I feel like I'll never know if I have GH or not...

[mightaswellask88]

I am a 20 year old female who has had oral HSV-1 since childhood. Two weeks ago I had unprotected vaginal sex with a friend. About 3 days after I got what felt like a UTI (which I've had before), except that I didn't have to urinate frequently, it simply burned when I peed. First off, I asked my friend if I had anything to be concerned about and he said not that he knew off (how comforting...). I went to the clinic to get tested and I was negative for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. I then went to my family doctor to have my urine examined and was told there was a trace of bacteria (now I really don't know how signifcant a trace is). Around that time I developed bilateral swollen lymph nodes in my groin (much more noticeable on the right side). The lymph nodes were tender enough that it was uncomfortable to sit cross legged and my groin ached. Also, for the last 4 days I have had burning/pressure in the arch of my right foot. I see absolutely no sores. I went to the clinic again today to ask for blood tests and she basically told me the blood test results aren't worth the paper they're on. She examined me again and also saw no lesions. I decided not to push for the blood test yet because it would be too early to test anyways. How common is it to have swollen lymph nodes without lesions, and how common is it to have swollen lymph nodes in an initial HSV2 infection if I have had HSV1 (orally) almost my whole life? Does it sound like I have GH? I don't feel an inpending doom upon me if I do have it, I just want to know already.

I appreciate any information,

Thank you

[mightaswellask88]

It might be non-specific, but I find it interesting that three months after my intitial scare, I'm getting some of the similar symptoms which I never had prior to possible exposure. I'm not prone to anxiety over symptoms- I ask only because others who actually have GH, report these exact two symptoms.

[bobrope45]

This is a very non specific symptom, meaning it could be anything. People report of sorts of symptoms as herpes prodomes, don't waste your time trying to relate to your own symptoms - you'll go crazy.

Just focus on getting tested at the 3mos mark, it's the best thing to do.

[mightaswellask88]

Hi again...
Since my last post I hadn't even thought about herpes until yesterday. I started getting shooting pains where my lymph nodes had previously been swollen (but they're not swollen now). That, and the burning has returned in the sole of my right foot in the exact same place. While most experts here say this is not a symptom of recurrent breakouts, I have read numerous posts where people say this is one of their symptoms. What do you think?

Thanks again..

[gracefromHHP]

you need to be seen for testing for vaginal infections. you should do this sooner rather than later.

[mightaswellask88]

lumpy*

[mightaswellask88]

Sorry to come back, I don't know if this is related to herpes or some other problem, but because I was already concerned about herpes I feel like I should ask here..

And just to make a note, I booked an appointment to get a pap done.

Normally after my period I'm a bit dry. Closer to my period I get a ton of discharge but it's usually thicker. I finished my period last week and I have white discharge thats runny enough to run down my legs if I remove my underwear. No odour, and it's a milky white. Also, my vagina walls seem swollen. I felt around inside and it felt swollen and a bit lumph (all over). No pain whatsoever. What is this??

[gracefromHHP]

it's why the regs stick around the forums - we want folks to be educated, not scared to death!!!

[mightaswellask88]

Thanks again. Wonderful when a complete stranger can give someone peace of mind :)

[gracefromHHP]

it's very true or I would've said otherwise.

up to you whether to abstain for sex for 3 months or not.

[mightaswellask88]

Also, the first reply to my post says its unlikely to have swollen nodes without visible lesions. How true is this?

[mightaswellask88]

Thanks for the information! Should I abstain from sex until I know? The symptoms found on the internet make it extremely difficult to decide whether ot not this could actually be herpes, but if it sounds like I have GH I definitely do not want to take that risk.

[gracefromHHP]

sounds like a plan :)

[mightaswellask88]

I doubt he would get one done. I can ask but I don't think he would. I figure ill get a test now to see where I'm at, and then test again in a couple months. If I am positive by then ill assume its from him. Half the time I'm convinced I have herpes, and half the time I think I'm silly for even thinking I do.. But I have to be safe.

[gracefromHHP]

many other infections out there that can cause issues like this, not just herpes.  You can even have viral infections of the urinary tract as well as the genitals - we don't test for them routinely since hard to get accurate cultures as well as nothing we can do but let them run their course anyways.

any chance of getting your partner from 2 weeks ago tested for herpes and to share their results with you?  

grace

[mightaswellask88]

The nurse at the STI clinic confirmed they were swollen. I'm not surprised- I can feel my lymph nodes even when they're not swollen so when they are swollen they are impossible to miss. One of the lymph nodes just above my pubic area can actually be seen without touching when its swollen.

[bobrope45]

Probably, yes. Nodes get bigger due to bacteria as well.
Has a doctor already checked your lymph nodes?

[mightaswellask88]

Thank you. I just find it to be an odd coincidence that this all happened after unprotected sex. Could a UTI cause lymph nodes that were inflamed to the point of discomfort?

[bobrope45]

It would be highly unusual to have only swollen nodes and not have visible sores. Nothing you cited sounds like herpes.

If you need peace of mind, get a herpes blood test (IgG for 2) within 3-4 months.