TEST QUESTION REGARDING RESULTS

[i81u812]

I had one test done in January when I had a small something on my forskin. Three doctors looked at it and 2 said it wasnt a herpes and one doctor said i looks like might be. So he ordered a test heres that results. :hsv, igm 1 2 combo 1.38   ratio .90, negative .91, equivocal  .91-1.09, positive 1.09
herpies simplex virus 1  2 igg 53.0   index .8, negative .9, positive 1.0
Back in Januaary Grace in the forum pretty much told me that this test was pretty much a waist of money and time. So I just had another test done here is the results;

hsv type 2 specific ab igg  5.8  high
index 0.00 - 0.90
negative    1.09
equivical   .91 - 1.09
positive    >1.09
Now what do these numbers mean? I have been told that its +ive. Is there a chance of a false +ive? why does it say 5.8 high? what does that mean? what is equivical ect ect.
Any help understanding all this would be appriciated. My dam dr wasnt much help besides just saying yes its +ive. He have me a script for Valtrex as a supprisive therapy and another to use if and when i should get a outbreak. Please inform. Would another test to confirm be in order or is the comformation enough? Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Again, there is no point in using suppression until you learn your wife's status re: herpes.
Pain in the buttocks could be many things, including herpes.  

This will be my last post on this thread.

Terri

[i81u812]

today i woke up with a pain in my left  buttock. I read that is a prodome in the handbook. Now I realize i have felt that several times in the past but didnt know what was causing it. I guess i been haveing those aborted outbreaks where you get the prodom and symptoms but no blisters. I just received my meds yesterday. should I start taking the valacyclovir suppression?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Rarely.

Terri

[i81u812]

What about with valacyclovir have you had any diahrria with that one or have you heard of anyone else haveing it.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The risk of transmission to your partner is not related to the frequency of your recurrences, you can give off the virus even without symptoms, so looking at the timing of the last outbreak is not helpful.  So being off suppression to look at outbreak frequency really doesn't make much sense to me.  If your wife tests positive for HSV 2, you don't need suppression.

Terri

[i81u812]

What about with valacyclovir have you had any diahrria with that one or have you heard of anyone else haveing it. With the Famvir it was really bad. It was like I was peeeing out the wrong end litterly. Sorry for being so graphic but it was bad. One more question. Since I havent had any ob's since the first one in December do you think I need to start being on the suppression? I know it reduces the shedding but I thought by not using the suppression I would at least see how frequent I would get ob's? If I go on the suppression I wont know. Isnt it possable that some never experience any other ob's after the first? Thanks again and your response and opinion is appriciated.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, getting her tested is the big priority right now.  I don't use Famvir for suppression, mostly I use acyclovir twice a day or valacyclovir once per day.  Diarrhea could definitely be a side effect of Famvir.

Terri

[i81u812]

I really dont know/ But I am trying to conviencee her to get tested. We shal see if I can get her too. I took famciclovir the other day to start the supprission theropy but the next day i had diahhrria like 4 or 5 times so I stoped taking it. Is this a common side effect? Do certain med for suppression have less or non side effects? Any info is appriciated thank You

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

If she has oral herpes, which it sounds like she does, that would likely be HSV 1, not HSV 2.  The question is does she have genital HSV, HSV 2?  I think if she isn't worried about getting herpes, then she doesn't need to test, that's kind of up to the two of you.  If she has any worries about getting herpes from you, then she should test to see if she might be infected already with HSV 2 and not know it.  I think that is by far the best strategy.  Difficult to answer about the safer sex since we don't know what her antibody status is.  If she really doesn't want to test, then you could either assume she is infected, in which case you wouldn't need condoms or medicine, or assume that she isn't, and use both if she is worried about getting herpes.  

Why do you suppose she doesn't want to be tested?

Terri

[i81u812]

Thank you for you response. I have a regular partner my wife. She gets outbreaks on her lip once in a blue moon. I asked her if shes ever been tested and said no just that the dr said it was herpes. So we dont know if it is or isnt. She doesnt want to be tested I asked her already. Does it mean that if she does test +ive that no suppressive theropy is needed if we want to continue to have sex? Would it than not matter about having safe sex? Please explain.
I have already read the handbook. Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The HSV 2 antibody test that is positive at 5.8 is definitely positive.  That means you are infected with HSV 2 and can infect others.  You don't need a confirmatory test, no.  This is a clear positive.  The reason is says "high" is because it is above the normal negative value of 0.9 or below.  It is appropriate that your doctor gave you a prescription for suppressive therapy and another for treating outbreaks.  Do you have a regular sex partner?  Have they been tested for herpes?  If not, they should be.  They could be infected and not know it.  If they also are positive for HSV 2, there is really no need for suppressive therapy.  If you don't have a regular partner, but are having sex, it is good for you to be on suppression as it reduces the risk of transmission by about half.  Condoms are also good for reducing transmission.  I hope you will take the time to read the Herpes Handbook at our clinic website, westoverheights.com.  This will be a good starting place of learning more about genital herpes.

Terri