bump please!

[concerned250]

Hi, apologizing in advance in using the incorrect process to repost this question.  It's my first time posting ANYTHING in a forum.  I had a swab test in December that was positive for HSV I.  I recently had a blood test for HSV I and II, by Specialty Labs - ordered by my PCP.
The results are as follows:
HSV 1 igg  - 6.68
HSV II igg - 1.19.
Am I positive for HSV !!?
Should I retest?
I have read many posts recommending the Western blot - in case my PCP doesn't know what this test is - is there a reference number or more info regarding this particular test and where it should be sent that I can provide for her?
BTW, since my original post over the weeken, I have received a letter from my doctor, stating that I have tested positive for HSV 1 and II.
Many thanks for your help.

[gracefromHHP]

no, the numeric result has no meaning other than if it's in the potential false positive range or not. it's not higher when newly infected or anything like that.

[concerned250]

Hi Grace, thank you so much...one more quick question, if you don't mind.  Is there any significance to the size of the test number result?  For example, my igg number was 4.68 and my BFs was 11.0, for HSV 1.  I thought I read on one of the sites, that the higher the number, it means that one is recently infected. But I can't be sure I remember this correctly, as I've read a rediculous amount of information in a very short period of time.
Many thanks for your help.
A

[gracefromHHP]

totally up to you.  I recommended waiting to do it just in case your partner isn't as trustworthy as you assume he is and there would be a risk that it's a newly acquired infection for you.  to me it's erring on the side of caution.

[concerned250]

Hi Grace, many  thanks for your swift reply.  I will do exactly that.  I contacted the Univ. of Washington and they have forwarded to me the test documentation and specimen packaging directions to forward to my PCP.  I was actually thinking to test now, and repeat the test in a few months, unless you believe this is not a good approach, or would not give me an accurate result if I test now?
Again, thank you so much for the service and knowledge you provide on this site.  It's invaluable!
All the best,
a

[gracefromHHP]

not too long at all :)


It's doubtful that your hsv2 is really positive. It's most likely a false positive.

At this point I'd just wait a few months and repeat it - a herpes western blot test if you can get your provider to order one for you.  I'd also just err on the side of caution and ask your bf to retest later on too.  

I know those aren't fast and easy answers but it's the best you can do at this point.  

since you both have hsv1, it's not going to be a big issue in your relationship either.

[concerned250]

Hi Grace, I'm not sure if this matters...but I just noticed I mistyped my value for HSV I - is actually 4.68 and not 6.68.
Sorry about that...haste makes waste!
:)
a

[concerned250]

HI Grace, thank you for taking the time to address my questions.  Yes, I tested positive for a lesion culture. First time I'd ever had anything like it, and I'm 47.  About 3 weeks before my lesion showed up, I had persistent headaches, swollen throat glands, just a feeling like I'm going to get a bad cold but it didn't manifest itself into one.   BTW, my boyfriend also had these symptoms a week after my symptoms started.  I am absolutely certain that we have both been faithful throughout the last year, so my belief is that I contracted HSV I from a previous partner - but can't be sure whom.  My boyfriend of one year is also 47, and since we've met, we've had unpretected sex.  He had a blood test shortly after I was diagnosed and his came back positive for HSV I and negative for HSV II. BTW, he has never had any breakouts and this was all very new to us both.  We had so many questions, so we went to see my PCP together, at which point I requested a blood test, first to make sure my HSV 1 was positive, and also to find out if I had HSV II, as I don't want to pass it on to him.
I'm sorry this is so long, and I hope I answered your questions.
thanks,
a

[gracefromHHP]

let's just continue on in this one now :)


you know you have hsv1 genitally because of a + lesion culture correct?  so that explains your hsv1+ result.


your hsv2 result is technically positive but barely. any particular reason why you got the blood testing done?

grace

[concerned250]

I apologize...I don't know how to reply to my post...

[Mistakeguy789]

I said to reply to your thread.  Not create a new thread.