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Confused with test results
Back in 2002 after beginning a new relationship, I was having some severely uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, the doctors kept treating me for a yeast infection. Tha relationship ended in 2004 and in 2005, I began having IGG/ IGM HSV I and II blood tests as follows:
2/07/05 - positive IGM, negative IGG
03/04/05 - negative IGM, negative IGG
09/05 - vaginal symptoms, had latex sensitivity test 10/05 - negative results
02/06/06 - IGM equivocal, IGG negative
03/22/06 - IGM positive, IGG negative
06/12/06 - IGM positive, IGG negative
08/22/06 - vaginal swab for HSV negative
09/22/06 IGM equivocal, IGG negative
11/13/06 - went to infectious disease specialist because I was so baffled by the above tests - he stated 100% does not have HSV and can not transmit to another
03/22/07 - IGM positive, IGG negative
03/20/07 - vaginal culure for HSV negative
04/13/07 - IGM positve, IGG negative
09/07/07 - western blot done IGG HSV I and II negative
Started a new relationship 9/29/07 and in that manogomus relationship since, recently got very sick, started with vaginal symptoms which was treated as a UTI but was not a UTI. Then headaches, fever, chills, body aches (low back and legs) and severe vomiting. Had vaginal HSV culture done on 08/27/09, come back positve HSV, followed with blood test, IGM combination high 4.47, and both IGG's (HSV I and II) equivocal <0.91. My ob doc says this did not appear as an initial infection.
I am so confused at this point, do I have herpes, were my vaginal sympotoms and other symptoms related, could the infectious disease specialist years ago been wrong and I had an initial infection in 2002? Unfortunatly my partner of 2 years and I are seperating and I do not know that he will follow through on being tested promptly although I suggested that he do. I don't know what to do. Very upset. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
2/07/05 - positive IGM, negative IGG
03/04/05 - negative IGM, negative IGG
09/05 - vaginal symptoms, had latex sensitivity test 10/05 - negative results
02/06/06 - IGM equivocal, IGG negative
03/22/06 - IGM positive, IGG negative
06/12/06 - IGM positive, IGG negative
08/22/06 - vaginal swab for HSV negative
09/22/06 IGM equivocal, IGG negative
11/13/06 - went to infectious disease specialist because I was so baffled by the above tests - he stated 100% does not have HSV and can not transmit to another
03/22/07 - IGM positive, IGG negative
03/20/07 - vaginal culure for HSV negative
04/13/07 - IGM positve, IGG negative
09/07/07 - western blot done IGG HSV I and II negative
Started a new relationship 9/29/07 and in that manogomus relationship since, recently got very sick, started with vaginal symptoms which was treated as a UTI but was not a UTI. Then headaches, fever, chills, body aches (low back and legs) and severe vomiting. Had vaginal HSV culture done on 08/27/09, come back positve HSV, followed with blood test, IGM combination high 4.47, and both IGG's (HSV I and II) equivocal <0.91. My ob doc says this did not appear as an initial infection.
I am so confused at this point, do I have herpes, were my vaginal sympotoms and other symptoms related, could the infectious disease specialist years ago been wrong and I had an initial infection in 2002? Unfortunatly my partner of 2 years and I are seperating and I do not know that he will follow through on being tested promptly although I suggested that he do. I don't know what to do. Very upset. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
if you both have it it's not an issue. just avoid sex when it would be uncomfortable to have it due to ob's and don't perform oral on obvious lesions.
grace
grace
Grace,
What do you suggest at this point? Can we get the western blot on our own without insurance and labs?
Also, can share some insight on precautions we should be taking (he has HSV II but has not had an outbreak ever so we do not know if it is oral or genital and mine is genital, just waiting for seroconversion) If we both have HSV II should we not worry about transmission to each other. Can he get genital if he has oral?
Thanks again,
CM1964
What do you suggest at this point? Can we get the western blot on our own without insurance and labs?
Also, can share some insight on precautions we should be taking (he has HSV II but has not had an outbreak ever so we do not know if it is oral or genital and mine is genital, just waiting for seroconversion) If we both have HSV II should we not worry about transmission to each other. Can he get genital if he has oral?
