HELP !!! question about diagnosis and prolonged symptoms

[cjsam]

OK, so I went to the doctor because I initially had discharge (lasted a day or two) and itching (alot of itching) and a few small bumps on my labia mostly and vaginal area. The doctor did a culture and blood test. The blood test came back positive for herpes (1 and 2 I believe) the culture came back negative. The doctor gave me premarin cream....which wasn't working. He then gave me a corticosteroid cream which worked but dried me out (had to use vaseline as well) every time I stopped using it, I would get itchy again and my lips would start getting dry, sometimes getting papercut like tears, and flaky. I finally (after probably 6 months or so) was able to stop using the cream without this reaction, however not my lips are dry red somewhat itchy and inflammed. I was wondering 1) is it possible I was merely exposed to herpes however do not carry the disease (from what I understand the blood test only tests for the antibodies not the actual virus) and 2) what is this? from what I understand herpes involves shorter outbreaks and I've been dealing with these weird symptoms pretty much constantly for probably about 8-10 months.

I'm going crazy here, any input would be really appreciated!!!

[gracefromHHP]

the home tests are just ph tests. your provider can do better testing. it's unfortunate that your provider didn't test you for vaginitis when you were seen, perhaps a 2nd opinion elsewhere wouldn't be a bad idea?

it takes up to 3 months for premarin to start being effective.  It's not something that helps in a week or two.  It helps to strengthen the skin.

[cjsam]

that sort of makes sense thanks grace. i tested myself for a yeast infection and it didnt come up positive the doctor didn't test me for anything else, i'm thinking of going back (possibly to a different doctor so i could get a 2nd opinion) the premarin cream was for the irritation but it didn't help much i am getting a copy of my test results and will pick them up monday and then post them on here thanks again!

[gracefromHHP]

I can best help  you with your blood test results if you can get a copy of them and post them here - e.g. hsv1 igg 6.9 and hsv2 igg 3.4 or whatever they are. that way we can be sure you were properly tested and see if you need additional confirmatory testing done.

long term use of topical steroids is never a good thing. it actually will thin your skin and make you more prone to infections and tearing :(  definitely if you are still having symptoms and are needing to use topical steroids, follow up again.

were you tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally at all during all of this?

what prompted them to prescribe premarin cream - just the irritation?

no such thing as being exposed, having symptoms but not being infected ( hope that makes sense ).

grace