HSV 2 Positive none isolated test result

I am the sad recipient of a positive Herpes Simplex Virus Typing culture test.  Just received the results yesterday.

My partner and I were tested in November 2010 for all STDs (blood tests) and we both did not have any STDs according to the results.

Then in January (latter part of the month) we did anal sex (my first time) and he went from anal back to vaginal (found out that was a big no no) and used tons of lube and baby oil.  I got symptoms of itchy anus and vagina, burning, discharge (white and clear), painful urination, a sore (which hurt) on my vaginal wall etc.  Used Peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, and A&D ointment, but the syptoms (symptoms) were just getting worse.  He said it is a fungus/bacteria (he's a Veterinarian) and that I needed an antibiotic.  I had four 400MG amoxicillin pills, so I took those, and the pain from the sore (which had been getting increasingly more painful) almost immediately abated, so did a lot of the other symptoms---but not entirely.  I had a lot of relief and figured I could now wait for my already scheduled upcoming OBGYN visit.

The symptoms however seemed to get increasingly bad again, but not to the extent as they were before.  I went for my annual OBGYN visit and told them about the symptoms and was treated for BV (given Metragel for 5 days).  I did not ask for my sore to be tested since the doctor noted that I had relief from symptoms with the antibiotics.  However the Metragel didn't work and my symptoms continued to escalate.  I tried the Metragel for 2 more days but started to get a clumpy cottage cheese discharge in addition to my heavy clear white discharge.  A month had passed without improvement so I went back to my OBGYN again and by this time my discharge was yellow and I was still passing cottage cheese like cIumps that was often in my urine.  The doctor swabbed my sore for a culture (said there were now one on each side of my vaginal wall and that it could be herpetic in nature) and gave me another Rx for 5 days of Metragel and 1 dose of 150MG fluconazole.  

I waited 9 days and was given the results of a Herpes Simplex Virus Typing test.  Test said:

HSV Type 1 Flags: none Results: Negative Ref-Range: Negative
HSV Type 2 Flags: Above High Normal Results: Positive Ref-Range: Negative
Herpes Simplex Virus Culture Flags: Progressive Results: Above high normal Ref-Range: Positive None Isolated
Wet mount positive for clue cells, shows increased WBC and alkaline pH.

The None Isolated is written twice and has me very confused as well as the diagnosis in general.

Doctor was not available today but nurse said he is going to prescribe Valtrex.

I continue to have an itchy anus, vagina, the sore(s) and pass cottage cheese clumps.  Been with this same person and never had an issue until he went from anal to vaginal sex.  

I have been having the same symptoms and the same sore (although I apparently got another one on the other side of my vaginal wall) for 8 weeks now.  There has not been any scabbing and I do not have clustered bumps and they were never liquid filled.

Could this diagnosis be false positive?  I thought (and please help me if I am wrong) that you had to have an isolated result to be positive.  There are no number values given.  Just what I wrote.  

Please help.

[gracefromHHP]

When you use metrogel to treat bv, one of the side effects is clumpy white discharge. it usually goes away in a week after you are done treatment - it's clumps of dead bacteria passing their way out of your body.  You also can get a yeast infection from using it too and sometimes it's hard to tell which is which.

ask your provider to get you the numeric results of the hsv2 igg blood test you had done. if there wasn't any, then you'll need to pursue a different test to confirm your status.

has your partner been tested for herpes yet?

grace

[optimisticd]

Thank you so much for responding Grace!  
Re: the Metragel, initially it would seem like the Metragel was just passing back out, but then the white clumpy discharge changed in look and consistency (also in size). So what you wrote makes total sense.

I attempted to get my numbers from my bloodwork done in November but the nurse (or supervisor) I spoke with said the test just said negative, no antibodies detected.  

My partner had to work the weekend so he hasn't been rechecked yet, but he says that he will go Monday.

I scheduled an emergency infectious disease appt and the doctor said that my test results were conflicting/not definitive,and that he wanted to do an ELISA as the first step.  He also took his own swab to culture and took a urine sample too.  He said after getting these test results, if necessary, he'd do a Western Blot.  He gave me a 10 day prescription of 200MG Fluconazole, and said he thinks this is the issue and not Herpes.

I felt so relieved, BUT then when I came back home all of my online research indicated that getting a positive on a Viral Culture with typing is basically infallible results.  False negatives happen but not false positives. So now I am not very optimistic.

Will have numbers by Thursday though, doctor said he would call and give me the results as well as check up to see if my symptoms were improving on the Fluconazole.

I'll post the info and my partners test results once we get them.

