HSV 1 question

[hollygolightly05]

Hi,

I experienced my first cold sore on my lips. To my knowledge it was my first cold sore, as I have no memory of having any before. I was quite feverish at the time and felt the tingling sensation.

About six weeks later, I then went to the Doctor's as my genitals felt like they were burning and were swollen. The doctor was unsure as to whether it was genital herpes, and we couldn't do the test, as I was about to leave for a business trip. I literally ran from the office to the Doctor to the plane. I was shell shocked when the Doctor mentioned herpes, as I had not considered this. When I got back from the trip, I returned to the Doctor's and there were no longer any symptoms.

My question is, how can I find out if this is herpes.

I've also read a lot on the topic, and the only way I couldve received this was via oral sex. I received oral sex six weeks earlier from the man who had given me cold sores.

Is it possible I contracted both oral and genital herpes? My mouth cold sore showed up two days later, but my genital pain was six weeks later. Is this possible?

Thanks

[hollygolightly05]

Well, I took the test after approx 12 weeks (80 days) and it came back negative. My Doctor contacted the lab and the lab said 94% of people would test positive after 12 weeks if they had contracted.

So I guess this means I'm pretty much all clear, unless I'm in the 6%.

It's left me baffled. I dont know what other lip sores could look and feel like a coldsore and not be herpes!

[gracefromHHP]

there are false negatives for hsv2 too but they are only 2% if enough time has passed. it's much more of an issue with hsv1 than hsv2.

[hollygolightly05]

Thanks. Are there negative issues for HSV 2 from a blood test? I'm guessing I can now safely rule that out (although it wasn't really a big fear, but a small fear). I guess with HSV 1, I"ll just wait and see if symptoms present again.

I can't see what else this mouth sore on my lip could have been.

[gracefromHHP]

there are false negative issues with the igg testing for hsv1. best thing to do at this point is the next time you have oral symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for a lesion culture and typing for better answers.   more blood testing isn't always helpful.

[hollygolightly05]

Hi, I waited roughly 12 weeks (80 days to be exact) and got the blood tests for herpes. I had IgG antibody test and it came back negative for both HSV 1 and HSV 2. The doctor and I are both surprised. I'm wondering if I didn't wait long enough to do the testing, because I was quite sure I had a coldsore after meeting this guy, and six weeks later, the Dr felt what I presented with could have been herpes (although it was atypical). I'm guessing I probably need to do another test to double check.My question is should 80 days normally be long enough to record a herpes infection? I know it says 3months, but I thought I might be close enough. Your thoughts?

Thanks again!!

[gracefromHHP]

the blood test being + for hsv1 wouldn't tell you anything more than you already know. You had an obvious cold sore which is most likely hsv1. only way to know if you also have it genitally is if you get a return of genital symptoms to get tested.   Due to the false negative issues with the hsv1 igg testing, even a negative hsv1 result isn't really a lot of answers either unfortunately.

Since hsv1 orally sheds so much more than hsv1 genitally does, assuming you only have it orally is not a bad idea as far as talking to a partner about precautions.