herpes symptoms

I did a full screen of STD in Oct 2007 all tested clear again in 2008 all clear. Now I had an affair back in Oct of 2009 and after the encounter I started to experience discomfort in my penis. The woman perfomed fellatio along with some kissing. No lession formed that I could notice. I did self medicate for 5 days with 100 MG X 2 of doxy right after the exposure. I then got tested 3 1/2 weeks after the encounter everything was still clear. Still feeling a little off, I had sex with my current fulltime parnter of 10 + years and well here is where it gets interesting. All of a sudden I caught conjunctivitis and then after having vaginal intercourse my partner a few weeks later had some yellow discharge along with cloudy urine. I also had some cloudy urine all UTI can back negative. The urologist did not see any genital sores. I also had two nurses do an exam and they also saw no soares/lessions. Prostate was slightly enlarged and was put on doxy for 14 days.Day before I met with the urologist I had the clinc run a gonnoreha and chlaymidia test. Both were negative. Now fearing I have herpes at week 7 I had another herpes select test IgG test run and the results came back negative. Now my partner is experiencing extreme pain in her buttocks and my conjuctivitis is back again. This would be my primary exposure to herpes. I am still experiencing some discomfort in the meatus area of my penis on the underside also near the tip. Still no signs of lessions. My lower back has hurt on and off as well. My partners cloudy urine has cleared as has the discharge. Plus there was a lot of frequent urination or at least the urge to urinate for me is gone since on doxy. Was it to early to get tested and how accurate are those test for herpes. Could this be any other STD? What are your thoughts? Please help. The anxiety of all this is driving me insane. Can they test the conjuctivitis for the type viral, bacterial, etc?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Has your partner ever been tested for HSV 1 and 2?  I think if you had contracted herpes at the encounter that you describe, you would be more symptomatic, though one cannot be certain.  The person who is negative for both HSV 1 and 2 who contracts new herpes is often symptomatic.  The antibody tests for herpes are accurate, but only if you wait long enough after a worrisome encounter to be tested.  Seven weeks isn't really long enough, though if you were negative then, there is about a 70% chance you will stay negative.

Terri

[Joe239]

Just wondering if anyone saw this yet.

[Joe239]

I plan on getting retested at week 12. Is that far enough out? Could HPV cause this?  I also asked my one time partner if she would get tested. Turns out my long term partner is still experiencing discharge as evindent as I saw it in her underwear when doing laundry. Would herpes have discharge for 3 weeks with no pain for a woman. What else could the discharge be from?

[Joe239]

How accurate are these test at 12 weeks? I was on doxy for two weeks still felt a little off. It did stop the urge to urinate frequently. I used some minconozale and it took the edge off almost immediately. I am cicumcized but I participate in a lot of sports could it have been possible to have a yeast infection? I had these almost exact same symptom 3 years ago when I had change partners..

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

HPV would not cause these symptoms, no.  And some vaginal discharge, even noticeable on underwear, is completely normal for most women.  The test is quite accurate at 12 weeks, but I prefer 16 weeks.  I don't think frequent urination would be a symptom of yeast, no, skin irritation would be, however.

Do you think you could be worrying a lot because of the affair, and its implications for your long term relationship, and really noticing things more that you might not have noticed before?

Terri

[Joe239]

Yes, I believe that is probably true the worrying and the guilt.Thank you for your response. I am waiting it all out and will be tested again next month.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Sounds good
Terri

[Joe239]

Hi Terri,

Next Friday 1/15/09, I go for my 3 month test. I have been looking through the rest of this forum with regards to people you have corresponded with.  I noticed on one tread you mentioned you have had three people in 29 years not build any anitbodies to HSV. Was that because their immune systoms were compromised? I have been tested on four occassions over the last 28 months and all test are negative. I did notice some white spots on my upper lip and from what I can tell they have always been there...I am guessing "Fordyce spots".

