herpes test IGG and bio kit taken

I went and randomly got tested in September ( the second week) for a herpes test. By suprise I received a call from my doctor saying I tested positive with hsv 2 (1.7gg was the score). I then got tested with the biokit usa a week later which didn't confirm anything. I took the test and it came back with a very very faint pink dot. The test provider informed me to treat it as a positive. Anyone have any suggestion of what to do, its driving me crazy.

[simplyconcerned]

Also if it helps I'm a female.

[gracefromHHP]

how long prior to your testing had you last had sex?

grace

[simplyconcerned]

The last time I had sex was Labor day weekend. The person slid the condom off while having sex. Before that incident the time before that was in July ( with the same person). I ALWAYS use a condom and don't participate in oral sex simply because I always like to play it safe. I spoke to my ex of four yours and he went to go get tested, the party that slid the condom off keep saying he will go. My only question is for the biokit why would it not confirm my other test. Also I would like to add in February I was tested and my hsv2 came back negative. I was under the assumption you suppose to go every six months to be tested. My primary care want order a different test to retest me, and want order the western blot. To my understanding it have to be performed at your doctors office. I'm lost and also confused and not getting any sleep.

[simplyconcerned]

I would also like to add that back in February my pap smear came back abnormal. I had  bacterial vaginosis . I then was advised to do a copo ( with my obgyn). Which came back fine. My pap smear that she done in July was normal and so was my test results for the copo. Each time both doctors didn't see anything abnormal. I waited the allotted time to have sex due to them clipping my cervix. My only question doctor HHH stated a faint pink dot a on a biokit test is a negative. But why was I informed its positive. Could my body be out of wack from all the testing?

[simplyconcerned]

My pap stated Low Grade Level. Back in February

[Still_Worried_]

I've also seen Dr. HHH say to treat a faint dot as a negative result on a Biokit.   I would lean towards it being a negative because a 1.7 IgG is a low positive; however, there's a slight possibility it could represent a true infection.  Is there any way you can redo the Biokit or get a Western Blot?  I would also ask Dr. HHH or Dr. Hook this question, as I'm sure they could guide you in the right direction better than your doctor could.

Good luck & keep us posted!

[simplyconcerned]

There is only two locations near me... the first one by me stated they are out and don't know when they are reordering. The one I went to stated  to wait a year to retest with a bio kit test again. My primary doctor stated it would be a waiste of time and money, there it no such thing as a false positive. So she want order the western blot. I've also called the location that's 6 hours away and she said that sometimes if the test isn't read right away that can cause a faint pink dot to occur. I dont know what to do and literally not sleeping over this.

[Still_Worried_]

Well, if money is not an issue, I'd drive the 6 hours for peace of mind.

If you CAN wait, just get the Western Blot.  That should settle things once & for all.

I understand what you're going through.  I'm sorry you have to go through this much anxiety & trouble w/ confirming a diagnosis.

[simplyconcerned]

Well I wouldn't mind driving six hours but the doctor stated she is no longer ordering the test. Also my doctor stated there is no point or retesting. I picked up my results from my primary doctor today, and they used a Herpes Select type specix test. I guess I have no choice but to accept my 1.73 as a positive. Even though I was always super super careful, but I guess it is what it is. Not really in a good mood because I want answers and not really getting anywhere.

[gracefromHHP]

usually when the biokit comes back very faint, it's negative. at this point you need to wait until it's been 3-4 months after the last time you had sex and repeat herpes igg testing. I recommend the herpes WB at that point. your gyn can order it for you easily.  

did you have your gardasil shots at all prior to your abnormal pap in february? sounds like you have hpv causing cervical issues too? did they do testing to see if it's low risk hpv or high risk hpv?

[simplyconcerned]

If my gyn also refused can I go to a local lab? My primary stated she will not order the western blot, and my obgyn stated she have to physically see a reason to order it. I got my first gardasil shot in January 26th to be exact. My last pap smear came back normal ( the July one). I have to do them every six months until I get two normals in a row right ? What will cause a abnormal pap out the blue. I have abnormal menstaul cycles but don't think that's a reason why. As far as the herpes test is it pointless to retest now? Even thow my sex life have been limited due to everything? I'm just praying its negative because I ALWAYS..use a condom and never give or receive oral sex.