Thanks again!  

[Mistakeguy789]

You may want to go to the office of the doctor who did the test and request that they give you a copy of your results.  Most doctors offices will do that.  You may have to pay them to copy it or sign a paper showing you requested it but it shouldn't be a problem.  

The culture is best and more accurate if you are seen 24-48hrs after symptoms appear to get the most virus you can.  

Please keep us updated :-)

[optimisticd]

Thanks for responding Mistakeguy789!

My culture was done way after 24-48 hrs and it still came back positive!  That's what has me thinking "ut oh" there's little chance of this being inaccurate.

I am seeing some improvement with my discharge (still have a heavy heavy amount but it is no longer clumpy, doesn't smell, and isn't yellow anymore) and other symptoms on the 200 MG Fluconazole, but still have immense itching in both areas :(

I will take a ride out to the office and see if I can get more info, but I have no reason to think that their negative test was inaccurate.  Very few partners, practiced safe sex (not safe oral though), required testing results from my current partner (what also stinks is that we don't really get along that great as it is and I don't see us being together for long---this certainly doesn't help) so I will have to divulge my status to someone new.  Sad to say I myself didn't date someone who told me he has Herpes 2 because I was too scared of getting it.  

It was my partner's idea that we go without condoms (he was pretty adamant about it) so I know that makes me upset inside too although I told him it is counterproductive to point fingers now.  I conceded, so now I have to live with the consequences.

The infectious disease doctor seemed to truly feel that it is not Herpes.  I didn't have a fever (at anytime), no fatigue, headaches, or scabbing.  I do however have swollen glands (in my neck, but I get that a lot anyway).  He is rooting for me that I don't have it, so it got me so encouraged, but I can't see the basis of his optimism with a positive viral culture (which I personally showed him) and we went over line by line.  

I do of course hope that he is right somehow, but facts are facts, and unless there was an unlikely screw up in the lab, then I have HSV 2.  

So, I want to know what daily life is like for a person with Herpes 2?  I am so worried already about mistakenly spreading the disease to other parts of my body or onto someone elses.  What precautions can you take?    Will anti-bacterial wipes help?  I feel overwhelmed.

[optimisticd]

Maybe I should wait and have new testing done (IGG Select) once it has been 3 months.  My first experience with symptoms were in late January.  

If results from the bloodtests already done are high (over 3.5) then I won't bother, but if they are low, I'll probably still be thinking that it is not truly conclusive until I hit the 3 month mark from first sign of symptoms.

What do you think?

[Mistakeguy789]

I missed that in your orginial post about the postivie culture already.  

When we look at positive cultures as you know they are rarely wrong.  We only get them wrong with human error.  A igg test that is negative less then 3 months from your culture date (assuming you have had sex a few times before the culture) would not be accurate.  You know it may take 3 months.  But we only tell people to wait 3 months when they don't have symptoms.  You had a symptom that came back positive with a culture.  

If the value of the blood test comes back positive after you have had a negative previous test and a postive culture it is going to be hard to say this isn't HSV-2.  The value may be irrelavant as to what your status is because your culture is going to be the one to look at.

Though from reading graces reply I am not sure if that all holds true.  

Your partner should have shown a little more respect with respect to the condom.  My ex girlfriend and I had all but one encounter with a condom on the only time we didn't was when she used plan b.  Then for about 6 months she refused to have sex until she was on the pill and I still had to use a condom after that.  The only time I haven't used a condom in sex was when I was married.  

In this case you need to not think that this is going to end your dating life.  I know of at least 10 guys that will date a HSV positive female friends.  HSV is a skin issue and not something life threatening.  You will still have a normal life filled with the things you want.  If you have HSV-2 it is easy to get the risk to your partner being transmitted the virus down to 1% a year with daily supressive therapy and a condom while avoid sex when anything is going on genitally.  No need to get down with this.

You may want to read the Herpes Handbook which is free found at the West Over Heights Clinic site.  The book was written by Terri Warren who is the MH Herpes Expert.  She is a nurse practitioner who owns the clinic and they deal with a lot of herpes things.  So if anyone knows herpes it is Terri and her clinic.  Its free so read it.  She also has a book out that she wrote too which is amazing to read.  

www.westoverheights.com

Keep asking us questions and we will help you through this.

[gracefromHHP]

with a + hsv2 igg and a + herpes culture, odds are you really do have herpes on top of what all is going on down yonder but certainly let's see what the numeric results of the hsv2 test are ( if there are any, if the lab uses the immunoblot there won't be any ) as well as your current partners status.  If need be you can retest in a few months to confirm.

