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Praying for a false positive
I am a 38 yr old female with a copper iud for a year now and i have had 2 high risk occurances since the beginning of this year. I had a routine pap on July 1st and Today I received communication that i tested positive for herpes. The pre-typed document is checked off - " Your test shows that you have herpes. It is important to come to be treated .. then it is written in " IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS" . On the bottom of the sheet under OTHER is hand written " If you have not had symptoms repeat in 6 months. The result was a low positive". I'm at a loss. I've spent the last 5 hours researching all I can about this disease.
There's more, I also have slightly abnormal changes in my pap calles ASC-US and a HPV test needs to be conducted.
Please give any and all advice. I cannot recall having any symptoms associated with hsv 1 or 2. The only thing that is questionable to me is a single blister that appeared on my outer right thigh (it has clear, water like fluid in it). I had it between March and April this year, it did not ever itch or hurt at all and it did not have the dot in the middle and it did not crust over and disppear. It actually popped (no foul smell that I recall) by accident when putting on my jeans and it healed and left a mark which i still have ( just a small circle with some darkness around it) which hasn't bothered me since. I'm calling doctor tomorrow for appt and will inquire as to what type of test they used and what were my exacts results for each.
From your experience does it sound like I could possibly have a false positive? I am aware of the Western Blot, should I take it? Could it be a result of the abnormal pap? Or vice versa? The doctor ofc seemed so relaxed about the results. Please please help I am truly in need of all direction and expertise. Thank you in advance for all help.
There's more, I also have slightly abnormal changes in my pap calles ASC-US and a HPV test needs to be conducted.
Please give any and all advice. I cannot recall having any symptoms associated with hsv 1 or 2. The only thing that is questionable to me is a single blister that appeared on my outer right thigh (it has clear, water like fluid in it). I had it between March and April this year, it did not ever itch or hurt at all and it did not have the dot in the middle and it did not crust over and disppear. It actually popped (no foul smell that I recall) by accident when putting on my jeans and it healed and left a mark which i still have ( just a small circle with some darkness around it) which hasn't bothered me since. I'm calling doctor tomorrow for appt and will inquire as to what type of test they used and what were my exacts results for each.
From your experience does it sound like I could possibly have a false positive? I am aware of the Western Blot, should I take it? Could it be a result of the abnormal pap? Or vice versa? The doctor ofc seemed so relaxed about the results. Please please help I am truly in need of all direction and expertise. Thank you in advance for all help.
There is such a thing as seroreversion. we don't know how often it happens or why but it sometimes can. in studies, it's not something they see a whole lot of though.
Hello Grace
I'd like if you can help me understand if a person can test positive due to exposure to hsv and then later revert to a negative result? I guess I'm also asking can a person be exposed but not necessarily infected and if so how would this affect their test results? Low positive then over time a negative? I read a post that Teri was communicating on with this scenario of low positive then to negative after several tests and months passed. If I'm not correct with the exposure versus infected scenario what would cause this?
As you can see I am absolutely consumed with this, wanting to learn and understand as much as possible while I await my kit.
Thank you for your wisdom
Ok understood.. I'M GLAD more than you know! Such a great poll you gave me the link to .. Wow, I still have hope of being negative. I cannot wait for the kit to arrive.
Take care Grace, Bless You!
Take care Grace, Bless You!
usually it's hsv1 that is causing the false positive issues with the igg tests though we aren't really sure what all factors into it.
I'm glad you found us to get your questions answered :)
grace
I'm glad you found us to get your questions answered :)
grace
WOW Grace.. You are such a Blessing!!! Thank you
I will review your journal info and the site you referred. You know I of course thought of another question overnight, lolol..here goes.....
- as an adult at the age of 24 I contracted chicken pox, it was extremely severe externally and internally (vagina) .. truly didn't think i was gonna make it through.. Although that was 14 years ago could that infection (which i understand is in the same family as herpes and shingles) could that possibly give me a low positive and potentially be giving me a false positive?
I will spend time reviewing your posts. Once again Grace I must say You are a Blessing. I could not imagine going through this without this level of consultation. It just seems as though the medical professionals I am working with don't really know all the correct info themselves.
ttys.. all the best.
