Shingles and Herpes

[Tough64]

I recently had an outbreak and my doctor tested for herpes by swabbing and blood test.  The swab was positive and the blood test came negative.  I was retested for shingles and herpes my results stated the following.

Varicella  Zoster V Ab, IGG 3.66
Varcicella-Zoster AB, IGM 1.23
Herpes Simples Virus I/II IGG - 8.6
HSV, IGM I/II Comination 3.27
HSV Type 2 Specific Ab, IGG - 7

The first out break was on my right side on the gential area.  I also develoed three blisters on my right foot.  The second outbreak was on ulcer on my right side with the reocurring three blisters (which leave scares).  The doctor indicated I had a  recent outbreak of shingles and herpes.  Yes, I have had shingles before.  The outbreak also happen when I am expecting a period which stopped in November.   Can the shingles outbreak interfere with the herpes testing?  How often does someone have shingles and herpes at the same time?  

[gracefromHHP]

I am quoting the recent study which actually is the same amount of recurrences as similar studies in the past have shown.  

[Tough64]

The doctor indicated the test resuls mean I have had a recent outbreak of the shingles within the last 6 months. Recent studies show that having more than one outbreak of shingles is not as uncommon as it was once believed.  I think i had both and am so confused. I do take  medication that supresses the immune system which I will take the rest of my life. Yes, I have a husband who has not been tested yet.

Thanks for your reply.

[gracefromHHP]

it's not likely it's shingles going on. more likely it's all herpes simplex.   no way to know accurately if you didn't get a lesion culture done on both ob's. your zoster igm is very low to be using that as an indicator that this is shingles going on.

it's unusual for folks to get shingles more than 1 time. It can happen but it's less than 5% of folks that it happens in.  

do you have a regular partner? if so, have they been tested for herpes to know their status?

grace