[simplyconcerned]

As far as my copo that my gyn did she clipped my cervix in three places and sent it to the lab. The lab came back normal I guess. My normal doctor only stated my pap came back abnormal ( Low grade level). She said sometimes that can show or mean early signs of changes in my cervix.

[gracefromHHP]

well what was low grade level?  it's either low risk hpv or low grade cervical dysplasia or Low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia.  if you aren't sure, don't hesitate to call and ask or ask the next time you are there to be seen.  

at this point wait another 2 months and repeat your herpes igg blood test and see what it says. if it's still a low positive then look for additional confirmatory testing.  sounds like that might be simplest.

[simplyconcerned]

Okay I understand. I thought since I never received a call back and was given the shot I was okay.

I noticed my hsv1 value went down since the February test which was weird. When I retest in two months, and the number decrease, I would still need a different test correct? Do you recommend taking the medicine ? I have all my medical records ( from my primary doctor)  on me.

Is there something I should look for on my pap results?

[gracefromHHP]

changes in your igg aren't unusual. usually a true positive stays a positive.  

I don't recommend taking any herpes antivirals at this point.  

if your last pap was normal then that's a good thing!

[simplyconcerned]

Okay last question if I retest in two months with the herpes select agan and its still below 3.5, then I would need to confirm with a western blot? Or assume I'm positive if the numbers increase?

My ex of four yrs haven't received any positive results yet. The other party that slid the condom off ( in september) keep saying he will go. The time before that was in July with protected sex. So I guess it would be safe to say its him if results come back positive.

Thanks again I will keep everyone posted

[Still_Worried_]

So your ex of 4 years is waiting for his results or he's only received negative results since you tested positive?

Even protected sex can result in HSV transmission (July).

I would try to get a Western Blot now.  I've seen people on this board get it without a doctor signing off (They only tested negative & were confirming a negative which a doctor won't sign off for) but I'm not sure how to go about that.  Perhaps go through an independent lab.  

[simplyconcerned]

Well he went to the health department and the whole saying, no news is good news and news is bad news. We have spoken everyday since he's tested ( we have been this close since 19 and I rushed him to the hospital to save his life ...long story). He tested on the 29th and today makes 14 days. So if there is any news it will be no later then Monday they will give him a call. He want me to retest instead of giving up, but its honestly a lot knowing I'm not that type of person to sleep around with any and everyone. I'm not even 25 and going through all these problems.

[simplyconcerned]

Also I've called three labs in my area. One knew what I was talking about and wouldn't let her order it. She ( lab rep)  also gave me a couple leads to help me out but it lead to nowhere

[Still_Worried_]

Have you tried Quest labs?  The number labs use for this test is #34534.

Here's a link I found that may help you:

http://www.racoon.com/herpes/WB_test.htm

[simplyconcerned]

I will try and find a quest lab. But debating on whether to take the meds or not. I'm one for one right now and need the western blot to even it out. I'm thinking about going now because its been six weeks since the last person even if it was labor day weekend, July was the previous time.

[gracefromHHP]

you need to wait 4 months after the last time you had sex before you can get the WB.  


no good to testing over and over again . wait until enough time has passed to get another test.  

most health departments do not offer type specific herpes igg blood testing.  

[Still_Worried_]

Don't take the meds until you get confirmation; they may alter test results.

Grace is right; you have to wait 4 months.  I just saw that your last exposure was six weeks ago.  

I know waiting is nerve racking.  Hang in there!  

[simplyconcerned]

My main concern do the test for hsv2 at the health department? If so that's all I honestly need to know whethere he's positive for type two.

[simplyconcerned]

I've never herd of the medicane altering a test. If you're positive then you're positive forever ( so health professionals say. So the medicane shouldn't alter the test if there are antibodies correct. And YES this is very nerve recking.

