Aa
FINALLY got tested, looking for online resources...
First a little prologue...
In 2009 I had unprotected sex with a partner that did not know that she was infected. I had a classic primary outbreak symptoms and went to a clinic. Doctor did a blood test and a culture - both positive for HSV. Unfortunately the blood test was an IgG & IgM test and was just below positive. The culture was not type tested. When I went to get my results, the doctor looked at the results and was very casual with "Oh, it's just cold sores you'll be fine from here on out..." and I walked away feeling like I dodged a bullet. I was not prescribed medication.
Then it came back, and I played the hope game that is was some rare strain of HSV-1, blah blah blah. However, over the course of time it became apparent what type exactly I had. First two years I had outbreaks every 2-3 months, they've lessened significantly now to 2-3 times a year - classic HSV-2 symptoms. I sort of treated it with other than medical means - Virulite, tea tree oil, good hygiene during outbreaks, etc. and read various information on a few forums of "alternate" treatment during outbreaks. I have not been sexually active since the primary outbreak.
I had a "Quit kidding yourself..." moment and FINALLY got the courage up to pay for the tSTD test (HSV 1&2, IgG Type Specific) and go get blood tested this morning so that I'll finally be 100% sure and take the necessary steps to get the situation under control - I think I was in denial and didn't want to go "on the grid."
There is a kind of irony in all this in that by dealing with this, it has changed my personality somewhat but at the same time making me more focused and determined to keep on top of health and other life goals. That focus lead me to do some pretty great things, and in turn has created the confidence to finally grapple with this issue. Life is funny like that...
So, here are my (general) questions:
1. Anyone have any experience with tSTD? Once I get my results back they'll email a confirmation to me - will I still need to stop by a physician with this to get prescribed anti-viral meds?
2. Any good web resources on dealing and coping? I'm at the point where I'm ready to deal with this and continue on - it's taken a psychological toll, sure, but hasn't destroyed the vast majority of my life. I've been to www.racoon.com a few times, looking for additional forums, etc. for when the time comes to have "the talk."
And now the more technical questions:
1. Is there any benefit to suppressive vs. episodic treatment? Is one more likely to help build a better immune response and prevent future outbreaks than the other? Is there any evidence one way or the other?
2. I live in a relatively small town, so I'm not 100% keen on going to the local pharmacy to get a prescription filled. Any good online sites to help keep things discreet?
Thanks in advance for your help. If these questions are better posted at another site, feel free to edu-ma-cate me and I'd be greatly appreciative.
Thanks!
In 2009 I had unprotected sex with a partner that did not know that she was infected. I had a classic primary outbreak symptoms and went to a clinic. Doctor did a blood test and a culture - both positive for HSV. Unfortunately the blood test was an IgG & IgM test and was just below positive. The culture was not type tested. When I went to get my results, the doctor looked at the results and was very casual with "Oh, it's just cold sores you'll be fine from here on out..." and I walked away feeling like I dodged a bullet. I was not prescribed medication.
Then it came back, and I played the hope game that is was some rare strain of HSV-1, blah blah blah. However, over the course of time it became apparent what type exactly I had. First two years I had outbreaks every 2-3 months, they've lessened significantly now to 2-3 times a year - classic HSV-2 symptoms. I sort of treated it with other than medical means - Virulite, tea tree oil, good hygiene during outbreaks, etc. and read various information on a few forums of "alternate" treatment during outbreaks. I have not been sexually active since the primary outbreak.
I had a "Quit kidding yourself..." moment and FINALLY got the courage up to pay for the tSTD test (HSV 1&2, IgG Type Specific) and go get blood tested this morning so that I'll finally be 100% sure and take the necessary steps to get the situation under control - I think I was in denial and didn't want to go "on the grid."
There is a kind of irony in all this in that by dealing with this, it has changed my personality somewhat but at the same time making me more focused and determined to keep on top of health and other life goals. That focus lead me to do some pretty great things, and in turn has created the confidence to finally grapple with this issue. Life is funny like that...
So, here are my (general) questions:
1. Anyone have any experience with tSTD? Once I get my results back they'll email a confirmation to me - will I still need to stop by a physician with this to get prescribed anti-viral meds?
2. Any good web resources on dealing and coping? I'm at the point where I'm ready to deal with this and continue on - it's taken a psychological toll, sure, but hasn't destroyed the vast majority of my life. I've been to www.racoon.com a few times, looking for additional forums, etc. for when the time comes to have "the talk."
