Resolution

[peter224]

Had vaginal sex for 1-2 minutes unprotected - remainder of sex with a condom.  Also gave and received oral sex.  This is the only sexual encounter i've had with this woman and she's awaiting test results for all STDs.  Several days later noticed a burning sensation on upper thighs and butt (both sides).  Also had burning sensation on genitals.  However, the burning sensation would move.  That is, it would sometimes burn on one thigh, then butt, then other thigh or other side of butt. Sometimes I felt it in all areas. Genital burning would come and go.  Also had dull ache in upper thigh and lower abdomen.  Again, primarily on the right side but sometimes on left.  

Went to clinic about 2 weeks after sex and was told that it didn't sound like herpes because it covered such a big area and moved around.  Clinic could only took culture tests and didn't do blood tests for herpes.  Nurse told me it was probably anxiety coupled with allergic reaction.  I got tested for other STDs and results came back negative.  Sensation went away for about a month.

6-7 weeks after sex, sensation returned.  This time it was primarily on right side but still came and went and affected left side sometimes.  Sensation felt like Ben-gay had been applied to skin.  Also had burning on left then right side of penis and scrotum that seemed worse when stressed.  I also noticed a tingling feeling in right foot and muscle twitches in right leg.  Went to Dr. at 8 weeks after sex.  Nurse performed a BioKit IgG test that was negative.  Also did a HerpeSelect test.  One week later went for results, and they were positive (1.24).  Started taking Valtrex but didn't seem to help symptoms.  Nurse gave me Valtrex samples that were expired, but she said it still worked the same since it had been less than 2 years after expiration date.  

At 9 weeks, started having pain in penis (especially at night) and frequent need to urinate.  Also had pain in anus that comes and goes, coupled with a moist feeling in anus and crotch that also comes and goes. Went back to dr. 10 weeks 4 days after sex who said it sounded more like a prostate infection than herpes.  Dr. ordered another HerpeSelect test and put me on an antibiotic for prostate infection.  A few days later i noticed burning sensation on left side of torso in the same bands where shingles normally takes place.  Valtrex helped torso burning a lot.  Seemed to also help symptoms below the waiste but to a lesser degree.

I just got results back from second test, and they were negative(0.07).  I'm still taking Valtrex but still have some of the same symptoms.  I've also noticed that lymphnodes in my groin are swollen (feel like peas).  

I've had cold sores on my mouth for as long as I can remember. There do not appear to be any lesions on lower body.  I noticed a red bump/spot on my right thigh a couple of times but it always goes away in 1-2 days.  

What's going on?  The Dr. is perplexed and so am I.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The symptoms you describe do not sound at all like herpes to me, and the risk of getting herpes from the encounter you describe probably was low (even if your partner had herpes herself).  Your blood test result definitely rule out HSV-2 infection, especially since the boderline positive HerpeSelect result was clearly negative on repeat.  Lack of response to Valtrex further proves the point.  Stop taking it.

As to what is causing your symptoms, I can say with confidence they aren't due to herpes or any STD.  They also don't suggest prostatitis.  And I can point out that most people with such problems are merely anxious, with stress/anxiety magnifying otherwise normal body sensations.  You should discuss this possibility with your doctor.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[peter224]

The Dr's office now wants to do another herpes test because of the conflicting results of the first three and also wants to do a bunch of other blood tests to figure out what's going on (especially because of the swollen lymph nodes).  Is the herpes test (#4) overkill, or should I still be concerned?  

I'm also still confused about the HerpeSelect results.  I thought once positive always/definately positive and the number < or >.9 didn't matter.  Could any medications I'm taking cause a false positive or false negative?  

Finally, I'm sure psychological factors can (probably have) impact(ed) my perception of symptoms.  At the same time, what I'm experiencing has caused a great deal of physical discomfort.  How significant can the psyhological component of this be?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Repeat testing probably isn't necessary.  Many weakly positive results, like your 1.24, are false positives; if it was a true positive, it would have risen by the third test, not fallen.  I still doubt you have HSV-2.  Your medications didn't affect the test results.  But look at it this way:  your doctor is being careful; I may not agree with the need for a 4th HSV blood test, but it sounds like you have a conscientious doc.

With respect to other possibilities (cause of lymph node swelling, psychological explanations), I trust your doctor's judgment more than mine.  Follow his advice.

HHH, MD

[Luke748]

Peter224 and Dr,

My name is Stephen Luke and I have been having the SAME exact problems!!! Did you ever find a resolution to the problems you were having?? My story--last year, I had sex with this girl and a few days later I noticed a burning sensation in my genital area-- within 2 weeks I got Chickenpox!!  (I had never had them as a kid believe it or not) --since then, I have had really bad burning, itching some days, prickly heat in that area and over the past several months this pain has moved down both my legs and it felt around anywhere I have something tight fitting around my skin (such as a belt). I believe I have what it seems imflammed nerves which I have been taking Nuerontin and Atarax for the past 2 months. Before this, I had been to my medical doctor and it was thought it may have been a yeast infection--I took Diflucan for 2 weeks and it still did not solve anything. It has been over 9 months and I still have constant pain/ burning on my legs and genital area..but the pain on my legs and buttocks seems to move around. There are no visible rashes or anything..but the the genital area is constantly "raw" feeling some days and hurts--other days it just itches .  I have been taking a B12 vitamin complex vitamin along with Lysine supplements. I have good days and bad days, but for the most part it seems this pain is constant and never goes away. I dont know what to do anymore.. Please help!! Does anyone know what this might be??