I hate bv worse than I could ever hate my herpes!!  My herpes is fairly easily controlled with a few pills a day but I had issues with bv for years until I finally got rid of it :(     You might want to try a barrier cream to the itchy areas in case it's the medication and the discharge further irritating things at this point - desitin, a&d, aquaphor etc.  dermoplast spray ( the blue can for the genital area, not the red can ) is under $10 at most drugstores and is also helpful to spray on periodically for itching ( since we gals can't itch ourselves all day long at work...lol ).  If in a few weeks the itch is still there, make sure they check again for yeast infections - sometimes it's hard to break the yeast /bv cycle to - treat for bv and get yeast. such fun being female sometimes :(  

what is day to day life like with herpes? Well usually it's completely normal. If you chose to take daily suppressive therapy, you have to remember to take a pill once or twice a day.  nothing you can't do sex wise with a partner either.  

[optimisticd]

Thanks so much Mistakeguy789!

That's what makes me doubly upset.  I still insisted that he wear a condom after we were tested, but he just wouldn't.  I am of course regretful that I would let his whinning and bad mood change my mind.  I relied too heavily on the test results.  I hope that you are right about there being other guys who won't hold it against me.  I of course feel doubtful right now (because I was guilty of it myself and my friends call Herpes 2 the bad herpes).  I should have respected myself more.  Thought I did, but I must not have I guess.

So many guys don't want to wear a condom!  It is shocking to me.  I have always let it be known that if we got to that point a condom is non-negotiable, yet I couldn't get this guy to do it and it makes no sense that I didn't walk.  He and I don't really get along.  We enjoy one another's company at times, but it has been more of a relationship of convenience than anything else and was not for the long haul.  So I have an STD from someone I don't even love and from his refusal to wear a condom, apparently doesn't care much about me either.

I'll definitely read Terri's handbook and book.  I feel like I know nothing.  Scared that I'll look like some of those awful pictures on the web :(  Don't want to tell me friends or family and this guy is already not being nice about it.   He is learning about it for the first time too so he no doubt is scared and upset as well.  

Your reasoning is sound and if I get a positive blood test result on Thursday, it really wouldn't matter what the number is at that point---probably doesn't matter much even now but I have to kind of keep a glimmer of hope alive.  The doctor seemed so positive that the test could be wrong lol.  I have no idea why, but since he retested everything and is willing to go as far as the Western Blot, I am going to remain hopeful until Thursday says positive, and I move on and deal.

I'll definitely post the results either way so you'll know.

Thanks again!!!
  

[optimisticd]

That is very encouraging GracefromHHP.

I admittedly think of shedding and being infectious and my mind just starts to spin with what ifs and will I mistakenly spread the disease to my eyes or any other part of my body (like I see people have done).  Will I mistakenly give it to someone else----that would be so awful.  

I will definitely take the daily suppresive therapy.  I wonder if I should start it now.  I was thinking that I'd wait until I finished the Diflucan first.  It does seem to be helping and it's only been 2 days.  He gave me a 10 day prescription.  This is my first bout with BV and although I can't yet compare it to Herpes because I have no idea yet which is a Herpes symptom and which is from the BV!  I've been using A&D ointment, but will try that spray that you referenced :)  I just got well after a hormonal problem with my thyroid (caused me soooooooooo much havoc) and was finally feeling myself again.  

Do you still feel yourself with Herpes?  How is your energy?  Does the medicine affect you at all?  Which do you take? How bad do your OBs get?  What makes some peoples Herpes look like those awful pictures on the web?  I workout 4-5 days a week, will I have to stop?  Is sweating bad for Herpes?  Could it cause an outbreak? Are you married or in a LTR?  If so, how does he feel about wearing a condom all of the time?  So many guys can't wait to make the relationship a no-condom relationship.  This is the first time I complied Ha.  Figures! :(

I know that I will probably get a lot of the answers that I am worried about once I read Terri's information.  I just am in complete disbelief.  I have always been a disease phobe.  I can't believe I was so silly for a guy I don't even love.

Well like I said to Mistakeguy789, I will post the blood results and my partner's too once we get them.  
Thank you!

last question---when did you stop crying about it? I know it's not the end of the world, I just need to get my hands around it I think.

[optimisticd]

Am I still contagious?  I contracted this (I think) in late January, but I still seem to have a sore, extreme itchiness (vaginal and anal), constant discharge (like an endless supply), some burning (not as bad as it was).  Are these indicators that I am still infectious?  My appetite is all but gone (I usually eat so much you'd wonder where I was hiding the food)---but I am not sure if the lack of appetite is just because I am sad, nervous, and pensive--while trying to stay positive.  That could do it too lol.  