The one time partner went and had a full panel of std screening and will be getting the results on Monday or Tuesday. I will finally have some answers and I pray for good news so I can get back to living instead of worrying, being sad, and depressed. I will always be remorseful.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

These four people tested positive for herpes via swab test but remained antibody negative.  Your situation is quite different.  Good luck on that three month test, Joe, I have high hopes for your outcome.

Terri

[Joe239]

I have the start of bad news. My one time parter who I had about 8 minutes of oral sex with which she performed on me and some kissing got her results. She tested positive for HSV 1 & 2.

HERPES I (IGG) AB 1.32 (H) 0.00 - 0.89 INDEX
HERPES II (IGG) AB > 5.00 (H) 0.00 - 0.89 INDEX

So here I am a couple days away from 12 weeks and I am devestated.

I tested negative for HSV 1 & 2 at 3 1/2 weeks and 7 weeks using a herpes select.

Now here is a question that I have not seen in any past threads but I am sure it has been asked before. Since she is infected with both viruses does that make me susseptable to both of them. Meaning since we kissed and she performed oral I did not perform oral on her or engage in any intercourse and I am assuming her infection are in there regular location meaning HSV is oral and HSV 2 is in her genitals. 1) Could I aquire both strains of the virus at the same time. Even if my contact was limitied to what I described. 2) could I have oral HSV 1 in both locations (genital and Oral)  since I know I did not have the virus before. 3) I am not sure I had any outbreaks my lip look swollen for a time but it never formed a blister that popped and I did not see any blisters on my penis. *** although it was irritated back in November ***

The other part that is bad news is that I have been experiencing lower back pain around my tailbone, with what feels like flashes or heat in my buttock and thighs.

I am really concerned at this point and the part that is really bothering me more than anything I may have infected someone else.  

I was hoping for better news today now my only hope is that I test negative.

4) What are your general thoughts...

[Joe239]

A couple more comments. She was not having an outbreak at the time. I realize there is viral shedding and I was wondering how that comes into play. Right now I am not thinking all that clear and I am feeling like my life is slipping away. I have made some real bad choices in my life but none way even come close to this........

[Marcus1911]

I met a new partner in Nov 2009. We had completely protected sex in late November. December we had protected sex 98% of the time. For a minute I rubbed my penis with her clitoris for approximately 1 minute.  After the encounter we decided to go get tested at Planned Parenthood. Our HIV test were negative but we had to wait 5 dy for the HSV results.   I got my results back and they were negative. My partner’s tests were positive for both 1 IGG 5.0 and 2 IGG 5.0. I am freaking out. I used condoms throughout, except for a brief 1-minute direct contact of the tip of my penis with her clitoris. There was no penetration. We briefly kissed twice and minor contact with her clitoris. We did not have oral sex.  My partner did not have any visible sores. I was almost sure that I did not have herpes but now I am a nervous wreck. My last negative test was at the 4-week point. I do not have any visible sores, no fever, my tingling has gone away, little aches and pains in my leg but I am optimisically treating that a nervous induced pain. At this point, I am asymptomatic if I have the virus. I spoke to the Planned Parenthood doctor and she told me to come back 8 week after the initial exposure. If that test is negative then in you are in the clear. 8 weeks for me is on 13 February.  About 5 days after our discussion, I got nervous and went to a walk in clinic on 10 January. I got a complete STD. All were test negative. I am so nervous; I could have caught HSV without actually having unprotected penetrating intercourse. What are your thoughts and what is my next step?
    

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think you had a very low risk experience and probably further testing isn't necessary but you may wish to do it anyway.

Terri

[Joe239]

Terri you know my story and I appreciate the consultation and your expert opinion. I recieved my results from my herpeselect Igg at 11 weeks and 2 days. After hearing the news that the onetime parter was HSV 1/2 positive I was totally freaked out so I could not wait for the 12 week mark.

My results came back negative for both HSV1 & HSV 2.  