I will review your journal info and the site you referred. You know I of course thought of another question overnight, lolol..here goes.....
- as an adult at the age of 24 I contracted chicken pox, it was extremely severe externally and internally (vagina) .. truly didn't think i was gonna make it through.. Although that was 14 years ago could that infection (which i understand is in the same family as herpes and shingles) could that possibly give me a low positive and potentially be giving me a false positive?
I will spend time reviewing your posts. Once again Grace I must say You are a Blessing. I could not imagine going through this without this level of consultation. It just seems as though the medical professionals I am working with don't really know all the correct info themselves.
ttys.. all the best.
hpv is usually the cause of changes in the cervical cells, not herpes. you tested + for high risk hpv which means it has a greater chance of progressing into cervical cancer if left untreated. the colposcopy will allow them to get a much better look at your cervix and if they see any suspicious areas, they will biopsy them. If the biopsy comes back +, then they schedule additional procedures - sometimes it's freezing the cervix to kill abnormal cells, sometimes it's a LEEP and sometimes it's medication weekly on the cervix. Early detection and treatment with follow up to keep an eye on things keeps the odds way in your favor with this!
on to your herpes questions -
-1. How Accurate is the herpes select?
it's got a 98% accuracy but there is the false positive issue with low positives which is why getting the WB 4 months after you last had sex is a good follow up.
- 2. what would antibodies have to do with the low positive result?
there is some cross reactivity which can cause a false positive. there is a post in in my journal on this too.
- 3. how accurate is the inhibition test?
it's supposed to be a mini WB type test and help rule out false positives. Not sure I've ever seen a stat for accuracy on it to be honest.
- 4. since i never had any outbreak that im aware of is it likely that it may start at any time?
only about 20% of folks don't actually have symptoms, the rest just don't realize that the symptoms they have are due to herpes. if you had a herpes ob on your cervix, well who in the world can see up there at home?
- 5. why do some people have ob's and some do not? Does it relate to the 'amount' they were infected by (if that makes sense) or just their own bodily chemistry and strength?
actually you can blame mom and dad for this one. it has as much to do with your gene's as anything. also if you have hsv1 prior to contracting hsv2, it takes the "edge" off of the hsv2 infection and makes it less like you'll have a rip roaring "classic" first ob.
- 6. if a positive hsv2 person interacts sexually with another with the same can one worsen the other's symptoms or levels of the disease in any way?
nope
- 7. since i never had any ob that I'm aware of am I correct that if I didn't request that they do all tests 'the works' on me that I still would not have known about this hsv2 ?
probably not until you got a noticeable recurrence.
- 8. what are all of the factors that contribute to a low positive in the first place?
- 9. what titer level result is considered an absolute positive?
- 10. what is a ratio of ppl (women if avail) who have no symptoms and get low positive results that retest and then found to be negative?
all 3 of these - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/low-positives---confirmatory-results/show/1097724?personal_page_id=873762#post_5060604 prior post that has good links for reading for these answers for you ( this is what is in my journal post )
- 11. with hsv2 and no symptoms, no outbreaks how would this affect a woman in regards to conceiving and giving birth?
no different of a risk than if you were having ob's regularly.
- 12. I'm wondering if hsv2 in genital area (no outbreaks) can be avoided spreading by just the use of a condom or are there more precautions necessary in order not to spread ?
the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is free and really helpful to give you more info. the patient counseling video there by Terri is also terrific.
keep asking questions!
on to your herpes questions -
-1. How Accurate is the herpes select?
it's got a 98% accuracy but there is the false positive issue with low positives which is why getting the WB 4 months after you last had sex is a good follow up.
- 2. what would antibodies have to do with the low positive result?
there is some cross reactivity which can cause a false positive. there is a post in in my journal on this too.
- 3. how accurate is the inhibition test?
it's supposed to be a mini WB type test and help rule out false positives. Not sure I've ever seen a stat for accuracy on it to be honest.
- 4. since i never had any outbreak that im aware of is it likely that it may start at any time?
only about 20% of folks don't actually have symptoms, the rest just don't realize that the symptoms they have are due to herpes. if you had a herpes ob on your cervix, well who in the world can see up there at home?