Thanks again,
CM1964
these were the wrong tests again. it's not any better than the tests you already had done.
grace
grace
Hello Grace,
Test results are back. After all the commotion about whether the the lab did the western blot and if my insurance would pay for it - the lab ended up doing the immunoblot test. Is that as good as western blot?
My boyfriend is still coming up IGG + for HSV II and a negative HSV I and IGM. I am still coming up positive IGM, negative IGG HSV I and slowly moving into the positive range for IGG HSV II. How long does it take to sero convert? This episode started in mid august.
Last, if he has HSV II but has not had an outbreak ever so we do not know if it is oral or genital and mine is genital. Should we be using precautions or is the fact that we both have HSV II mean we don't have to worry about transmitting? The only thing he can recall is many years ago he had some oral sores, the nurse told him it was stress and to rinse with salt water. I mentioned this to the nurse at my doctors office and she said if it was HSV it would have been outside his mouth not inside. Is that accurate.
Your insight is appreciated,
CM1964
Test results are back. After all the commotion about whether the the lab did the western blot and if my insurance would pay for it - the lab ended up doing the immunoblot test. Is that as good as western blot?
My boyfriend is still coming up IGG + for HSV II and a negative HSV I and IGM. I am still coming up positive IGM, negative IGG HSV I and slowly moving into the positive range for IGG HSV II. How long does it take to sero convert? This episode started in mid august.
Last, if he has HSV II but has not had an outbreak ever so we do not know if it is oral or genital and mine is genital. Should we be using precautions or is the fact that we both have HSV II mean we don't have to worry about transmitting? The only thing he can recall is many years ago he had some oral sores, the nurse told him it was stress and to rinse with salt water. I mentioned this to the nurse at my doctors office and she said if it was HSV it would have been outside his mouth not inside. Is that accurate.
Your insight is appreciated,
CM1964
Hello Grace,
Went to ob doctor on 10/09/09. Asked him to order Western blot HSV I and II test for both my boyfriend and I, for now and in 4 months. He ordered the test however the lab I usually go to (LabCorp) told me they do not do that test. And my insurance reguires prior approval, hence I got quite a runaround.
Over the weekend (10/10/09), I found a lab that participates with my insurance and was open Saturday so we went there. They did not say anything about not being able to perform the Western Blot so I said nothing about the insurance run around and let them draw the blood. I may get a bill in the mail, time will tell. Do you know how long it will take for us to have results from the WB. Thanks, CM1964
Went to ob doctor on 10/09/09. Asked him to order Western blot HSV I and II test for both my boyfriend and I, for now and in 4 months. He ordered the test however the lab I usually go to (LabCorp) told me they do not do that test. And my insurance reguires prior approval, hence I got quite a runaround.
Over the weekend (10/10/09), I found a lab that participates with my insurance and was open Saturday so we went there. They did not say anything about not being able to perform the Western Blot so I said nothing about the insurance run around and let them draw the blood. I may get a bill in the mail, time will tell. Do you know how long it will take for us to have results from the WB. Thanks, CM1964
Hello Grace,
Went to ob doctor today. Asked him to order Western blot test for both my boyfriend and I for now and in 4 months. He ordered the test however the lab (labCorp) does not do that test and my insurance reguires prior approval, hence I got quite a runaround today. Frustrated...is there a way I can get the WB and pay out of pocket?
Went to ob doctor today. Asked him to order Western blot test for both my boyfriend and I for now and in 4 months. He ordered the test however the lab (labCorp) does not do that test and my insurance reguires prior approval, hence I got quite a runaround today. Frustrated...is there a way I can get the WB and pay out of pocket?
At this point, wait and if you get another ob, get it cultured and typed. otherwise repeat your igg blood test in december and see what it shows.
If your bf doubts his + hsv2 result, he can get a herpes wB done. With you having the + lesion culture after all that prior negative testing, odds are that he really does have hsv2 though and recently transmitted it to you.
grace
If your bf doubts his + hsv2 result, he can get a herpes wB done. With you having the + lesion culture after all that prior negative testing, odds are that he really does have hsv2 though and recently transmitted it to you.
grace
Hello Grace,
Results are coming in and I was hoping you can help decifer.
The above is the initial string of notes minus the duh1616 posts (???).
8/26/09, I received a positive HSV vaginal swab culture non type specific. 09/03/09, my blood test results were IGM 4.47, IGG I and I both <.0.91, negative.