I am using a lot of topicals and washing my hands like crazy.  So concerned about inadvertently spreading the disease.  

What is the "rule of thumb" on contagiousness?  

GracefromHHP, how long did it take for you to get your confidence back?    

[gracefromHHP]

herpes has never been a big deal to me.  It's just a viral infection that reoccurs.

you really don't have to worry about spreading your genital herpes anywhere. just washing your hands after using the bathroom or touching yourself intimately like you've probably always done is all you need to do. you really are not a walking biohazard!

no reason to stop working out either. it's not an issue.

definitely read terri's book - I think you'll get a lot out of it :)

[optimisticd]

My OBGYN called me because they put in a prescription for Valtrex so I could start therapy.

I got concerned with whether or not I could take the Valtrex and the Diflucan simultaneously.  Also wasn't sure if taking the Valtrex would effect future testing in the event that the Center for Infectious Disease doctor wanted to give me the Western Blot.  So I called them to see if it would be okay.  They told me over the phone (they had a doctor call me) that my iGG came back negative.  I had a .53.  He said it said no antibodies detected.  They did not have their culture back yet but he said the doctor that I saw would reach out to me on Friday(instead of Thursday) and give me the results of the Fungal and Herpes culture.

I of course was so happy to hear the negative Igg results since it was more inline with my testing done in December.

I don't want to celebrate too soon because facts remain that I have a positive virus typing test.

This doctor also said that he doesn't understand how they could say my results are positive without them isolating the virus.  The test says "none isolated" two times.

Oh god I hope that they are right!

I don't have results from my partner yet.  I don't think he's even gone yet actually :-/  

[optimisticd]

HSV 2 test in December was 0.27 Negative, no antibodies detected

HSV 2 test in March (just took it) was 0.53 Negative no antibodies detected

The number has almost doubled since my test in December, is that a "bad" sign?

Time from last exposure has not been 3 months.  The exposure where symptoms started was mid/late January (like the 20th).  

[optimisticd]

Sorry I am obsessing just want to make sure that I am telling you as much information as possible to be certain.

I had symptoms since late January but last time having unprotected sex with my partner was Feb 27.

Should I wait 3 mos from 2/27 to be to the Biokit or the Western Blott?

Although I have a negative igG (a very low #) it hasn't been 3 mos from January 20 or February 27 :(

My partner doesn't answer his phone and has not responded to my text to provide his results sigh.  Hopefully he'll provide his results and that will help shed some light on my status.

My question now is this, I read on here on another post that there is 50% accuracy when getting an igG blood test 8 weeks after "exposure".  The test said no antibodies detected and this is 8 weeks later.  Does that account for anything?  I may be just grasping at straws here, but do you think that an original test with no antibodies detected, a non isolated culture with no values, and a 8 week igG with no antibodies detected again sounds a lot more promising for a false positive culture?

Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated :)

[optimisticd]

Thank you so much 2creep1

You are right he is being a d-bag! sigh :(

Oh well.  I wrote 50% but it was supposed to be 70-80% after 8 weeks, like shouldn't there be at least some antibodies by 8 weeks, mine said none detected?  I will just wait it out and do the 12 weeks to be absolutely positive.

I actually thought there was no hope after a positive culture, and maybe it is still going to end up being right, although I hope not obviously. lol.

I was doubly hopeful because two separate doctors (the one that I saw on Saturday and the one that told me the igG test results over the phone today) both said that a Positive culture without it being isolated is contradictory.  We'll see! :)

The worse part of all of this (besides the possible HSV2 diagnosis) is I kept saying (like a broken record and each and every time) that although we both had tested negative for STDs I still did not want to have unprotected sex.  I even went so far as to buy him 4 different types of condoms and I bought female condoms too.  He refused to put not one of them on and would pull out the female condom :(  

If I get passed this one "unscathed" I will never make these concessions again, especially for someone who acts like him.  Me first from this point forward.

If he ever responds, I will post his results because obviously if he gets a positive test (although his results wouldn't be 3 mos yet either) then that would solidify the positive culture I guess.

I'll post his results and mine after I get the Biokit or Western Blot at week 12.  I am still unsure of what date to count from though.  January 20 or February 27?

[optimisticd]

You tested postive and he tested negative?  That's crazy :-/

Well I hope that the Western Blot gives your more clarity and you are very fortunate for sure!  You haven't had any outbreaks, so it feels like life as normal positive HSV2 or not?  

So weird how one thing can turn your whole life upside down for a bit.