[simplyconcerned]

I've never herd of the medicine altering a test. If you're positive then you're positive forever ( so health professionals say. So the medicane shouldn't alter the test if there are antibodies correct. And YES this is very nerve recking.

[gracefromHHP]

if you start taking suppressive therapy early on then yes it can cause you to have a false negative. no harm in taking a round of herpes antivirals though ( 7-10 days worth ). same as no harm to not taking them either. you never, ever have to treat herpes if you don't want to.

[simplyconcerned]

So the  suppressive therapy is mainly to decrease the chances of spreading it to someone else or relieve pain?

Sorry this is all new to me and honestly never thought I would be going through this.

Can you press charge if the other party was aware they had it?

[gracefromHHP]

suppressive therapy reduces recurrences as well as reduces transmission to a partner.  

if someone is aware that they have genital herpes , didn't tell you or lied when asked if they had herpes and you end up with it, you can take them to civil court for money. you have to prove that you didn't have herpes prior to them and that they knew that they had it.

grace

[simplyconcerned]

So I wouldn't be able to press charges? Or is that only in HIV cases?

[gracefromHHP]

if you want them thrown in jail the answer is no it's not going to happen. civil court is the  best you can do in most states to get monetary compensation.

[simplyconcerned]

Okay just trying to understand something. How is it possible for someone to have a hsv type 1 infection on their genital area. Wouldn't that automatically put it in type 2 category because of the location?  Can a type on genital infection trigger a type 2 positive on a igg test. Just wondering and patiently waiting for the time to go by to retest

[gracefromHHP]

you are confusing site from type from the sounds of it. the location of the infection has nothing to do with the type.

[simplyconcerned]

So what classify type one from 2. I'm well educated on every std except this one and I never thought is was so much to hsv. Always thought as long as there were no visible problems and using protection everything was okay.

But what the big difference type 1 and 2. Why is type 2 so dreadful. In honesty I was always uptight about even receiving a cold sore. ( which I never remember getting). I think type one is just as bad ( my personal opinion) But maybe its just me.

it states when doing a blood test each type lay dormant in different locations in the body. So for example if someone receive oral sex, and the giving party have a cold sore. Wouldn't the receiving party only test positive for type 1 even though it was on the genital area.  Or vise versa.



Am I overlooking something. Because I don't understand. Because I never had a problem before. Always tested every 6 months. And this is killing me.

Thanks for responding.

[gracefromHHP]

hsv1 and hsv2 are 2 different infections. typing to know your infection is important so that you can make educated decisions with your partners.

oral herpes and genital herpes are pretty normal.  society put a stigma on it because of the sexual contact means of transmission - heaven forbid we be having sex outside of marriage right?

hsv1 is typically transmitted to the genital area from oral sex. You can contract it from genital to genital contact but typically it's oral sex that transmits it.

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn.cfm  - the info here might be helpful for you. give it a read and see if it helps clear up your questions.

[simplyconcerned]

So basically its the same and they made two types for the locations. Because its no way I could've tested positive for both when never tested positive for both before.

When I visit my old home in January I would request she do a western blot on me because before she did a western blot for my hiv test back when I was 19. Since then I've moved and just simply retested just because every six months. Still confused and aggrivated. Thanks anyways want honestly bother understanding anymore because its one big mess. Thanks for the help

[gracefromHHP]

no they didn't make 2 types for the locations - they are 2 different infections.  

once enough time has passed to get your further testing done you will have better answers though I know it's hard to wait a few months for better answers.

[simplyconcerned]

Wondering what's the estimated time you have to get in the doctors office if u have a cut near the vaginal area. I have my appt with the infectious disease specialist next Monday, but today noticed a small cut near vaginal area. Haven't been sexually active, and when I went to my obgyn weeks ago she stated it was just torn tissue. My primary is out of the office this week ( due to the holidays). Guess ill just have to wait another week until I go see him. Excited I found someone that's willing to do further testing ( Western blot or Inhibition ). Just a little afraid but hoping for the best ...it  will be exactly 13 in half weeks.

