it? I'bed read on this site numerous doctors say no.

[bobrope45]

Blood test for herpes are known to be very reliable nowawdays, yes. As I said above, the test only misses 5% of the infections. But if you're having a recurring rash that fits the herpes symptoms (blistery rash on genitals) you gotta exclude herpes as a cause before moving on, even if you're blood tests are showing negative - just to be on the safe side. But odds are this is not genital HSV2 going on.

It would be ideal for you to see your doctor whenever this blistery rash appears again, to he can actually exam it and then swab it if he feels it's herpetic.

As for the valtrex previous to the blood test, no interference at all. Valtrex might interfere with the blood test results if taken daily for a long period, specially if you start taking right after initial infection.

[NYguy]

Thank you for the reaponaes...unfortunately I still feel anxious. Maybe other will have input as well

[gracefromHHP]

it's not likely this is hsv2 going on. Your negative blood testing reflects this also. Indeed there are false negatives but you waited long enough to test and your symptoms don't sound like they are herpes. recurrences for herpes aren't likely to keep showing up with multiple lesions as your symptoms have been doing either.

the topical steroid will help with symptoms but not treat the fungal infection itself. Did your provider also prescribe something to treat the fungus?

no reason for any more valtrex either - don't take any no matter how desperate you feel!  if you get a worsening of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for exam. should they feel that fresh symptoms might look like herpes, a lesion culture and typing should be done.

taking valtrex a few days before your testing had absolutely  no effect on your igg results.

the lysine/arginine theory was dis-proven a long time ago for herpes. Sounds like you are reading way outdated and inaccurate information online which is only adding to your anxiety about all of this :(  They are actually using arginine in studies to treat herpes infections now. it's not a real trigger for recurrences.  

honestly, not everything that goes on in the genital area is due to herpes.  you were seen, told this doesn't look like herpes and were given a diagnosis by a trained professional who has actually seen your symptoms. continue to follow up with them as needed.

grace

[NYguy]

Thank u so much! Appreciate everyone's input

[lilrock1007]

my bf was tested about 6 weeks ago for everything and it all came back negitive, however today (sept 30) he was tested postive for herpes. He had flu like symptoms, sores on his penis, swelling in his glands, lower back pain, and leg pain. we have been together for 2 months and i have never hadf any symptoms, which also common in alot of ppl. he is tryin to blame this wghole situation on me but his ex was cheating on him for awhile and they were split up for a month before me and him got together so i have no idea where the virus came from due to the fact that i have never cheated or had symptoms, i hope he hasnt cheated and as for a his ex who i knows cause not everyone show symptoms and i doubt she would say anything neways if she did cause she is that type of person

[NYguy]

Please post new threads in the forum. They'll be able to help you, but you need to provide more detail (I.e. type of test use, etc).

Hope everything works out!

[scaredmomma761]

grace i've been watching your comments and i really trust your opinion.   i have a question about my symptoms.  back in july i slept one time w/ an ex of mine and we didn't use protection.   i went about 4 weeks later and had everything tested just to be safe.  no signs or symptoms.  igm came back positive at 1:10 which i know isn't always trusted.  igg came back negative .08 hsv1 and .09 hsv2.  since then i managed to get a yeast infection and was treated for it.  i blame myself for constant digging around down there and i'm very prone to them.  the yeast infection then infected a brothlin gland and i was put on keflex which took the swelling down.  however, the anti-biotics has caused another yeast infection.  sorry i'm straying a bit.  i went two days ago for my follow up igg just to be safe but w/ all the irritation down there i'm freaking out.  it seems like since she called about the igm i've felt something wrong w/ me.  paranoid i'm praying.  it really isn't even noticable unless i'm thinking about it.  i've never had any flu like symptoms.  no back pain nothing.  no cuts sores or anything other then the gland infection.  yet i'm feeling something from the bikini line in front all the way to my rear.  it doesn't really burn or itch it's just irritated.  my obgyn said i had skin irritation when she did the exam for the gland and said it looked nothing like a herpes outbreak not to worry but i can't help it.  my question is, w/ the numbers i gave you at 4 to 5 weeks after exposure and no liasons or flu like symptoms, do you think this is all in my head or that my call next week will probably be herpes.  i'm so scared.