Thank God and thanks to all the support this site has given me. I wanted to ask to see if you would recommend me doing a western blot test at  16 weeks as a final conclusion or would one more herpes select test be okay at 16 weeks. Would you say this has been conclusive enough. The only symptoms that have continued are back pain, some leg and buttock pain and every once in awhile some discomfort in the groin ... I am guessing most likely psychological and normal feelings.  

25 day IGG hsv1/2 Neg Quest
49 days IGG HSV1/2 Neg Lab Corp
77 days IGG HSV 1/2 Neg Lab Corp

I know you also offereded your assistance ordering it. I happen to have my annual exam today and I will ask my doctor if this is something she has done before or can do.

Thank you again! Your opinion and support have truly helped!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I personally don't think that you need the western blot to confirm that you are negative.  However, sometimes tests can do more than tell you an answer, they can provide you with reassurance.  In your case, this might be a very valuable tool.  Its up to you, I believe you have the Quest code if you need it, right?

Terri

[Joe239]

I have the phone number for U of Washington. I am not sure I have the correct code. If you would be kind enough to provide that it would be greatly appreciated.  I saw my doctor today and she concured exactly with what you just wrote. She thought I was in the clear but understanding the anxiety and worry I have been through she said she would be willing to do it. She has never ordered one before but I will get the details.

Thank you again.

I will post here once I do the WB just for others to have as information. For me I appreciated people who inquired and followed through with their final results on their threads. Understanding that medicine is not an exact science but there are trends and most case scenario; there still are exceptions.

I feel I am 90% out of harms way but I will follow up in 5 weeks or so with my WB results.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The Quest code is 34534.  Your doctor can order it through Quest, and they will send it to UW, that's the easiest way.
Terri

[Joe239]

Thank you.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Welcome

[Joe239]

I am hesitant to even write again before I take the WB. But over the weekend I had some frequent urination along with discomfort/stinging at the tip of my penis again and the burning sensation in my thighs and lower back. I used some miconazale and it seem to take away the sting at the tip of the penis. Would that even work on a herpetic lesion or would it aggravate it. What are the chances on having a herpetic lesion in my uretha. When I urinate there is no stinging. Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, miconazole would not work on herpes.  Now let's just wait for the results to come back for the western blot.  Have you had the blood drawn?
Terri

[Joe239]

No, not yet. They are sending me a kit directly and once I recieved it the doctor will order the blood to be drawn at a Quest Lab. I also made an appointment to talk with a professional about my OCD.  If I have it done this week it will be post 12 weeks..... I think that should be enough time. Thank you again for being so understanding.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Joe, that doesn't make sense.  You don't need the kit AND to order it from Quest.  The kit is for your doctor to draw it himself and send it.  Well, whatever, hope it works.
Terri

[Joe239]

I may need your help ordering the WB. My doctor has not gotten back to me and I really would like to have the testing done. Would I be able to call the office to figure out how we can do this if things do not work out with my primary care doctor. However it may not be necessary. I have never had a cold sore in my life and from past test that would indicate that. However today might be the first time. I had what looked like a pimple on the corner of my lip/mouth and now it looks like it split (looking like a cut). I am thinking I should just go to a planned parenthood to have it swabbed.  I know cold sores usually appear in the middle of your lips but I think this is possible too. What do you think and can I still reach out if my doctor can not make the WB happen? Thank you.

Joe

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, go to Planned Parenthood and have you lip swabbed - ask if they can send a PCR instead of a culture, it is more sensitive, same swab, same media.  
Of course you can call me if you can't get this worked out with your own MD.