[simplyconcerned]

Another question for anyone who might know. If someone test positive for hsv1 does that prevent them from getting it anywhere else? Also does is make their immune system stronger to fight off type 2 ?

[gracefromHHP]

if you've had a cut vaginally for weeks now, that isn't herpes related and you should continue to follow up on it with your gyn.

the WB needs to be done at least 16 weeks after you last had sex to be most accurate.  

hsv1 doesn't provide any significant protection against contracting hsv2. once you have hsv1 orally, you aren't likely to contract it on other body parts.

[simplyconcerned]

The cut appeared last night that I know of, but I had one a couple weeks ago and cleared in days. My obgyn stated maybe it was just irritation from my menstual cycle ( which is on now). Doesn't hurt nor painful ( only when I touch it ). Its also not visible unless you use a magnifying glass.

Thanks I will call them and push the appt back. I know the receptionist stated he will ask questions during the first session to see if enough time has passed.

[simplyconcerned]

Also I highly doubt that I possibly contracted this  Sept 4 weekend. Simply because I went two weeks after the other party slid off the condom to get tested and my results was a 1.7 . Reminder previous test in February was negative.   I've learned it  wouldn't have showed up that soon ( I thought 2 weeks was the time period but I was wrong). Before that our prior experience was July 4th weekend with protected sex.  I'm going to push it back a week or two just to be safe.  I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

you have your appointment. go and be seen and they can schedule the blood work to be done at the appropriate time.

[simplyconcerned]

I went to the doctor today and he suggested a IGM to see if its a recent infection. After informing him I wanted a western blot I gave the code 34534. Is that the correct code. I called washington they told me the correct code start with a 8. My insurance goes through quest labs. The lady that at the doctors office went on quest website and typed in the code. So am I just stressing out or did I give her the wrong code ?

[gracefromHHP]

that is the code for the WB through quest labs at most of their labs. did the person find the right test to order for you?

[simplyconcerned]

I think that's  the code I told her. I just got confused when I called the U.W. and they told me the code that started with a 8.  I went to an infectious and disease specialist.  He first suggested for to me a igm test also with the western blot. He stated that if it was a recent infection my igm would've said positive with my test results in Febr. And also Sep.  But I just took the WB.

[gracefromHHP]

we never, ever recommend the herpes igm test and neither does anyone involved in herpes research. it's falsely positive far too often and not even type specific sometimes to be of much help.

[simplyconcerned]

Okay I got one of my lab results back and the results were 3.78 for hsv1 and 1.2 hsv2. They told me it will be another week for my Western Blot to return ( which will be four long weeks) . What does this mean. My first score was a 1.7. I'm just ready for all this to be over.

[gracefromHHP]

at this point waiting for your herpes Wb is the best course of action.  

[simplyconcerned]

I just got a call from my doctors office about my final Lab. And the results came back NEGATIVE...the nurse said if I don't feel comfortable with the results I can wait another 12 weeks and do another WB test. But I don't think that is needed due to the fact I waited over 14 weeks the first time to take the test. Thanks everyone  for the support and knowledge.

[gracefromHHP]

congrats! I agree - no real reason for more testing unless you really just need the peace of mind.

do you mind posting a shortened version of this in our low positives post we have ongoing here? I'll bump it back up so it's easy for you to find. It's nice for others going through similar situations to see that indeed real people do follow up on their testing and most do get negative results :)  thanks!

grace

[simplyconcerned]

Afternoon. I have a question. I went to the doctor last Wednesday because of a.genital lesion. She cultured it and it came back positive. I asked her for which type she stated she's assuming type 2. How is that possible when my Western Blot stated I was negative for type two? Also is the culture type specific?

[simplyconcerned]

If it helps she stated the test didnt tell them what type, just positive

[gracefromHHP]

give the clinic a call and be very firm about them calling the lab they use to add on a typing before they toss your culture. typing is very important , especially in a situation like this!