He swears that he hasn't been with anyone else and it does seem unlikely that he has but you NEVER know!  My symtoms (symptoms) didn't happen until we did (1st time ever for me) anal sex and he went from vaginal to anal --back and forth :(  Had no idea we were going to be doing anal either or else I could have made special preparations lol.  From that point on it has been a nightmare down there.  Itching, burning, sores, discharge (I have to say that it has reduced tons now that I have been on Diflucan 200MG straight for 4 days now and the Rx is for 10 days), he on the other hand has absolutely no symptoms or discomfort--figures!

I am glad you found out about that he was cheating and I am hopeful that no matter what, we end up with someone better in our lives :)

Thanks for your words of encouragment and check back in a month to see my results if you remember :)

[optimisticd]

Wait you said 3 mos from last sexual contact, which would mean I couldn't text until May 27 SIGH :-/

If that's the case, then the negative IgG that I got means zilch :(

Wish there was a way to end this.  I am already exhausted.  Just want to know one way or the other so I can proceed accordingly.

I honestly am still a bit skeptical since I still do think from all that I have read that a positive culture is an absolute fact.  No errors unless they mixed up my sample (which is highly unlikely).

Have to try to get it behind me for 2 more months it seems and then just go get retested and know the facts from there.

Guess the same thing applies for my partner---he might be getting tested now too, but I guess it won't really matter if it hasn't been three months yet.  

[gracefromHHP]

should you get a return of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for a lesion culture and typing to get better answers as to if this is hsv1 or hsv2 genitally.

[optimisticd]

That is what I am concerned about, the social stigma.  Having a contagious disease certainly can put some people off---but fortunately not all people :)

So happy that you are in a great relationship now even with him knowing full well that you've tested positive for HSV 2.  Good man :)

I definitely agree that it is wise to tell as few people as possible if not fewer lol.  Obviously any potential partner (which you did) but other than that---- all information is on a need to know basis :)  People don't mean anything by spreading all of your business like they do, some just can't handle anything and need to vent it to someone else.  

Please let me know your WB results once you get them.

Good luck!

[optimisticd]

Thanks Grace!

Can I ask you directly if you've ever seen or heard of anyone getting a viral culture that tested positive but the virus was not isolated?  As I noted in my results it states that my results were in the negative range, but then it says I am positive none isolated.  

Have you seen that before?  It would appear that the sample grew but that they could not isolate it---is that what they are saying?  

I haven't started the Valtrex yet because I am waiting to finish the Diflucan first.  Symptoms are still not gone (still itchy vaginal are is much better but anal area is still very very itchy, still discharge (white and some yellow) but not cottage cheese and less than before, swollen glands, sore throat.  

Hopefully the Diflucan will completely clear up my yeast infection so that I can separate those symptoms from the Herpes symptoms (although I am still blindly rooting with my doctors that I don't have it lol).

If another sore surfaces without prodding and with no yeast or bv, then it is obvious that it must be Herpes and I will get a culture done of it asap to confirm the type.  

What if I don't get another sore?  Then just wait until May 27 and do the WB?  By the way I still have the culture results coming that the CDC doctor took---would they be "worth" considering?

Your thoughts and responses are greatly appreciated :)

[gracefromHHP]

did your provider say it was + or is that what you got from the report from the culture? honestly that makes no sense at all to list it that way.   Usually it says positive, negative as the result ranges and then none isolated is your result which is negative.

you can take diflucan and valtrex at the same time. it's not an issue at all.

[optimisticd]

For results it says Positive, for ref range it says negative, and then on another line for reference range it says positive none isolated- none isolated.  

It did give me a positive for results though.  It says that it is progressive and above high normal.  

So as far as the provider, I spoke to the nurse at my OBGYN's office.  She is the one who gave me the news that my culture came back positive for HSV2.  I had her fax it to me.  Then I brought it to the Center for Disease Center doctor.  He said that the results of the test did not make any sense and that he doesn't think that I have Herpes since it said none isolated (two times).

He did not even keep a copy of the test results for my file.  He said the culture results were conflicting and he said we will start from square one and ordered the IgG and took his own swab for both Herpes and fungal cultures.

I will get those results on Friday.  

My OBGYN's office only prescribed 3 days of Valtrex, which the doctor (the 2nd one at the CDC that gave me my IgG results) said is not a typical or sufficient amount of the drug for a 1st time occurence.  He said that it should have been 7-10 days and maybe it could be 3 days, but more like 5 days for recurring OBs.

He too thought the test results were suspicious and said he does not think it is Herpes 2 since none isolated means negative.  