- 5. why do some people have ob's and some do not? Does it relate to the 'amount' they were infected by (if that makes sense) or just their own bodily chemistry and strength?
actually you can blame mom and dad for this one. it has as much to do with your gene's as anything. also if you have hsv1 prior to contracting hsv2, it takes the "edge" off of the hsv2 infection and makes it less like you'll have a rip roaring "classic" first ob.
- 6. if a positive hsv2 person interacts sexually with another with the same can one worsen the other's symptoms or levels of the disease in any way?
nope
- 7. since i never had any ob that I'm aware of am I correct that if I didn't request that they do all tests 'the works' on me that I still would not have known about this hsv2 ?
probably not until you got a noticeable recurrence.
- 8. what are all of the factors that contribute to a low positive in the first place?
- 9. what titer level result is considered an absolute positive?
- 10. what is a ratio of ppl (women if avail) who have no symptoms and get low positive results that retest and then found to be negative?
all 3 of these - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/low-positives---confirmatory-results/show/1097724?personal_page_id=873762#post_5060604 prior post that has good links for reading for these answers for you ( this is what is in my journal post )
- 11. with hsv2 and no symptoms, no outbreaks how would this affect a woman in regards to conceiving and giving birth?
no different of a risk than if you were having ob's regularly.
- 12. I'm wondering if hsv2 in genital area (no outbreaks) can be avoided spreading by just the use of a condom or are there more precautions necessary in order not to spread ?
the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is free and really helpful to give you more info. the patient counseling video there by Terri is also terrific.
keep asking questions!
Hello Grace,
Had appt today. I was given some misinformation over the phone. The Dr. today told me I tested positive for hsv2 at a 3.58 titer level. Seems as though it was a blood test, they used the Herpes Select. She says it is still considered a low positive because it it less than 5. and first said to retest in 6 months then she says she was going to order a 2nd test an Inhibition Assay (spelling may not be correct) but I requested the Western Blot and she agreed and wrote the presription for it for me to take to the lab once I receive the kit from Univ of Wash (I ordered kit today). She was so cold and empty through the entire conversation as if she had better things to do. So rushed an detached. I feel worst than ever and have even more questions than ever. She mumbled something about the antibodies but by that point I was so tired of asking her to slow down and explain the terms she was using I didn't even bother to ask her to repeat that one again.
-1. How Accurate is the herpes select?
- 2. what would antibodies have to do with the low positive result?
- 3. how accurate is the inhibition test?
- 4. since i never had any outbreak that im aware of is it likely that it may start at any time?
- 5. why do some people have ob's and some do not? Does it relate to the 'amount' they were infected by (if that makes sense) or just their own bodily chemistry and strength?
- 6. if a positive hsv2 person interacts sexually with another with the same can one worsen the other's symptoms or levels of the disease in any way?
- 7. since i never had any ob that I'm aware of am I correct that if I didn't request that they do all tests 'the works' on me that I still would not have known about this hsv2 ?
- 8. what are all of the factors that contribute to a low positive in the first place?
- 9. what titer level result is considered an absolute positive?
- 10. what is a ratio of ppl (women if avail) who have no symptoms and get low positive results that retest and then found to be negative?
- 11. with hsv2 and no symptoms, no outbreaks how would this affect a woman in regards to conceiving and giving birth?
- 12. I'm wondering if hsv2 in genital area (no outbreaks) can be avoided spreading by just the use of a condom or are there more precautions necessary in order not to spread ?
Thank you for allowing me to ask these many varied questions.
To answer your question I have not been in contact or do I have any contact information anymore for my partner. I had removed him from my contact base shorlty after our dealings. I have not had any partners since.