[simplyconcerned]

Ive left three message for her medical assiatant.   My main concern if the speciman is thrown out what would be the next step? Western blot again. If she doesnt return my call I will drive up there tomorrow. THANK YOU so much. im still confused because i play super safe every time i have intercourse

[simplyconcerned]

She also stated that she doesnt know what the Western blot look for, either antibodies or the virus itself. I didnt know what to tell her but i was given a negative

[gracefromHHP]

the Wb looks for antibodies to herpes infection. herpes is not a blood borne virus so we can't look for actual virus in the blood.

[undetermined1818]

Actually HSV-1 and HSV-2 are more similar, than different.  Under a microscope, they're virtually identical sharing approximately 50% of their DNA.  Check the following link which I've found to be among the most informative and correct of the many I've read :

http://www.herpes.com/hsv1-2.html

[Mistakeguy789]

While yes they are 50% the same they are also 50% different.  Thus they are 2 seperate viruses.  Believe me when I say that of anyone posting on our forums Grace knows a lot about this virus than most doctors do.  

[simplyconcerned]

When I went to my doctors office Tuesday she stated she havent herd back from the lab yet to see if they still have the culture to type it. Its been three days so patiently waiting. It went to Emory hospital, and you would think with me staying in Atlanta there would be alot of knowledge on hsv and automatically type it.  

My question is if I take another WB and it come back negative do I go with that or my culture? Is it possible the culture would be incorrect? ( Keep in mind I took my first WB in the end of November, and I waited over 14 weeks to take that).  Or is it just my luck that I'm getting the run around. I know both times I got positive for type one ( 3.7 and 3.5).  I never recalled having a breakout on my lip ( remember Im a TRUE germafobe )

[Mistakeguy789]

You need to be calling your provider and they need to be calling the lab daily.  Most labs don't keep specimens that long due to storage issues.  They need to keep calling them to find out what is going on.

Some people will not test positive on our best testing but will on the culture.  There is no way to know if a WB will show it (your last post makes it seem like you have been sexually active again) and if this is a new or old infection unless it comes back positive then you would know its a recent one.  At this point call your doctors office and have them call their lab.  

[Mistakeguy789]

Sorry I forgot to add this.  The culture trumps blood testing.  The only way a culture is false positive is by human error and that is rare in labs these days.  

[simplyconcerned]

No new chance of exposure. Ive learned my lesson back last yr and been to myself. Only had sex oncd since then, and YES condom was used, they are neg to hsv2 (been dating on off for past 5 yrs)... Also they didnt give me oral because they receive cold sore on their mouth so of course type 1. Ill just go to the specialist and retest. If its hsv1 i will assume its genitally. Also i spoke to the lab inside of my doctors office she stated they dont.type.cultures. Which is a lie... Just a lack of knowledge. My primary gets offended when i wNt more answers.

Sorry currently driving so typos

[Mistakeguy789]

Then they aren't following CDC guidelines for herpes testing.  Every test should be typed so you know which one.  I wouldn't assume anything.  It is pointless for you to do that.  The lab inside her office doesn't matter unless they are the one that did the testing themselves.  I would call the office manager at this point and explain you want the testing done properly and that they NEED to call the lab and find out whats going on.

[simplyconcerned]

Also i refuse to believe i got type 2. The test said positive sisnt say source or anything. So me believing that ummm no, sorry.

[simplyconcerned]

Sorry just irritated. But i spoke to my doctor and she told me to.have the specialist call her amd maybe when he tell me im able to accept it. my main concern when i was told i have type one she was like oh maybe you have it genitally since u never got a cold sore. Then when i questioned her she told me she doesnt know what to tell me. All she know it came back positive and do i need meds. i told her no simply because im not sexually active and i have never had pain, bad blisters, or anything. Just a small open skin lesion that burned when i urinated over it, not when i touched it or messed with it. it never scabbed and crusted over and ive paid 377 dollars.within two weeks and still havent gotten a answer. Only reason i went was because i thought i was just irritated ()

[simplyconcerned]

