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I/II "combo" IGG Postive but I and II Type Specific Negative
The last time I had sex with my old boyfriend was on Jan. 25 and the last time I had sex with my new boyfriend was on Mar. 7 (last sexual exposure to anyone). I heard the old bf may have had GH so I got tested Mar. 23. The IGG Type Specific I and II both came out neg. under .90/ IGM pos. 1:20H (threw out). All other STD tests were neg. I planned to get retested 14 weeks post any sexual encounters.
While waiting my 14 weeks I had itchiness, redness, pain urinating and white discharge. Was treated for a yeast infection on Apr. 23 with FLUCONAZOLE and CLOTRIMAZOLE-BETAMETHASONE (no help). On May 6 I noticed 2 small white (with red rimmed) spots on my vagina (they did not hurt). Went to the doctor on May 7 she looked and said it was herpes. She did not swab but said take Acyclovir and get retested. In 3 days the spots (while taking Acyclovir) were gone never crusted or anything they just went away but all the other symptoms stayed. I had these symptoms (start to finish) for 12 weeks (no additional spots).
Went to a new doctor on Jun.18. Results: combination I/II IGG pos. (3.3H); Type Specific I IGG neg. (less than .90); and Type Specific II IGG neg. (less than .90). I was pos. for BV. I was treated with METRONIDAZOLE. This treatment worked. On Jul. 15 the same symptoms started again itchiness, pain and discharge. Went in for another herpes blood test on Jul. 27 (advised by the doc) results: combination I/II IGG pos. (3.5H); Type Specific I IGG neg. (less than .90); and Type Specific II IGG neg. (less than .90). BV test came back neg.
How could it be that together I and II are pos. but separately they are both neg.? How am I at week 20 and still not showing anything in either type? Both guys have been tested (June 18) and are negative (so they say). Will I eventually show? I was told to wait till the 6 month mark which is in 3 weeks (which I’m going to do). I’m wondering if just the thought of herpes (I’m nervous) is causing me to think up symptoms.
While waiting my 14 weeks I had itchiness, redness, pain urinating and white discharge. Was treated for a yeast infection on Apr. 23 with FLUCONAZOLE and CLOTRIMAZOLE-BETAMETHASONE (no help). On May 6 I noticed 2 small white (with red rimmed) spots on my vagina (they did not hurt). Went to the doctor on May 7 she looked and said it was herpes. She did not swab but said take Acyclovir and get retested. In 3 days the spots (while taking Acyclovir) were gone never crusted or anything they just went away but all the other symptoms stayed. I had these symptoms (start to finish) for 12 weeks (no additional spots).
Went to a new doctor on Jun.18. Results: combination I/II IGG pos. (3.3H); Type Specific I IGG neg. (less than .90); and Type Specific II IGG neg. (less than .90). I was pos. for BV. I was treated with METRONIDAZOLE. This treatment worked. On Jul. 15 the same symptoms started again itchiness, pain and discharge. Went in for another herpes blood test on Jul. 27 (advised by the doc) results: combination I/II IGG pos. (3.5H); Type Specific I IGG neg. (less than .90); and Type Specific II IGG neg. (less than .90). BV test came back neg.
How could it be that together I and II are pos. but separately they are both neg.? How am I at week 20 and still not showing anything in either type? Both guys have been tested (June 18) and are negative (so they say). Will I eventually show? I was told to wait till the 6 month mark which is in 3 weeks (which I’m going to do). I’m wondering if just the thought of herpes (I’m nervous) is causing me to think up symptoms.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Didn't I tell you there were false positives on the IGM? More evidence, I think!
I would advise the western blot anyway. Part of being reassured is doing the best test possible and then accepting the results. I think you need that. Besides, it is a little better at picking up HSV 1. But I think the chances it will be positive are very slim because your results at 22 weeks were negative. At some point, you are going to need to believe that you don't have herpes - I'm hoping it is when the western blot comes back negative.
Lets not do any more posts until that time, OK? Then let me know the results.
Terri
I would advise the western blot anyway. Part of being reassured is doing the best test possible and then accepting the results. I think you need that. Besides, it is a little better at picking up HSV 1. But I think the chances it will be positive are very slim because your results at 22 weeks were negative. At some point, you are going to need to believe that you don't have herpes - I'm hoping it is when the western blot comes back negative.
Lets not do any more posts until that time, OK? Then let me know the results.
Terri
Terri,
Thank you so much. I have purchased the generic Gyne Lotrimin. I cannot find the name brand version (after going to four stores). We’ll see how this goes. I really appreciate your help and advice. I’m just going in circles and would like physical relief.
Last question (I promise)… I am still getting a Western Blot (once I receive my packet from U of W) but when I went to my doctor’s to receive the WB order last week my doctor went ahead and also had me receive an IGM test (boo!) and IGG test. This blood was drawn at week 22. Results are in and I was negative for IGM and IGG 1 and IGG 2. I know I should throw out the IGM test but my first one was positive (two weeks after possible exposure). I’ve heard that in “theory” the IGM will show first (new exposure) and then the IGG will show. Is there a possible window were IGM can become negative and the IGG just has not shown yet?