I am now dealing with two major issues. The results of my HPV test was positive for high risk types. I understand this puts me at risk for cervical cancer. They have me scheduled for a colposcope and biopsy next week. She says this is totally separate and unrelated to the positive hsv2. What could this be now? How can all of this be going on and I am in great shape, feeling healthy, always eating healthy and I'm never sick or showing any symptoms of illness and now all of this?? What could this hpv be?
thanks Grace
Had appt today. I was given some misinformation over the phone. The Dr. today told me I tested positive for hsv2 at a 3.58 titer level. Seems as though it was a blood test, they used the Herpes Select. She says it is still considered a low positive because it it less than 5. and first said to retest in 6 months then she says she was going to order a 2nd test an Inhibition Assay (spelling may not be correct) but I requested the Western Blot and she agreed and wrote the presription for it for me to take to the lab once I receive the kit from Univ of Wash (I ordered kit today). She was so cold and empty through the entire conversation as if she had better things to do. So rushed an detached. I feel worst than ever and have even more questions than ever. She mumbled something about the antibodies but by that point I was so tired of asking her to slow down and explain the terms she was using I didn't even bother to ask her to repeat that one again.
-1. How Accurate is the herpes select?
- 2. what would antibodies have to do with the low positive result?
- 3. how accurate is the inhibition test?
- 4. since i never had any outbreak that im aware of is it likely that it may start at any time?
- 5. why do some people have ob's and some do not? Does it relate to the 'amount' they were infected by (if that makes sense) or just their own bodily chemistry and strength?
- 6. if a positive hsv2 person interacts sexually with another with the same can one worsen the other's symptoms or levels of the disease in any way?
- 7. since i never had any ob that I'm aware of am I correct that if I didn't request that they do all tests 'the works' on me that I still would not have known about this hsv2 ?
- 8. what are all of the factors that contribute to a low positive in the first place?
- 9. what titer level result is considered an absolute positive?
- 10. what is a ratio of ppl (women if avail) who have no symptoms and get low positive results that retest and then found to be negative?
- 11. with hsv2 and no symptoms, no outbreaks how would this affect a woman in regards to conceiving and giving birth?
- 12. I'm wondering if hsv2 in genital area (no outbreaks) can be avoided spreading by just the use of a condom or are there more precautions necessary in order not to spread ?
Thank you for allowing me to ask these many varied questions.
To answer your question I have not been in contact or do I have any contact information anymore for my partner. I had removed him from my contact base shorlty after our dealings. I have not had any partners since.
I am now dealing with two major issues. The results of my HPV test was positive for high risk types. I understand this puts me at risk for cervical cancer. They have me scheduled for a colposcope and biopsy next week. She says this is totally separate and unrelated to the positive hsv2. What could this be now? How can all of this be going on and I am in great shape, feeling healthy, always eating healthy and I'm never sick or showing any symptoms of illness and now all of this?? What could this hpv be?
thanks Grace
no the WB can't tell how long you've had it.
has your partner been tested yet?
grace
has your partner been tested yet?
grace
Yes, totally making sense!! God Bless you Grace! Your time, attention and knowledge and concern is priceless!! Absolutely immeasurable.
I'm Praying for the best and at the same time prepping myself mentally for what could be as well.
? If a person is positive can the WB tell how long the person has probably had the hsv?
Thanks again. Be well. I will definitely update you after my appt tuesday.
I'm Praying for the best and at the same time prepping myself mentally for what could be as well.
? If a person is positive can the WB tell how long the person has probably had the hsv?
Thanks again. Be well. I will definitely update you after my appt tuesday.
you haven't had sex in a few months so odds are if you had an active herpes ob on your cervix to be detected on the pap test, it was hsv2 going on and not hsv1 ( hsv1 doesn't reoccur very often genitally ). If your blood test is only hsv1+, no way to know if it's oral or genital but odds are it's oral so yes that would be something to discuss with potential partners too.
the pap test only detects abnormal cervical cells. You'd have to have an active herpes ob on your cervix in order for herpes to be detected on it. when they detect herpes on a pap test, it's done by the presence of multinucleated giant cells which isn't always the most accurate way to diagnose herpes and it can be falsely positive which is why follow up testing to confirm is the best course of action. So in other words, you could have genital herpes for 10 years and never have it detected on just routine yearly pap testing. make sense?
no they don't test for herpes before inserting an iud either.
keep asking questions!
grace
the pap test only detects abnormal cervical cells. You'd have to have an active herpes ob on your cervix in order for herpes to be detected on it. when they detect herpes on a pap test, it's done by the presence of multinucleated giant cells which isn't always the most accurate way to diagnose herpes and it can be falsely positive which is why follow up testing to confirm is the best course of action. So in other words, you could have genital herpes for 10 years and never have it detected on just routine yearly pap testing. make sense?
no they don't test for herpes before inserting an iud either.
keep asking questions!
grace
Ok I understand on the WB test as well on the blister, thank you so very much!!