Sorry. Which i was told before by her, obgyn and another doctor in my primary office. Once was told i had a ecoli infection vaginally last yr which struck an alarm because i neber herd of.that. Maybe bv but not ecoli. But i will just schedule a appt with the specialist let him review it, pay for the w.b. And wait for the results. If i ever have that problem again down there i will go,.get.it.cultured and make sure its typed. I dont know what to do. Youre talking to.someone that never had anything but chicken pox, and a bacterial infection before. Thats its. Thanks ; )

[bobrope45]

You have the right to ask for your culture to be typed - your doctor is clearly not following the CDC guidelines.
Getting another WB when you have access to a (positive) culture specimen is just waste of money.

[bobrope45]

Just to complement: in the meantime, since you had a positive culture (meaning that the HSV virus was detected in your genital area), you must assume you have genital herpes, still pending to learn what type it is.

[simplyconcerned]

Thanks.for your response. But since.my.test wasnt typed assuming i have type two is like assuming i have type one genitally. Its an assumption. More then likely the lab disposed of it by now due to  the time frame.  I will go with my gut feeling and go from there. I know my body and thats that. Might as well pay for another blood test since ive already waisted money. Just need to know if wb would be able to pic up the location of type one.

[Mistakeguy789]

Honestly if you refuse to accept something then your future follow up on this thread is going to be refused to be seen by me.  If you don't want to take the steps to find out which type you have then honestly why are you here?  

You pose a question of "help" and figuring something out.  If you want to assume that is fine you can do just that and assume all you want.  Chances are you aren't in my state and my city so I don't have to worry about being a potential partner which will be put to risk as something you refuse to investigate and figure out.  But that is what you are doing at this point. Assuming you have something you have no proof to support that even at the option of properly figuring this out.

Your provider is very sadly mistaken.  HSV-1 commonly is oral with people as we get it as a child.  So guess what that means?  Chances are in the favor your HSV is oral.  Now could it be that you have HSV-1 genital?  Sure.  

We can play the guess game all day long with your case.  Sadly as you have been told by me and you have been told by Grace you need to have your culture typed.  Your specialist isn't going to tell you one way or another with 100% knowledge which location it is.  Now if you want to pay for the WB go for it.  You are helping the economy and thus hopefully by your paying for the needless testing I will find a job.  

Telling your provider to do what the CDC states to do is in your best interest.  If you refuse to do that then I can't help you any further.  I will wish you the best of luck though.

[simplyconcerned]

Thanks for your imput just fustrated. And cant believe that im getting the run around

[simplyconcerned]

I never stated i would take your advice, nor making a statement me and you sleeping together was needed. Besides i highly doubt thought i dont have sex outside of a rship. What im stating is UNTIL I HAVE ANOTHER problem only thing i can rely on is a blood test. I cant call.Emory lab myself so i relied on my doctor office. Of course i want to know thays why i called them back today after not hearing a.response. Lab tech said they cant type.the test which is incorrect. The medical assistant at my.doctors office had my doctor call me and she stated she havent herd back from Emory lab.

Also keep your.neg comments to yourself i wouldnt DARE sleep.with u or no one else right now, thats not even me. Now you.have rubbed me the wrong.way. I understand youre stating the cdc guidelines but if theyre acting dumb.founded. If you read what i stated earlier.my.doctor doesnt even know much about hsv

[simplyconcerned]

lets keep the smart comments to ourselves thanks in advance. Only THING i.wanted.to know was do i repeated WB until i have another problem. Of course if the wb comes up positive then duh no need to wait for another culture... If not then i will chalk up the 150 dllr loss.

[simplyconcerned]

If.you dont feel a need to.comment.anymore then please dont do so. As u can tell im tired of the run around and informed was.fustrated.earlier the smart comment wasnt.needed.

[simplyconcerned]

Correction : never stated i wouldnt take your advice (mistakeguy789)... And im sorry may i ask whats your professional title again?

[Emily_MHModerator]

Let's not have fighting please.

No one in this community (or any other member community) needs to be a medical professional. We do have a Herpes Expert forum if you'd like an expert opinion.  That said, many of our members are extremely knowledgeable, and as was stated earlier in this thread, often know more than some docs.