My boyfriend was tested on 09/29/09, IGM negative, IGG I negative, IGG II 3.22.
Neither my boyfriend or I has ever had a cold sore so I am thinking the HSV is genital(and because I had extreme vaginal discomfort for weeks however no lesion).
A few questions.
1. This is my boyfriends first herpes test. He has never had symptoms. He thinks possibly wrong results. How soon should he be tested to confirm?
2. If I sero convert, how long will that take? we are trying to assess if we are both positive or negative.
3. If both of us have HSV II, are any precautions needed?
4. If he has HSV II and me HSV I , what precautions are needed?
5. Is it possible to have HSV I and II? I spoke to my doctors office today and they said it happens.
Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you, CM1964
Results are coming in and I was hoping you can help decifer.
The above is the initial string of notes minus the duh1616 posts (???).
8/26/09, I received a positive HSV vaginal swab culture non type specific. 09/03/09, my blood test results were IGM 4.47, IGG I and I both <.0.91, negative.
My boyfriend was tested on 09/29/09, IGM negative, IGG I negative, IGG II 3.22.
Neither my boyfriend or I has ever had a cold sore so I am thinking the HSV is genital(and because I had extreme vaginal discomfort for weeks however no lesion).
A few questions.
1. This is my boyfriends first herpes test. He has never had symptoms. He thinks possibly wrong results. How soon should he be tested to confirm?
2. If I sero convert, how long will that take? we are trying to assess if we are both positive or negative.
3. If both of us have HSV II, are any precautions needed?
4. If he has HSV II and me HSV I , what precautions are needed?
5. Is it possible to have HSV I and II? I spoke to my doctors office today and they said it happens.
Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you, CM1964
Hello Grace,
It is CM1964, seems that someone (duh1616) has been responding to you via my post. Confusing things a bit.
Anyway, my boyfriend and I have been in contact and he was tested, so waiting for those blood test results. I hope the posts from duh1616 don't mess up the string that was already going between you and I. I'll be in contact when i have his results and can go from there.
Thanks again CM1964.
It is CM1964, seems that someone (duh1616) has been responding to you via my post. Confusing things a bit.
Anyway, my boyfriend and I have been in contact and he was tested, so waiting for those blood test results. I hope the posts from duh1616 don't mess up the string that was already going between you and I. I'll be in contact when i have his results and can go from there.
Thanks again CM1964.
It's a send out test for quest so I'm guessing the people at your local lab just aren't realizing that and knowing where to look for it. Oh well, at least you are going to get the test sent to your provider and get it done.
grace
grace
and on another note..i forgot to add that i personally called Quest & asked for that test & they told me that they don't have such a test for HSV!
how frustrating this has to be for all these poor people just trying to get a simple answer to confirm what is hopefully a false positve!
how frustrating this has to be for all these poor people just trying to get a simple answer to confirm what is hopefully a false positve!
great thanks for the info Grace, i'm going to see my gyno tonight for my annual & i will discuss the extra steps with him on ordering it. i just called the # you provided & gave me the price of $156.25, & told me they would just need the address i will give my doc this # and discuss with it & see how we can get this moving along.
wish me luck...
:)
wish me luck...
:)
That is the test # thru quest. Not sure why whoever your provider talked to can't find it.
Your doctor can call the U of washington and have the test sent to his office. 800.713.5198 is the number for community services he can call to get the details on them sending him the kit.
grace
Your doctor can call the U of washington and have the test sent to his office. 800.713.5198 is the number for community services he can call to get the details on them sending him the kit.
grace
Hi Grace
I am trying to order the western blot myself, my gyno said if I get the test that he will draw the blood for me & send it to UW. He contacted Quest Labs & gave tehm the code for the Western Blot of 34534, but they state that, that particular test is not a Quest test #. now i'm confused on where to get it?
can you assist thank you!
I am trying to order the western blot myself, my gyno said if I get the test that he will draw the blood for me & send it to UW. He contacted Quest Labs & gave tehm the code for the Western Blot of 34534, but they state that, that particular test is not a Quest test #. now i'm confused on where to get it?
can you assist thank you!
Grace,
It looks like I am on my own with this my former partner has not been tested and doesn't look that he will. So...I will work with my doctors and slow but sure we will figure this out.