My doctor seems to think I don't need the WB and I'm negative (from negative results) but I still think I should get final confirmation.... I’m trying to prepare myself for a possible positive HSV result from my Western Blot. I have to wait at least three weeks for my results (min) so I’m looking for some advice in the mean time.
Thanks Again!
Thank you so much. I have purchased the generic Gyne Lotrimin. I cannot find the name brand version (after going to four stores). We’ll see how this goes. I really appreciate your help and advice. I’m just going in circles and would like physical relief.
Last question (I promise)… I am still getting a Western Blot (once I receive my packet from U of W) but when I went to my doctor’s to receive the WB order last week my doctor went ahead and also had me receive an IGM test (boo!) and IGG test. This blood was drawn at week 22. Results are in and I was negative for IGM and IGG 1 and IGG 2. I know I should throw out the IGM test but my first one was positive (two weeks after possible exposure). I’ve heard that in “theory” the IGM will show first (new exposure) and then the IGG will show. Is there a possible window were IGM can become negative and the IGG just has not shown yet?
My doctor seems to think I don't need the WB and I'm negative (from negative results) but I still think I should get final confirmation.... I’m trying to prepare myself for a possible positive HSV result from my Western Blot. I have to wait at least three weeks for my results (min) so I’m looking for some advice in the mean time.
Thanks Again!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It does not sound like a herpes outbreak, no. It sounds like either a fungal or bacterial infection. I definitely would NOT take Valtrex until you get your western blot done.
Have you tried any over the counter antifungal medicine, like Gyne Lotrimin?
Terri
Have you tried any over the counter antifungal medicine, like Gyne Lotrimin?
Terri
Sorry should read "BV test two weeks ago"
Terri,
I went through and contacted U of W and they are sending me an HSV blood kit (that I can ship directly to them) for a Western Blot. My question is as I stated above my symptoms returned on July 15 (non stop) irritation, redness and discharge (no sores I can see). It's gotten worse and today I checked and I have large amounts of gray/thick discharge. My BV test two ago was negative (when the symptoms were eight days old). Does this sound like HSV OB? I thought a second OB would last for two- three weeks max. So I'm concerned this has lasted this long. I'm going to start taking Valtrex to see if this helps (advised by my doctor until we know more from my blot) would Valtrex have an effect on my blood test?
I've seen two doctors and they just seem confused. I'm so irritable down there that I just want to find an answer. Any advice would be great!
I went through and contacted U of W and they are sending me an HSV blood kit (that I can ship directly to them) for a Western Blot. My question is as I stated above my symptoms returned on July 15 (non stop) irritation, redness and discharge (no sores I can see). It's gotten worse and today I checked and I have large amounts of gray/thick discharge. My BV test two ago was negative (when the symptoms were eight days old). Does this sound like HSV OB? I thought a second OB would last for two- three weeks max. So I'm concerned this has lasted this long. I'm going to start taking Valtrex to see if this helps (advised by my doctor until we know more from my blot) would Valtrex have an effect on my blood test?
I've seen two doctors and they just seem confused. I'm so irritable down there that I just want to find an answer. Any advice would be great!
I live in a small town. The closest cities are either Champaign, IL or Springfield, IL. Springfield is where I got my blood with Quest drawn last week.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
What city are you in?
Terri,
I worked with my doctor and had blood drawn at a Quest lab. The blood was sent off but then we received a call (from Quest) that Quest Diagnostics has discontinued test 34534. How else can I go about doing this?
Thanks!
I worked with my doctor and had blood drawn at a Quest lab. The blood was sent off but then we received a call (from Quest) that Quest Diagnostics has discontinued test 34534. How else can I go about doing this?
Thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm glad you are pursuing that, good job!
Terri
Terri
Thank you so much for everything. This site is wonderful! I have an appointment with my doctor to discuss options for the western blot. : )
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, if you test negative for HSV 2 at 20 weeks, I believe you can count on this result.
Terri
Terri
Thank you so much for your advice! So at this point can I rule out HSV 2 (at week 20) but keep looking for HSV1 (since the less sensitive to it). I'm not ruling out HSV 1 down there (with my symptoms) but can I rule out HSV 2? I did receive oral from my boyfriend so that would be possible if he has type 1. The guys I'm dealing with would really appricate this too. I know I'm driving them crazy getting tested and tested. I'm driving myself crazy researching and researching.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It is not recommended that the combination test be used any more. It has a history of false positives. I would count on the separate tests. Because you are being confused with this additional test, and because the individual tests are not as sensitive for HSV 1 as they are for HSV 2, you might want to consider getting a herpes western blot test to finalize the result. It can be done through Quest labs, the code is 34534. I think this final test should give you the clarification that you need.
Terri
Terri
So I really want to know if I have herpes or not? The combo is showing something is there....
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
