Confused about herpes Test

[bummedout880]

I had unprotected sex on the 14th of the of last month by the 17/18th and  I had some 3 lumps on my penis close but not clumped not really any pus one kind of semi formed about 2 days after that, I did get a sore throat and I hurt to pee for about 3 day but all of a sudden just didnt hut anymore. The lumps/pimples are not what i would call painful but did scab up in the end. I check the pics on the next and the pimple/lumps really didn't look like any of the pics on the internet sites. I did suspect herpes though. Well I had a test on the 2nd of the next month so about 16 days latter lumps/pimples had healed by this time. The reults came back with HS1 equivocal and HSV2 equivocal they did not give me the actual scores. I have been reading on the internet that equivocal petty much means an early infection. Could someone please shed some light on the matter.

[gracefromHHP]

no, don't test then - wait and do it in february so you aren't testing over and over again because it was too early!!

[bummedout880]

Thanks Grace, the nurse that I saw pretty much advised that HS1 equivocal and HSV2 equivocal test results would mean that I had been exposed and my next test would comeback positve and I should brace myself for it. The test actually has said "if early exposure is suspected to test in 4 - 6 weeks", He wants me to take another test at start of January. This time I will ask for the actual numbers of the test.

[gracefromHHP]

at this point wait and repeat your blood testing at the appropriate time and go from there.  At this point you don't even know if your symptoms were due to herpes or not.

[bummedout880]

Ok that's a relief.

The fact that my tests came back HS1 equivocal and HSV2 equivocal, does thta mean I will get a another primary outbreak or did my first outbreak cover both?

[gracefromHHP]

shedding occurs from the area of actual lesions when you have them as well as from the entire anogenital area. In between obvious lesions, shedding periodically occurs from the anogenital area ( anal and genital area - think the soft pink sink in the genital area, not the buttocks or thighs ).

[bummedout880]

Wow I did not know that, the Boxer Area front and back?

So does the viral shedding can happen in that whole area too?

Thats kind of a large area, too large for a condom to give you full protection from giving it to someone else.

[gracefromHHP]

recurrences can be anywhere in the boxer short area. they won't always be in the same general area for a lifetime.  

I highly recommend Terri Warren's "the good news about the bad news" book. it's under $20 on amazon and she really gets into the psychological side of having genital herpes in it :)  It's a terrific read!

[bummedout880]

Ok once again big thanks.

Sorry for keep asking you questions but I think a lot of people in my situation may be asking the same sand I more questions asked and answered will hopefully be helpful to others.

I've also been reading (on the internet) that with a recurrence that if there are any blister/pimples they will be in the exact same location where the first outbreak was is that correct? In my case does this mean if I have a blister/pimple (first outbreak site) on my penis shaft the blisters/pimples (recurrence) will comeback in the same exact spot or can be anywhere on the penis?

It's been a great relief to be able to discuss this with you, as you and the Pratisioning Nurse (that sent me for the test) are the only people I have discussed this with I'm even to embarrassed to see my GP (who I have been seeing for 10 plus year).

I think I might need to get professional counselling to help me though this.

[gracefromHHP]

about half of folks get a recurrence within 2 months of the initial infection.

[bummedout880]

Sorry one other thing

How long after your first outbreak do you nomally get you next outbreak or is this question like how long is a peice of string?

[bummedout880]

Ok thanks for all you help grace

This feeling of being in Limbo is really distressing and is kind of stressing me out, as I'm not sleeping more than 2 hours a night.

I'm finding it very dificult not tying to think about it all the time.

I will update you when I get my next test done.

Once again thanks for all your help not just with me but with all the people's questions you answer.

[gracefromHHP]

It is the way the test is performed

[bummedout880]

Just another question grace.

So if some one did not have any exposure why would there be HSV 1 or 2 antibodies in there body at all?

[gracefromHHP]

equivocal is actually negative. It just means that the results are getting close to the positive range to cue the provider into asking more questions and considering more testing later on depending on the time frames.

[bummedout880]

Thanks for your reply grace and will do exactly what you advised.

Just a quick question, why do equivocal test results come about? I'm thinking in my case because it could be in the early stages but I have read many of the post on this website and people whi ahve waited 3+ months still get them

[gracefromHHP]

your herpes blood testing was done far too early. at this point, wait and repeat your testing in february and go from there. should you have a recurrence of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for an exam and testing of active lesions.

grace