And although this is what I want to hear, I however can not deny that the culture still grew something from the sample from my sore.  I just don't know how that occured without them isolating it and I also don't know how they can type something that they haven't isolated?  It does sound nonsensical, but I again don't want to be too hopeful only to be disappointed later.

Facts remain that I have a suspicious culture and an insufficient IgG (as far as the waiting period is concerned since it was done 8 weeks from first symtoms (symptoms) and 4 weeks from last sexual contact).  So I have nothing really.  Just continual itchiness, discharge, etc for 2 straight months now.  Finally feeling relief with the Diflucan.  Every day there's significant improvement---feel like I will be much better down there by the time I complete the Rx.

[gracefromHHP]

the 3 day dose of valtrex is appropriate for recurrences. testing + via blood test for hsv2 means that it would be a recurrence for you so this was ok.  

if you need help with your new blood test results, just post them here.

[optimisticd]

:( But I did not get a positive blood test.

I had 1 negative no antibodies detected IgG in November (late), one positive results culture (w Positive none isolated- none isolated reference range) last week and another negative no antibodies detected IgG in March (Monday).  

So it would not be a recurrence if I do have it, and it would be indicative of a new exposure that is not reflecting in my blood.

[optimisticd]

Now my anus area is swollen like 3 times normal size.  I am not sure if I did that to myself because it was itching a lot still and I kept rubbing it hard with a tissue.  Then I took a sea salt bath.  

When I woke up this morning, anus is very inflamed.  Only mildly hurts (I think that is my fault for rubbing the itch so hard), but even now, it does still itch.  I think that I've been getting discharge there too.  Is this from Herpes?  

I think that I have molloscum contagiosum too.  A while ago I had those red looking MC bumps (2 or 3 of them) on my stomach.  I have since gotten tons of flesh colored skin tags.  They sometimes itch.  They are not bothersome and not really noticeable to others (since they are flesh colored) but I have A LOT of them.

Could MC possibly be cause a discrepancy in my HSV 2 culture?  Would that explain the Positive none isolated?  

[optimisticd]

Meant to type --could MC cause the discrepancy in my HSV 2 culture?  Woult that explain the Positive none-isolated, none isolated?

I've used hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, and A & D ointment and am unsure if the ridiculous amount of dryness and cracked appearance are due to the constant discharge (which has significantly reduced but still is not gone) and my topicals or if it is the Herpes scabbing that I've read about.  Does that sound like herpectic scabbing?

[gracefromHHP]

no mc wouldn't interfere with your hsv2 culture.

in your very first post, the way you posted your test results it appears that you posted that you are positive hence why I said it would be a recurrence for you. I apologize if I misunderstood that but that's what they look like to me.

NO PEROXIDE!!!  It's non-chlorine bleach.   would you pour clorox on your genital area?  I should hope not!  same with vinegar is also an acid. no wonder things are irritated and swollen!

see your provider again tomorrow if things aren't back to closer to normal in your genital/anal area.

[optimisticd]

Grace,

You won't believe this, but a lot of people are using clorox bleach as a "treatment".  I read it here http://www.natural-cures-for.com/remedies/genital-herpes.  I didn't realize that peroxide was as crazy though lol.  Apple cider vinegar I thought was good lol, I went out and bought a quart of it, oh well.

What prompted me posting on here in the first place (it's in my caption), was that I was wondering how I could have a positive result that says none isolated?  which it says twice although I only typed it once in my first post.  

This is what is written on the test:

HSV Type 1
Flags: none
Results: Negative
Ref-Range: Negative

HSV Type 2
Flags: Above High Normal
Results: Positive
Ref-Range: Negative

Herpes Simplex Virus Culture
Flags: Progressive
Results: Above high normal
Ref-Range: Positive- None Isolated
None Isolated

So from your professional experience, am I definitely positive?

I just kept reading that positive was isolated, and mine said none isolated, but if I can be positive and it not be isolated, then I can, and then I have it and that's that.  Have you seen that before?  It was the nurse who told me it was definitely positive, and I had not spoken to my OBGYN doctor, and then the Infectious disease docs didn't seem to think it was herpes because of the none isolated part.  

I have an appointment with the Center for infectious disease doctor on Monday although I'll get his test results tomorrow (only received the negative IgG result from him so far).  That will be his fungal and herpes culture.  

I'll have him check the vagina/anus areas.  They do feel much better than before, but still itch.  The swelling has gone down a lot already.