My hope is that there was a false positive on my vaginal swab - has that ever been known to happen? And that my IGG reads negative. But...I wouldn't know the IGG piece for a few months.
It looks like I am on my own with this my former partner has not been tested and doesn't look that he will. So...I will work with my doctors and slow but sure we will figure this out.
My hope is that there was a false positive on my vaginal swab - has that ever been known to happen? And that my IGG reads negative. But...I wouldn't know the IGG piece for a few months.
Grace,
It looks like I am on my own with this my former partner has not been tested and doesn't look that he will. So...I will work with my doctors and slow but sure we will figure this out.
My hope is that there was a false positive on my vaginal swab - has that ever been known to happen? And that my IGG reads negative. But...I wouldn't know the IGG piece for a few months.
It looks like I am on my own with this my former partner has not been tested and doesn't look that he will. So...I will work with my doctors and slow but sure we will figure this out.
My hope is that there was a false positive on my vaginal swab - has that ever been known to happen? And that my IGG reads negative. But...I wouldn't know the IGG piece for a few months.
Only about 2% of folks won't test + on the blood tests accurately.the odds of not testing accurately on this many blood tests and actually having have been infected previously are incredibly low.
Have you asked your former partner to get tested and share their results so that you aren't stuck wondering about this and retesting again?
grace
Have you asked your former partner to get tested and share their results so that you aren't stuck wondering about this and retesting again?
grace
Grace,
I will be seeing both of my providers in October. I will get further IGG testing as you suggested. Are there cases of folks that are positive via swab but blood test never seroconverts? And if so what does that mean?
By the way, I decided to post only to this forum (I was the one who was posting to both because I did not know they were related and becausee I was desparetly searching for answers. Thanks for your patience.
I will be seeing both of my providers in October. I will get further IGG testing as you suggested. Are there cases of folks that are positive via swab but blood test never seroconverts? And if so what does that mean?
By the way, I decided to post only to this forum (I was the one who was posting to both because I did not know they were related and becausee I was desparetly searching for answers. Thanks for your patience.
At this point wait 3 or 4 more months and repeat the igg blood test. No more igm testing at all. You might even want to ask your provider to get a herpes WB blood test for you. If they use quest labs it's test #34534.
grace
grace
I have been direct with him about testing but at this point we are seperating and don't see that there is much more i can do.
I will have the IGG HSV 1 and 2 done to see what transpires with those. How long should I wait?
I know i am looking for a miracle but is a change I am negative. I am trying to cope but find myself upset about the possibilty and limited in who I can talk to about this, i don't feel that it is okay for me to share this with too many of my close friends because I may also be "outing" my ex-boyfriend which doesn't seem okay to me.
I will have the IGG HSV 1 and 2 done to see what transpires with those. How long should I wait?
I know i am looking for a miracle but is a change I am negative. I am trying to cope but find myself upset about the possibilty and limited in who I can talk to about this, i don't feel that it is okay for me to share this with too many of my close friends because I may also be "outing" my ex-boyfriend which doesn't seem okay to me.
You need to be very, very clear to your partner about how important it is for him to go and get that test done.
Also the igm tests are not accurate for herpes diagnosis and you can't pay any bit of attention to them in general as well as your provider shouldn't be ordering them all the time like this for you. Now granted in this situation it could actually be accurate but in general they aren't which is why we never recommend them being drawn.
grace
Also the igm tests are not accurate for herpes diagnosis and you can't pay any bit of attention to them in general as well as your provider shouldn't be ordering them all the time like this for you. Now granted in this situation it could actually be accurate but in general they aren't which is why we never recommend them being drawn.
grace
As noted above, I recently had a positive vaginal swab and a positive IGM but and equivovcal IGG's for both HSV 1 and 2. I plan on having the IGG blood work redone to see if I seroconvert. No, my partner has not been tested. I have the bloodwork slip for him but...he hasn't follow through
At this point I am practicing abstinence because I want to know exactly what is going on for me. My doctor is not convinced even after the positive swab ???. i am just trying to keep my emotions above water at this point as I am quite afraid and upset about the possibilty of HSV.
At this point I am practicing abstinence because I want to know exactly what is going on for me. My doctor is not convinced even after the positive swab ???. i am just trying to keep my emotions above water at this point as I am quite afraid and upset about the possibilty of HSV.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