Just a couple more questions for now, I notice that you only reference the hsv2 and not both when discussing getting the results, I was curious to know why?? Aren't they equally a disease that I have to treat and disclose?
So much reading and still I'm confused. If a person had to have 1 or 2 which of them would be ''bettter'' and where, upper or lower (i read that they can interchange their usual locations. Also read that many ppl have hsv1 from childhood and don't even know it.
Last question, is the pap herpes test done as a rountine test? Reason I'm asking is because this year I asked them to do the works (since I knew I had a bit of risky behavior, so out of character) and last year my annual was all fine.. wondering if I am (God forbid) positive if it couldve been in existence fro last Feb. Would they have tested for hsv before implanting my paraguard? I guess I'm just trying to understand what's the norm in testing for this. It feels crazy to be at my age and so lost about these things.
This is the last post for now... Thank you Grace once again.
Just a couple more questions for now, I notice that you only reference the hsv2 and not both when discussing getting the results, I was curious to know why?? Aren't they equally a disease that I have to treat and disclose?
So much reading and still I'm confused. If a person had to have 1 or 2 which of them would be ''bettter'' and where, upper or lower (i read that they can interchange their usual locations. Also read that many ppl have hsv1 from childhood and don't even know it.
Last question, is the pap herpes test done as a rountine test? Reason I'm asking is because this year I asked them to do the works (since I knew I had a bit of risky behavior, so out of character) and last year my annual was all fine.. wondering if I am (God forbid) positive if it couldve been in existence fro last Feb. Would they have tested for hsv before implanting my paraguard? I guess I'm just trying to understand what's the norm in testing for this. It feels crazy to be at my age and so lost about these things.
This is the last post for now... Thank you Grace once again.
it's been 3 months so no reason to repeat a WB in 10 weeks after this one. whatever igg blood test you get at this point is conclusive since it' s been that long since you last had sex.
hard to tell if the blister on your thigh was herpes or not. If it reoccurs, you can get it tested if you test + for hsv2.
grace
hard to tell if the blister on your thigh was herpes or not. If it reoccurs, you can get it tested if you test + for hsv2.
grace
Hello Grace
Thank you for your thought process because I assumed it was from blood! I just found out from planned parenthood that it was through the pap. I have an appt next tues (the earliest available). My last risky encounter was over 3 months ago so I will request that they take specimen for western blot on tuesday and then plan to repeat it 10 weeks later (read on their site) to make sure.
Please share your thoughts and experience regarding the water blister that I had months ago. I haven't found any pictures of breakouts for hsv that looked like the one blister I had. From what I've seen online they all have itching, soreness, scabbing, crusting and go away without leaving marks and don't have clear fluid. I unfortunately did see that the breakouts can be anywhere on the body.. such as outer thigh included.. :( . I'm so sick to my stomach I am barely functioning. I know that if i am positive that it's not the end of the world and I thank God I am negative for HIV and everything else, including neg syphillis but I'm not in a monogomous relationship yet (put relationships off for years because of my business) and I couldn't begin to think how dating, courtship could be with such a thing to disclose upfront. I'm truly Praying for a false positive and that this is a very big lesson (which I have already learned) to not take any risks moving forward. Pls advise on the blister and anything else you can share please. I cannot thank you and your associates enough for creating such a forum to be able to learn and express concerns and feelings with ppl in unfortunately similar scenarios. Thank you.
was it your pap that said herpes or a blood test for herpes? if it was the pap, you need to follow up on it with type specific herpes igg blood testing at least 3 months after the last time you had sex.
the way they test for herpes with a pap isn't always accurate so indeed following up on this is important for 2 reasons - 1 to confirm that indeed you do have genital herpes and 2 which type you have.
keep asking questions!
grace
the way they test for herpes with a pap isn't always accurate so indeed following up on this is important for 2 reasons - 1 to confirm that indeed you do have genital herpes and 2 which type you have.
keep asking questions!
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.