[gracefromHHP]

your blood test is + for hsv2.  

the website you mentioned is a very poor one and I would never follow anything that is on there!  using bleach on your sensitive genital skin is going to give you a chemical burn. same with peroxide can do the same thing. even vinegar shouldn't be used without being diluted first. it's good as a compress or in bathwater but not full strength on the skin!

[optimisticd]

Hmmm, okay just so we're clear, did you mean to type culture instead of blood test?  

What I typed were all of the results on the page for my Herpes virus culture typing test.

[gracefromHHP]

no, blood test. you posted a + blood test result twice now.

[optimisticd]

But it is a viral culture test.  Wow, now I am beyond confused. They swabbed the sore.  They did not take any blood from me at that time.  Those are the results of the Viral Culture Typing Test.  

The blood tests that I have gotten were both IgG's and they both said negative no antibodies detected.

No difference I guess.  It's positive in either case.

I will see the doctor on Monday anyway.  His office called with my results and they all came back negative, but I know that it hasn't been 3 months since last exposure so it doesn't really count.

My question still is, if you saw the results that I posted (that you are calling a blood test) as a viral culture result---would you say it is definitely positive?  I think it is as this juncture, but the none isolated made me hopeful (and my doctor too).

[optimisticd]

I know that it looks separated when it says Herpes Simplex Viral Culture, but they are not.  It is all one result.  I just typed everything that I saw (so included that too).  I had one culture at the OBGYN w no blood drawn.  They faxed me this as the result of the culture.  

Can they use the swab for a blood test too?

If not, then I never had a positive blood test.  IgG in November was a .27 no antibodies detected. IgG in March was a .53 no antibodies detected.

I think I have it because today I have lower back pain, a headache, and out of no where became extremely tired.  Headache is a bad one.

[gracefromHHP]

the way you posted everything is the way most labs report a blood test for hsv1 and hsv2 and then a lesion culture hence why I assumed you were talking blood test.  once again sorry for the confusion but this is hard to do online without me having your lab results right in front of me :(

at this point, really not a lot I can help you with obviously.  If you get a return of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of the appearance of lesions for a lesion culture  and typing.  If you feel the need to repeat a blood test again, make sure it's herpes WB.  

[optimisticd]

That's okay Grace.  You were not alone with it being confusing.  That's why the Infectious Disease doctor said that the results didn't make sense and wanted to start over and he had the lab results right in front of him!

I will just wait the two more months (to get 3 mos after last exposure) and do the herpers WB like you suggested unless I get new lesions that can be cultured and typed again.

The results of the last viral culture was negative (they told me today), but the sore was 9 days after the original viral culture so that is not really too surprising.

It is really hard to get a straight answer and narrow this down.  

Thanks so much again and I'll post my WB in 2 mos once I get it done.

[gracefromHHP]

The WB you have to wait 4 months post encounter for.

[optimisticd]

Ugggh, please be patient with me but just so that I am clear, I should do a Herpes WB 4 months after 1st symptoms (January 20) or last unprotected sexual encounter (February 27)?

That's a long time to go unsure.

I haven't taken the Valtrex yet, but if I do, is it okay for me to do that pre-test?

I honestly think I have it because what would have me so bothered down there for so long?  It's been 2 mos already w little to no relief.  Using a garlic clove tonight--I'm not anti meds, but will try natural remedies first.

[Mistakeguy789]

4 months from your last sexual encounter.  Your symptoms won't mean much if you had the vrius transmited to you on Feb 27 and your symptoms weren't herpes related.  You follow?  

Don't take the valtrex just yet when you plan on doing the WB.  

If its been going on for 2 months that is more of a reason to not believe herpes is the cause.  

[gracefromHHP]

garlic vaginally can help with yeast infections but not herpes.  

[optimisticd]

Okay so 4 mos from 2/27 and no Valtrex until after I take the WB (or if I get a new lesion that is cultured and typed with a positive result)?  Is that right?

The 2 mos have been gruelling.  IDK, maybe I am having recurrent breakouts over and over   :(  

My partner has not gotten tested yet, he said that he is going to go early this week.  If he comes back positive, then that will make my nonsensical viral culture make more sense.

Grace it did make it feel somewhat better, but I had done a sea salt and vinegar bath first.  Then this morning I did the Tylenol PM treatment which I must say does make it feel way better!  

If I do have it, and if this is the worst of it (besides telling a new partner and making sure never to infect him), then I'll be fine.  I did already freak myself out into thinking that I have already spread it to my face (although I have been washing my hands like a freak but I feel so itchy all over now that I know that I could have a disease).  

Doctor still wants to talk to me in person on Monday, so I'll know more then as well.

