Coffee affect IGG results?

[NYguy]

Hi,

I was just wondering if drinking a cup of coffee the morning of the blood draw would affect the results? (IGG Herpselect) I forgot and had a cup. The results were negative (over a year past exposure), but I've had suspicious symptoms that my doctor later diagnosed as Psoriasis (and a cream has helped). I had a blister like symptom on the penis 3 years ago, but nothing similar since. My dermetologist said Psoriasis can present itself in a variety of different ways. But i was just wondering about the coffee....

Thanks

[NYguy]

Thanks again. The provider's never saw any oral lesions...so there was nothing to see.

Any thoughts on the antiviral and IgG results though? I'll stop posting after this

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

your providers didn't think it was oral herpes. if you need the peace of mind, being seen for symptoms an dlesion cultures will help.

[NYguy]

Thanks for the reply Grace.

I'm not so much worried about the cold sores, but rather the genital ones (although nothing has appeared in 2 years).

I was under the impression that IMMEDIATELY starting supressive therapy after exposure, could lead to a delay in antibody development. But I went a full 1.3 years before taking sporadic Valtrex...and only 1 or so in the month prior to the test.

Is it possible the HSV-1 is a false Neg since that's generally more inaccurate than the HSV-2 IgG?

[gracefromHHP]

be seen every time you have symptoms. if they suspect cold sores, a lesion culture and typing can be done. best to be seen within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms.

[NYguy]

Hi Grace,

Thank you for your prompt reply. The reason I asked - is because I've fallen back into thinking that my IgG tests were inaccurate.

I had posted here before (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/Confused-about-test-results-vs-symptoms/show/1602893#post_7284965).

Sorry for the long post, but here goes.

Timeline:
May 2009: Unprotected Exposure (oral & vaginal intercourse)
June 2009: Deep kissing with a different girl - developed my first "cold sore" a week later (painful lesion on lip…never had one before)
July 2009: Pimple like bumps on penis shaft (not painful)…no other symptoms whatsoever
Sep 2010: Develop severe eczema & psoriasis all over body
Oct 2010:  Itching on shaft followed by single painful blister
Nov 2010: Itching on shaft followed by painful cut like lesion appears (seems to respond to 500g Valtrex – taken sporadically, ordered online)
Dec 2010: Develop painful cluster of blisters/sores underside of penis...lingers for several weeks…seems to respond to Eczema cream, but can’t remember fully.
Jan 2011: Eczema clears from medication (immune suppressant)
Sep 2011: Another painful lesion [took sporadic, NOT suppressive 500g Valtrex)
Sep 2011: Blood test from Labcorp
HSV 1 and 2 – Specific Ab, IgG: Both <0.91 [Negative]
-All other STD’s tested Neg

Nov 2011: See dermatologist for red spots on penis, that ARE NOT the same as the blisters I had prior – diagnosed as psoriasis, prescribes Protopic – all red bumps respond.
Jan 2012: Another ‘cold sore’ (clears in 5 days – not enough time to get swabbed…seems to respond to Abreva)
Feb 2013: Another ‘cold sore’ (clears in 5 days – not enough time to get swabbed)

April 2013:
-No new painful blisters in 2 years …NOT taking Valtrex, etc.
-No sexual contact since 2009

As you can see, this is rather confusing. Cleary enough time passed from initial exposure, to take an accurate IgG (2+ years). But I’m worried that the sporadic Valtrex a week prior may have affected the results. I haven’t had any symptoms on the penis (resembling the blisters) in almost 2 years with zero medication. I HAVE had itchy red patches and bumps that responded to the Protopic.
1. Do you recommend I get an IgG test again? Or should I just rest assured that it’s only Psoriasis?
2. Do I actually have cold sores? They sure look like them, but I tested Neg on the IgG….but as you can see I have other skin issues. Not sure if related
3. Would the sporadic Valtrex affect the test? I’ve read it only can cause a false Negative if you’re on suppressive therapy PRIOR to seroconversion…
Please help.

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

no it does not.

grace