Possible HSV 2 & Confirmation Testing

[classact11]

My ex (of 1 yr) and I last had sex about 9 weeks ago. For about the last half of our relationship we had unprotected sex (although he never ejaculated inside of me and did not produce any pre-ejaculatory fluid). 

About 3 wks after our last time he got tested for everything and told me he was negative. I don't know if his "everything" test included HSV, but I only assume it would because he saw my HSV 1 (I've had Type 1 since I was a kid) oral outbreak a long time ago and was afraid to get ANYWHERE near my lips. I'd ask him but we aren't speaking and I don't want to worry him.  

I got tested on Aug 8th and my Labcorp HSV 2 IGG was 2.14 (low positive). Last year before me and him were involved it was negative (no number). During our relationship he got tested for "everything" and was negative. I've had no symptoms but now I'm being paranoid and worry about every twinge.       

I've spoken with my doctor and told him this and asked about other tests (biokit & WB). He wrote a prescription for the same IGG test and an Immunoblot so that I can be retested in 2-4 wks. He says that the Immunoblot is similar to the Western Blot.

So I guess my questions are as follows:

1. Should I wait longer than 2-4 wks (it will be 11-14 wks after our last time) to be retested?
2. Should I retest with the IGG & Immunoblot or get a biokit and WB? 

[classact11]

Just wanted to update this story:

I took the advice from Grace and decided to get the Western Blot. As written above, I tried to get my regular doctor to write the order for the Western Blot but that literally got me no where.

I THEN took the advice of another poster and became a phone patient to Westover Heights Clinic. I paid the money to speak with Terry, and got her to write me out an order. There was trouble finding the proper location to get tested, because only a specific Quest in my area could perform the test. I went to the Quest during lunch and stayed there for nearly 2+ hours trying to explain everything and getting my paperwork refaxed over as the lab lost it.

Once they figured out the test, the lab technician looked at me and was like "I don't understand how you're just sitting there... I'd be crying if I had to get this test." I persevered and got the test done. I waited about a month and ended up calling back Westover as I must have missed their call. When I called, no one was there who could give me my results so I had to wait longer to hear the news.

Terry called back and my HSV-1 was positive (which I already knew) and my HSV-2 was inconclusive. She suggested talking to my partner I believe infected me, but we aren't on speaking terms so that was out of the question. She suggested I go back after the new year to let things settle. She re-sent the test back to Quest and had the Quest Lab in Seattle who the blood is sent to from MY Quest lab send them a WHOLE kit.

I went back and was done quickly with the blood work. I then received a call from Quest saying that my vial of blood BROKE and LEAKED on the airplane to Seattle and had to go back to draw blood... AGAIN. The lab technician saw me IMMEDIATELY drew my blood and I was out the door.

Today, I received a call from Terry stating that I was HSV-2 NEGATIVE!!! *HAPPY DANCE*

Lessons Learned: Protected sex....
Lesson Learned 2: If your doctor won,t go AROUND them. I plan on sharing my results and new material WITH my doctor to educate him.
Lessons Learned 3: After the long waiting, the inconclusive, the broken vials, and the 3rd blood draw it was worth it. I'd rather KNOW my status for SURE then always wondering.

I can now put this whole thing behind me, but always remember what I learned. Thanks Grace and I hope this post helps someone.

[gracefromHHP]

perhaps ask your provider to call the person at your local quest lab that you talked to?  also sometimes calling the U of washington lab is helpful - often they can help you get it drawn locally too.

[classact11]

Hey Grace, I need some advice. After waiting the appropriate time to get my confirmatory testing I lost my order from my doctor for the immunoblot and repeat igg. I called back and asked SPECIFICALLY for a re-written order for the Western Blot test from Quest telling them the proper code for the test.

I went to get the order and they wrote it for a herpeselct. After explaining this was wrong, the nurse said they didn't see anything about a Western Blot test in the books and if there was an issue getting it done at Quest that my physicians office and Quest would work it out.

I went to Quest and they couldn't find the WB in their system and I had to pull it up on my phone before they believed me. They told me I have to get my doctor to re-write the order specifying WB for HSV with the code, goto a hospital to get the blood work done, and the hospital (none of the Quests in my area can order the test) would route it to the right Quest (in a nearby city) who would then send it to the University of Washington labs.

My issue is how do I ask (make) my primary physician write the order? I told him the first time about WB and they wrote me another order, and the second time I gave them ALL the information and they basically disregarded it.

I'm considering just paying the money to call Westover Heights so they can schedule it, but I am reluctant to pay the extra costs.

Any advice (short of yelling at my primary physician) would be awesome.

[gracefromHHP]

you also have to wait 4 months for the biokit too.

[classact11]

Thanks for the response. I guess I'll be waiting a few more months to do the WB and just not worry about the Immunoblot. I've already found a Quest Lab in my area.

Should I get a biokit done now, or just wait the 4 months for the WB? I'm trying to remain hopeful for a false positive and not let it affect me.

[gracefromHHP]

whether or not a partner ejaculates or not has nothing to do with std risk. It's the sex act itself that is the risk.

the only std testing he had 3 weeks after he last had sex with you that was accurate was gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. all other testing was done too early to be accurate.  

the immunoblot isn't similar to the herpes WB :(  You can't use it for confirmatory testing. You need the actual herpes Wb done for your low positive and you need to wait at least 4 months after the last time you had sex to get it done.

grace