Please also remember that people cope with health issues differently, and that it is still possible to offer advice and support even if those coping mechanisms differ.

Emily

[simplyconcerned]

NOW that thats out the way. My QUESTION is now that i know im not going to get anywhere from my primary's office, would my next course of action be a good idea (since i havent had any recent exposure incidents)

While i wait for another problem genitally to occur, retake a WB (waited 15 weeks last yr for first test) and wait for the results. If the results come back positive then thats my answer, if neg. then continue to wait to take a culture.


When i do take another culture do i ask for a pcr test this time? Also dont worry i want be engaged in any sexual.activity no time soon.

[simplyconcerned]

Not trying to be rude just need someones advice on how they would handle this .

[Mistakeguy789]

*sigh*  Sadly once again the fact of this thread is this.  I never suggested or otherwise said you would have any relationship with me.  What I meant is once again you are assuming what you have is type 1 genital.  You told me you REFUSED to believe you have type 2.  Refusing is the wrong approach to this and contray to what advice we have given you by those here.  

Pursing the diagnosis is the steps you as the patient have to take.  Telling your doctors office and by them you go to the people that make decisions such as an office manager or the doctor her/him self is the best course of action.  If the doctor refuses to look further into it then speaking to the Office Manager or explaining clearly that you know that the CDC guidelines on this state you should have any culture typed and that they need to call the lab now and request a typing on your specimen is the best course of action.  

Getting you to see your actions will have consequances if you don't pursue this is where I am coming from by saying you are of no risk to me.  You can't assume with herpes.  Knowing what type you have genital is going to prove what precautions you need to take.  What happens if you assume you have Type 1 and you assume that it isn't type 2.  Your partner has type 1 already.  You know that the risk of transmission to a new site of Type 1 is rare because of the anitbody response.  You have an outbreak which you assume is HSV-1 and you don't tell your partner because there is not a risk. Your partner is HSV-2 negative and that outbreak was truly HSV-2 and you now transmitted HSV-2 to your partner.  

I don't know which comments you were referring to as smart but I am telling you that I won't help someone that doesn't want to figure things out because it becomes pointless to answer questions when the person won't do what is needed.  That in on its own is fustrating.  Nor do I feel that this is a coping issue as much as it is just you don't wish to accept that something was missed.  

With all of that being said.  You are going to waste your time and money on the WB.  If anything getting an igg test would be first the proper course of action.  But in your case working with the doctors office is going to be the best case.  Now if they flat out refuse call your specialist and explain to them you where culture tested it wasn't typed and you would like them to call the lab and ask them to type the results if they still have the specimen.  

[simplyconcerned]

When I responded and said " i refuses to believe i have type.one " that wasnt directed towards you. I wil drive back to the offices tomorrow to demand action to be taken. I understand it is important to know. Because if there is something there I wouldnt dare put someone in limbo. Of course i will continie to use.condoms until i get married (whenever i start back with intercourse)

I got a igg test last febr. 1.7 and then by specialist in november 1.2 thats when he habe me.the western blot. Guess.there.was.some ms.understanding i thought i @ the posts to.the correct person when i was.responding. Thanks for your advice and will continue to demand answers and keep everyone updated once i get them.  

and for the record i was kind of speaking out because ive used condoms since i was 19 everytime and in my mid 20s now and over the college yrs assumed things would be just fine. But hey thats life for you, always the good.ones thats punished.

[simplyconcerned]

Sorry for typos was trying to hurry and type.

[Mistakeguy789]

I read all your old posts before I responded.  Your IgG testing was done and as was your WB.  Hence why I asked you if you had any other encounters.  When you responded with "no chance only had sex one time" changes my response to be now you have had another possible expsoure.  

Condoms aren't going to protect you from Herpes 100%.  Condoms only give about 30% protection due to they don't protect the entire area.  There is many more areas that an outbreak can be that could lead to infection.  Your partner could be missed on that test.  You follow where I am going with this?  