And now the more technical questions:
1. Is there any benefit to suppressive vs. episodic treatment? Is one more likely to help build a better immune response and prevent future outbreaks than the other? Is there any evidence one way or the other?
2. I live in a relatively small town, so I'm not 100% keen on going to the local pharmacy to get a prescription filled. Any good online sites to help keep things discreet?
Thanks in advance for your help. If these questions are better posted at another site, feel free to edu-ma-cate me and I'd be greatly appreciative.
Thanks!
Grace, as always your knowledge and advice are invaluable - you're a tremendous asset to the community. Keep up the good work!
Okay, I got my test results back, and I'm completely confused...
For Type 1 - Negative (0.9)
For Type 2 - Positive (5.0)
What's confusing is I remember clearly when I was very young (2nd or 3rd grade) I would get cold sores around my lower lip which gradually reduced in frequency as I grew older. I just assumed I had Type 1.
Now, when I had my first indicator that I was Gential HSV-2 positive I had symptoms like a classic first OB. About three days after my new partner (at the time) and went for almost 3 weeks. Curious thing is about a week before that first primary outbreak, I had an outbreak on my lower lip I noticed when I was shaving and practically shaved it off - didn't think much of it at the time because I was relatively naive about HSV. So, prior to meeting my new partner that night I shaved 'down there' with the same razor and accidentally knicked myself on a slighty ingrown hair. Could it be possible that I somehow transferred it from my face to my groin!?
I know auto-innoculation is practically impossible given that your body starts to develop antibodies at the first infection, even if the type is going from it's non-preferred to preferred site. Or is it more likely that I've had HSV-1 for so long that the antibody response has diminished over time?
Either way, I'm taking my test results to my primary care physician and getting on a treatment plan.
Okay, I got my test results back, and I'm completely confused...
For Type 1 - Negative (0.9)
For Type 2 - Positive (5.0)
What's confusing is I remember clearly when I was very young (2nd or 3rd grade) I would get cold sores around my lower lip which gradually reduced in frequency as I grew older. I just assumed I had Type 1.
Now, when I had my first indicator that I was Gential HSV-2 positive I had symptoms like a classic first OB. About three days after my new partner (at the time) and went for almost 3 weeks. Curious thing is about a week before that first primary outbreak, I had an outbreak on my lower lip I noticed when I was shaving and practically shaved it off - didn't think much of it at the time because I was relatively naive about HSV. So, prior to meeting my new partner that night I shaved 'down there' with the same razor and accidentally knicked myself on a slighty ingrown hair. Could it be possible that I somehow transferred it from my face to my groin!?
I know auto-innoculation is practically impossible given that your body starts to develop antibodies at the first infection, even if the type is going from it's non-preferred to preferred site. Or is it more likely that I've had HSV-1 for so long that the antibody response has diminished over time?
Either way, I'm taking my test results to my primary care physician and getting on a treatment plan.
Most providers will treat you based on + test results through online testing centers. Do you have a regular provider who you've discussed this all with?
I highly recommend buying Terri Warren's book "the good news about the bad news". She is our herpes expert here on medhelp and her book is affordable and goes into far more details than her free herpes handbook does. You can buy it through her website or through amazon. It really covers the psychological side of having herpes nicely. The fine folks at HHP are good too - hence where the gracefromhhp nick comes from :)
If you have insurance, look into filling your prescriptions through their mail order pharmacy they utilize. Usually it saves you money too compared to going to the pharmacy monthly. Also I believe walmart offers online home delivery too of medications.
you really don't get a lot of bang for your buck with episodic therapy. If you have a hsv2 negative partner, daily suppressive therapy is preferred. Be sure to click on my name and check out my journal entries too - I think I Have one titled "how should I treat my herpes" that I think you'll find helpful too.
grace
I highly recommend buying Terri Warren's book "the good news about the bad news". She is our herpes expert here on medhelp and her book is affordable and goes into far more details than her free herpes handbook does. You can buy it through her website or through amazon. It really covers the psychological side of having herpes nicely. The fine folks at HHP are good too - hence where the gracefromhhp nick comes from :)
If you have insurance, look into filling your prescriptions through their mail order pharmacy they utilize. Usually it saves you money too compared to going to the pharmacy monthly. Also I believe walmart offers online home delivery too of medications.
you really don't get a lot of bang for your buck with episodic therapy. If you have a hsv2 negative partner, daily suppressive therapy is preferred. Be sure to click on my name and check out my journal entries too - I think I Have one titled "how should I treat my herpes" that I think you'll find helpful too.
grace
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