Thanks everyone for all of your responses, help and support.  Things don't look as dismal at the moment.  

[gracefromHHP]

go and be seen every single time you have symptoms.

[optimisticd]

Had doctor's appointment today with center for infectious disease---doc said that all test came back negative (viral culture, blood work, all other stds) and he does not think that I have HSV 2.

I expressed that it has not been 3 mos from last encounter so the blood work could be inaccurate, which I learned from here :)  and that the negative culture could be wrong too since it was 9 days after the orignal culture.  

He said we can wait and do the blood work again after I've reached 3 mos and then go from there.

I decided to have my original doctor (my OBGYN) call me and go over my results personally and for him to respond to the "none isolated" portion of the results.  He said that the results are in fact positive and that there is no room for error.  He said that he clinically diagnosed it and it was confirmed by a DNA culture which was typed.  He said the blood work will evetually catch up with the culture, but it is definite :(

So there doesn't seem to be any need to prolong this any longer.

It appears that my OBGYN is more knowledgeable than the infectious disease doctor who truly made me feel highly optimistic.

I will take the Valtrex today and go from here.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Wish it were a better outcome for me.  I took the precaution of having tests done and we both came back negative ---only to end up with HSV2 which I honestly never imagined would happen to me.  He has his PHD and takes good care of himself.  We are both professionals.  I take the blame for not enforcing a condom, but it was harder to enforce after we both had negative test results---which he fell back on all of the time.

  

[gracefromHHP]

well I' ve certainly given up on helping you with those pesky lesion culture results....lol.  Hopefully you get more concrete answers in the near future.  Perhaps err on the side of caution and both you and your partner repeat your igg blood tests when it's time and go from there.

keep us updated :)

[optimisticd]

I think I got them.  My OBGYN said it's absolutely positive.

I was going to go get the Valtrex today, but I don't have any itching today (started my menses) and so don't know if it makes sense to take them now or not?

I think that I am totally missing the symptom warnings.  My partner is more concerned about obtaining every possible comfort for his home than he seems to be about having an STD.  He of course still insists on having unprotected sex (which I am not doing, although foolishly too late) in the event that I want to get an IgG.  My OBGYN says not to waste my time, the culture is positive.  Enough said.  Now I agree.

Should I take the 3 days of Valtrex eventhough I don't feel itchiness this very moment?  Nothings bothering me right now, so I don't know if it would serve any purpose to take it at this juncture?  Thoughts?  

[gracefromHHP]

no reason to take any valtrex if you aren't having symptoms.

[optimisticd]

Thanks Grace.  I didn't take it although I still have been having ocassional itching in the anus area.  Actually feels like there is a worm or something wiggling in there which freaks me out.  I have made yet another doctor's appointment.  Going to get check for hemorrhoids.  Maybe it is due to a bump or sore there IDK.  Feeling comes and goes, but totally noticeable when it is there---no mistaken it.  

2creep1----I know :(  I can't deny that I cried all over again.  It just sucks so badly.  I don't understand how I went through the trouble of us both getting tested, only to end up with a disease anyway---and HP2!  Uggh.    I did say to myself, like you did, that at least it is not HIV or something life threatening, so given that in the big picture, I'm just going to have to live with it.  My partner still hasn't gone to get tested.  Sigh.  No biggie I guess.  He has no symptoms, so I guess it is not very dire in his opinion.  I don't really want to take medication ( I will if I have to, but prefer to explore natural remedies if at all possible).  I am going to see if that works for me.  If not, then I will have to do Valtrex (which damages the liver).  

I am unsure if I will take the test in 3 mos since I have a positive culture.  My OBGYN was very clear that it is positive so don't waste my time or money.  He said it'll just make you have to relive the sad news again.  I think he's right----BUT I still don't know, I might be curious just to see the numbers and so forth :)

I will definitely keep you posted if I decide to do it.

Please do let me know yours too.  Since yours was not a culture, you have a much better chance to get a negative WB.  I hope that you do :)

Thanks everyone for all of your answers and insight!  I do think that it has helped me through a daunting time and I already feel more optimistic (a my name says lol) that I can still live a happy life with HSV2 :)

[Mistakeguy789]

The worm feeling is also a symptom of actually having worms along with an itchy butt.  You should talk to your doctor about that.  

I hope your partner is continuing to support you.  You have nothing to fear or not think you won't have a happy life with HSV.  

[gracefromHHP]

I have no idea what you've been reading but valtrex DOES NOT CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE!!  I have no idea how those sorts of myths persist!  There are no long term side effects to any of the 3 herpes antivirals we use.