So i decided to contact my ex bf one last time to see if i can get any information about his testing. He said again that he tested positive for HSV I and negative for HSV II. he gets cold sores every once in awhile since childhood...So IM thinking he did have a type specific test, but he is not sure if he had an IGM or IGG test and he is not worried about finding out. Would doctors really just do an IGM test?
He has outbreaks..but I've seen his "outbreaks" and he is the type that as soon as he notices any kind of blemish anywhere he drowns it with alcohol/ toothpaste/ hydrocordozone... etc... so I think he makes whatever it is worse..
anyway... he said he is living like he has HSV II.. and then I said "if i had your test results, I would be doing back flips and dreaming of unicorns." and he said because he has "outbreaks" he believe he has it..and has already excepted it and doesnt need to be searching for answers (like me) ...
anyway, I guess ill never know if he was tested properly, but I was wondering if there is anyway that my hsv II results could really mean hsv I... depending on the testing kit/manufactuter... etc. i understand the IGG hsv II type specific test is designed to differentiate between the antibodies....but is that possible?
I have stopped supressive therapy for a few weeks now...and not a single symptom. In fact, I feel like I have more hsv I (oral) symptoms...tingling...etc, but cant tell if thats just chapped lips with the winter approaching.
Thanks Grace. I appreciate your help. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and time with your son.
they look at different parts of the igg response and are 2 totally different tests.
Is there something different with the way biokit works compared to other igg specific tests like herpeselect or CAPITA or EIA.... why is biokit sometimes a tie breaker? I understand it is adminstered different, but what is it about this test that people seem to make journeys to get. More accurate?
both tests look for antibodies to the herpes virus.
lots of research done on people of all ages to know that the virus can be detected for a lifetime.
How do scientists know for sure that HSV does not eradicate itself in the body? How do they know the virus is there for life? What research has been done?
Also, what is the difference between herpeselect hsv ii igg test and the biokit??? does biokit test for igg antibodies?
Petal is right - if you don't want to take daily suppressive therapy you don't have to . just stop it if you want. just make sure your partner is aware that you are stopping it and discuss together what precautions you BOTH are comfortable with. Personally to me, suppressive therapy in the beginning of a new relationship is a terrific tool to utilize until you are both more comfortable with the relationship in general. Anything that reduces transmission to a partner by 1/2 is well worth it to me.
Thanks Grace- ur right about knowing my status as what matters. I really dont ever want to talk to him again..he put me through a lot...so i dont want to invite him back into my life in the slightest way. I think I want to wait a year to see how I feel about the situation.. like if i get outbreaks; how i am mentally; Im almost 80% over the diagnosis.. the worrying gets old... so maybe i'll get the biokit for the hell of it next year sometime... i kinda dont want to know for sure.
btw- I asked my doctor if I can cut the 500mg of valtrex in half to take 250 mg daily bc i really dont want to take medicine everyday. I want to ween myself off it...my doc said that was fine probably bc its harmless to be on or off supressive therapy....
so far no outbreaks since initial symptoms... My new partner is fine with the fact that i probably most definitely have hsv ii, and he is okay w that. I dont even want him to know his status bc I just feel like it would strain the relationship... I rather take the meds for myself as far as preventing outbreaks rather than transmission. what do u think about stopping the medicine???... we do use condoms as a form of b.c. and for protection (i learned my lesson)...
Sometimes when Im reading the posts I think to myself "am i missing something?" why is everyone making it seem like a death sentence? This really isnt so serious. right? its such a mind over matter thing.
"worry is a waste on the body for anybody who believes in God"- Ghandi
I'd ask to see his actual test results before you bother with a herpes WB . 3+ hsv2 igg's that are all well over the potential false positive range makes it likely you really do have hsv2. make sure he was really tested and with the igg though honestly at this point he's an ex so it doesn't really matter - what matters is knowing your own status.
also make sure your herpes testing you had done originally was igg and not igm.
grace
Wait for Grace to respond. She has a post that specifically states to let her interpret your test results.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/blood-test-results/show/1051214
Thanks ;) for the reply. So u think its worth the western blot? Can other viruses affect the test? in otherwords can something aside from hsv ii antibodies make an hsv ii test postive? (I am hsv i negative)
Definitely ask to see your partner's results.
It is possible you acquired HSV from your September partner, but very unlikely due to the time frame.
Like Kdaily suggested, seek out confirmatory testing, such as a Biokit or Western Blot. However, discontinue the Valtrex for a few weeks before taking the Biokit or WB for more accurate results.
Well with three positives I would question whether his blood has created enough antibodies... I would recommend a Western Blot Herpes test for confirmation testing.. also your ex should retest 3 months post the encounter. It is unlikely to have three false positives with numbers that high.
Please know that for as many folks who think that herpes is a death sentence, there are more of us who know in fact that it is absolutely NO BIG DEAL. I have genital herpes, and if this is the worst thing that happens to me, I'll be blessed. And, you yourself could go the rest of your life outbreak free. But even if you do eventually have another outbreak, it's very manageable and the antivirals are a huge factor with suppression and minimizing OBs. My last outbreak was mild and only lasted a few days thanks to the antiviral meds.
Your quote says it all - I like it. Herpes is not worth becoming filled with worry, fear, and ultimately ignorance. I know it takes a seat way way in the back of the bus in my life.
Btw, you don't have to take antivirals suppressively at all if you don't want. And, no need to "ween" off of it. It's not that type of med. Remember, they are meant to suppress the virus and thus reduce the chance of transmission (more so important if you are in a discordant relationship and want to minimize the chance of transmitting it), or to help with outbreaks should they be frequent. So really it depends on what you and your potential partner decide, mostly. There's a higher risk of transmission (even with condoms) should you choose not to take suppressive therapy.
That being said, a 250mg dose is not the correct dose - you may as well not take it at all. Suppressive therapy with Valtrex is specifically 500mg per day to be effective.
Please do read The Herpes Handbook (Terri Warren is our Herpes Expert on the expert's forum as well). Just google it and it comes up under Westover Heights Clinic.