HSV IgM Equivocal Test Result

Hello.

I am a mess right now. :( Two weeks ago I was getting a massage and the therapist got a little friendly with me and started to give me a blow job. I asked him to stop and that was it. Although there was no sex, his month was on my penis for a few seconds. I was a bit freaked-out by it all as I was not expecting it. I had a serious talk with the guy and he promised me that he had no STD's and that he was tested about two weeks prior.

I saw a clinic doctor twice since. All other STD's came back negative, but the HSV IgM (1-2) came back equivocal at 0.98 (LabCorp). So, now, I am a complete wreck. I called my regular doctor and he is going to see me next Tuesday afternoon (soonest he could get me in). He was VERY upset that this test was run as he says it tells you that: You might have HSV 1 or HSV 2 or that you might not have neither. He understood my mood at the moment, but said that there was really nothing to do and that education is the most important thing at this point (I have no obvious sores).

What are your thoughts on this? Any advice? I am very concerned and stressed. I am in a relationship (I have told him everything) and am scared this might unravel everything.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

What was the IgG result for HSV 1 and HSV 2 for you?  Those are the only tests that matter.  I agree with your regular doctor that running the IgM test was completely inappropriate.  All the recommending agencies say avoid IgM testing for diagnosing herpes in adults - bad bad choice.  I'm guessing that IgG testing was also done.  What were those results?

Terri

[Frantic1966]

Terri,

Thanks you for getting back with me.

The IgG results were both negative (for HSV 1 and 2). ...but it was only 13-14 days since the incident. So, they might not be valid yet. Right? Also, except for some urinary tract sensitivity (I had this before the incident) due to kidney stones, I have no sores or symptoms (just a huge amount of stress).

Here is a bit moare about the incident:
(I am a 43 year old GWM, healthy, in a relationship)

I was referred to a massage therapist who was in town for the weekend (mine is on vacation). In general, the massage was great, but the therapist got a little "friendly" near the end. He started to perform oral on me... Although I am not a prude, I asked that he not do it. Except for that, and the usual body contact of a Thai massage, no other activity went on. Note: I asked him before I left if he had any STD's or HIV. He said he was completely clean and I have no worries whatsoever. He said he was tested two weeks prior and was disease free (not that I trust anyone).

Here's my last comment...
I spoke with my real doctor on the phone today and he is going to see me next Tuesday afternoon. He was pissed-off that the IgM test was performed as he says it has 4 possible results and not just two (HSV 1 positive/negative, HSV 2 positive/negative) and not reliable. He says there is nothing I can do at this point except to not have sex and to wait until next week for our talk and some re-testing.

Thoughts?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

the problem with the IgM is a high rate of false positives (yours was not technically positive, I don't believe - equivocal, I think, but I never use it so not sure).  I would not worry about this, myself.  Your risk is really low, and the risk would be HSV 1, not HSV 2, if anything.

Terri

[Frantic1966]

Terry,

I will be seeing my doctor on Tuesday afternoon. I had a long (long!) discussion with my boyfriend and we are all on the same page (good or bad news). I have been more stressed about this situation than anything ever in my life. :( Unfortunately, testing (IgG) cannot be done quick enough.

Please accept my thanks for your time and advice. I will get back to you later.

Peace.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

OK, I'll wait to here from you, but I would SO encourage you that this is very low risk!  Has your regular partner ever been tested to see what his HSV status is?
Terri

[Frantic1966]

Terri,

Good point. I will suggest to him that he get tested as well.

-Marc.

[Frantic1966]

Terri,

One more question. If I do have Herpes, and it is HSV-1, is that any better (so to speak) than HSV-2?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

HSV 1 genitally recurs less often and is shed less often, yes.
Terri