I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and was recently put on Methotrexate. After 8 weeks, I started developing symptoms, redness, burning, and pain down my legs, and my OBGYN diagnosed me with genital hsv-1 via a blood test and symptoms. I stopped taking the methotrexate, as I assumed the infection came out of dormancy due to a suppressed immune system, which is an effect of this drug. I took 500 mg of valtex 3 times a day for ten days. The symptoms would sort of get better, still felt weird though, and then come back strong in a continuous 3-4 day cycle. I was then put on Zovirax 200mg 5 times per day and topical cream every 3 hours. The symptoms again would sort of go away and then come back strong in a 3-4 day cycle. It has been over 3 months now and I am freaked out. I have been tested for a yeast infection and bacterial infection, both negative.
What is going on? Are these symptoms not going away because of my auto-immune disease? I have been tested for hiv, by the way. It was negative. Is this going to be my life now? I am severely depressed and concerned about this. My OBGYN has not really been helpful, and I can't afford another $25 co-pay, quite frankly.
Thank you for your help.