Terri

[Joe239]

I will see if the doctors office can do it if not it will be planned parenthood. What are the chances to have been infected in two locations genitally and orally? I continue to feel as though my tailbone/lower back are burning and continue to exhibit pain is this normal? Would the pain last over a week/month/months? I remember around week three or four post exposure having really bad lower back pain during the night that woke me up on two seperate evenings then it went to hot flashes/burning until now. I keep going back to my test results for some comfort but the more I read the more I see people who say they have tested positive through a culture and have never become positive on a Igg test.I know I asked this and you have seen a couple...worries me. Well lets see what tomorrow will bring.  Thanks again for your assistance and knowledge share.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Joe, you need to stop writing and wait.  I'm going to do tough love and not answer any more posts until you get the western blot back.  You know what I think, and no more information from me will make things any different.  You must be patient.  I know its hard but its the only way.

Terri

[Joe239]

Tomorrow I go have  the blood drawn for the WB test. It will be 13 weeks tomorrow; I understand about the tough love. I have an appoinment with a dermatologist this week for something else but I will have a few other things to ask and share. I continue to have this burning sensation in my thighs on both sides. But this burning if it is not real it is sure is painful. I am not a very patient person as I am sure you have figured out... I realize that am I getting closer to final answers. I am still very concerned I went to the doctors on friday and they did not think the crack on my lip/white spot/pimple was anything so they did not culture it. I hope to have some results back before the end of the first week of Feb on the WB...until then.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Great, I'll be eager to hear the results.
Terri

[Joe239]

I called the lab and they just received the sample yesterday. From what they told me they run the test on Mon, Wed, & Thurs.  The longer I wait the more anxious I get. I need to disconnect from the internet. I would hope to hear soon. I was also worried because it took so long for them to get the sample (3 days through Quest). Do the results from Quest get sent electonically to the doctor?

If this all does show a negative result;..which I hope is the case.... I will be amazed. I swear these symptoms like burning in thighs buttock and back seem so real. As is the pain in my tailbone. It will prove the mind is very powerful.

I did see a dermatologist and he thought everything looked fine... of course it did.... with no lesions to culture other than some foliculitus which I have had since high school.. I hope to have the results soon.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

That's a normal time for the lab to get the sample.
It depends upon the doctor, how they get results.
Now get off the internet and go for a walk or watch a great movie.

Terri

[Joe239]

So I have taken in a few movies and exercised to try to get my mind off of this however...it only has worked a little. I was getting anxious for my results and I found out that only partial testing has been completed. It sounds like they are testing again... is that a bad sign meaning they might have found something or just that the test did not work and they need to do it again? I have never been under this kind of stress.

BTW the burning is still there in my thighs buttocks and lower back/tailbone. Would this pain last this long due to herpes?  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Joe, you need to wait until the test results are back to post to me again, please.

Terri

[Joe239]

I wanted to follow up here because in so many of the threads they end abruptly and you never hear back.

As you know I had the WB test run at 13 weeks and I just received my results back and they did come back negative. So this makes 4 test all negative....

25 days Herpeselect Elisa   3 1/2 weeks
49 days Herpeselect Elisa    7 weeks
79 days Herpeselect Elisa    11 1/3 weeks
91 days Western Blot           13 weeks        

HSV1 & HSV2 All negative

I am going to come to the conclusion that I am negative. I still think I may run one more test at the 6 month mark. I really need to move on and use this as one harsh learning experience. You know they say life is the thoughest teacher it gives the test first and then the lesson.... How true it is

My sincerest thank you to you and your staff!

God bless.

Joe

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm very happy, Joe, that is terrific news.  I personally do not think you need to take another test at 6 months at all.  But that's up to you.  If you test again, I would recommend the western blot, not an ELISA.

Terri

[Joe239]

Thanks for the feedback. If I do run the WB, I may have to reach out to you for help. My doctor was pretty addament not to bother with anymore test. I was thinking I may do it on my own by getting a herpselect immunoblot. Lets see where I am in 6 months and I may not even bother.  

Thank you again.

Joe

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I honestly hope you don't bother, Joe.  You are not infected, and testing again, or thinking about testing again, only postpones you living as though you don't have herpes.

Terri

[Joe239]

A related discussion, It looks like I do have herpes was started.