Since you have had that sexual encounter since your WB and previous testing then another IgG test can be performed to see if the value has changed to a higer positive value showing a true positive or maybe lead to another recomendation for WB.  At this point our goal shouldn't be looking at that path.  Our goal should be to get the culture results.  That is what is going to stop all of this.  

[gracefromHHP]

At this point I honestly would not waste more money on herpes blood testing since if you are still just hsv1+ and nothing else, it still might not be the answers you need if you are one of the small percentage of people who don't test accurately for hsv2 on the blood tests. It's unfortunate that your provider dropped the ball and didn't order the lesion culture you just had typed - it would've been accurate answers so much faster for you.   next time you have symptoms, be seen again for a repeat culture and insist on the typing to be ordered!

sorry it's been such a long, drawn out ordeal for you to get to the bottom of this :(

[simplyconcerned]

@mistakeguy789 I understamd what you are saying. I used to think only way you get herpes is when someone had a outbreak (call.me crazy but i used to examine a penis before i had sex ) . I know i sound crazy huh lol...but i thought i was playing it safe in life.

It have been on my mind to have them retest (if he was ever tested)  since we are.still very close. I do see where you are coming from with the igg test. If the point value havent increased then of course i would still be in the dark unless i have a problem down there.

Thanks ; )

[simplyconcerned]

Thanks I will make sur next time. Something told me to call back and make sire they typed it but ,but i told her that before i left. When the nurse stated when i was there "you prob. was  exposed to the virus, but dont have it" , i shouldve known they would drop the ball.  All i can do is wait and jusy simply update you.

youre right its been a long drawn out deal that couldve been solved but i will get to the bottom one day.


Thanks grace ; }

[simplyconcerned]

Sorry for typos replying from my phone

[bobrope45]

Are you sure they gave you a culture result? Because the whole "you've been exposed" speech (which is wrong, btw) is usually applied to blood tests.

Even if they don't type your specimen, make sure to get a copy of your recent results.

[simplyconcerned]

Im guessing they gave me a culture, she took a q tip looking item and stuck it in a tube with pink solution. When she stepped out the room i looked at the bottom and seen two bubble lije items. On the paper it "stated hsv detected Positive "... Source "unknown". Then at the bottom it had my urina sample results " normal  floria " or something. Im at work and the paper is at home.

[gracefromHHP]

the only other thing you can do at this point is find out what lab your clinic uses, call them specifically to see if the specimen is still there to be typed and then call your provider and insist that they add the typing to the specimen. darn shame when you have to do all the work yourself like this but it's the best way to get answers when you are falling outside of the expected norms of blood testing like this :(

[simplyconcerned]

I will call the lab monday morning once i.get the number, but i doubt they still have it. Wednesday will make to weeks since i took the test. If they dont i will wait until i have another problem genitally and have them culture it again (making sure they type it).

Thanks grace and i will keep everyone posted even if its months down the line

[simplyconcerned]

Btw is true to increase lysine in your diet and decrease the Arginine? Or to  take a vitamin A tablet everyday?

[Mistakeguy789]

Those haven't been proven to do anything for Herpes at all.

[gracefromHHP]

the lysine/arginine theory for herpes was disproven many years ago. Only non-reputable websites still tout it as being a good thing to do. they are even using arginine now in studies to treat herpes.  ( love that firefox spell check loves to ask me if I meant to type margarine every time I type arginine....he he he )

it might be worthwhile at this point due to the infrequency of your symptoms to consult with Terri Warren's westover heights clinic to see about doing home swabbing for a month or two to look for herpes shedding to try to get better answers. I think it's $75 for the initial consult but I"m not sure of the cost of batching daily pcr swabs to just look for shedding. She would answer that during the phone consult.

[simplyconcerned]

Lol at Margarine.  If I do at home swabbing is there a chance there will be no shedding? Or would i need to contact her.

I dont think i can tell you enough..... THANK YOU SO MUCH

[gracefromHHP]

you'd need to contact her clinic and become one of their online patients.