Aa
Possible HSV1&2 - just looking for support
Good morning community. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone on this board - I've probably read through hundreds of posts since yesterday after getting a call from my doctor's office.
I was in a long term relationship for 3.5 years through April 2010. After that, I had a brief relationship (about 3-4 months) with a friend of mine. Huge mistake - we were great friends, but as bf/gf we just weren't compatible. From our conversations we had before becoming intimate, we had both been tested, in monogamous relationships, minimal risk, etc. During that relationship, we had heard a rumor that an ex of his may have been exposed to HSV2 and I insisted that we get tested. He said "I've never had a breakout, so I don't have herpes." I said I didn't care, that I was going to go get tested and he should too. That was in July of 2010. I went to my gyno and had the full workup. Everything came back negative. (I've also called that gyno's office this week just to double check what they screened and that the tests were negative. I know we did a big ol' blood draw. Waiting for a call back because I haven't been a patient there in 3 years so my file has been archived - they said they should have it next week). After a ton of drama I decided the relationship just wasn't for me and I ended things.
In September of 2010 I met the guy I would date for the next 2.5 years. We had the same discussion - "I've been tested, have you?" And we both said "yes, negative across the board." Things were great. We used condoms for the first 3 months or so. I was on the pill, we discussed contraception and decided that me being on the pill was enough. We moved in together, and life was grand. I thought I had met "the one." No issues with my 2010 annual gyno visit.
No issues when I went for my annual in March 2011. But now that I called and had that office double check my file, they only did a pap smear.
No issues when I went for my annual in May 2012. When I called my current doc's office to double check my file, they said they didn't screen me for HSV1&2. I could have sworn they did a blood draw that day, but the said they only did my pap, and ran cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
So fast forward to January of 2013 when it seems like the relationship is headed downhill. We're bickering a lot, we don't seem to enjoy one another's company as much. We take a vacation together, didn't really enjoy ourselves. My grandmother passed away unexpectedly and the first half of February was very stressful, making arrangements, preparing for her memorial etc. My bf wasn't very emotional supportive during that time. The first week of March we have an argument and he decides he's moving out. Broke my heart. I asked if there was any cheating that was going on. He said no. I don't think he would lie about infidelity.
I'm went to the gyno for peace of mind for a full STD screening. My cultures, syphilis test, HIV all come back negative. But then the nurse then says "you're positive for HSV1 and HSV2. Have you ever had a cold sore or an outbreak?" I have never experienced any symptoms ever - no cold sores, blisters, ulcers burning during urination, itching, tingling, pain in the genital area, odd back/muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes. And in 2.5 years I never saw any blisters, sores, ulcers, cold sores on my boyfriend's mouth or genital area either. Just a note, I am a complete hypochondriac when it comes to anything going on in my genital area. My previous gyno used to laugh at me coming in for everything, but said it was the right thing to do, that I was just being responsible. The last three months have been the most stressful of my life - my mom was unemployed and I took on a lot of her financial burdens, I transitioned to a more stressful position at work, my grandmother passes away, my grandfather is suffering from dementia, my boyfriend breaks up with me, moves out, etc. I haven't slept right, ate right in weeks. This sounds like it would be the recipe for an outbreak - but I've never had one ever. I asked the nurse if I could repeat the test to double check, could there possibly be a mistake. She said "No, there's no reason. The antibodies are in your system. You have it." She made a follow up appointment and told me to come in to see the doctor, discuss my results, and he would get me suppression meds ASAP. In shock, I agreed. After googling and reading messages on this board, I found out about the different types of tests for HSV1&2. I called the nurse back and asked her what type of test they used, she was very cold and sounded like I was inconveniencing her with my questions - great bedside manner, right?. She said the igg test. I asked for the values from the test. She again said "It doesn't matter what the values are. You tested positive." I said "There should be values." She said "No, with this test you only get positive and negative results. Your results are positive. You can come in on Tuesday and ask the doctor all the questions you want." I was so frustrated because the nurse was so dismissive. You would think there would be a degree of sensitivity when delivering this kind of news. Or that they might suggest a second HSV test to double check the results.
After reading some more on this board, I reached out to the Westover Heights Clinic and spoke with Terri Warren. We had a quick phone consult, and she *listened* to me - thank goodness, someone who heard me out, let me talk, and completely understood how emotional I was to get this news. She said that I tested positive for HSV1 may have skewed my HSV2 results a bit. She asked if I had the numbers from my igg test. I explained the situation with the nurse. She offered to call my lab and ask for the results, but did note that some brands of tests only give the positive/negative result vs. the actual values. My last sexual encounter with my ex was about 8 weeks ago, but I've been with him for the last 2.5 years. We agreed to send me for the WB test, with the knowledge that I may need to redo the test in another 8 weeks. I have an appointment on Saturday for the WB test.
I'm frustrated with the knowledge that false positives are possible. I feel sorry for anyone else in this boat that has to test, retest, and wait this out. I know it's very possible that I could be "asymptomatic" and carrying the virus. But is it possible that after being together 2.5 years neither of us ever showed symptoms and were both "asymptomatic?"
I've decided to see what my WB results are before calling my ex. I don't see a point to causing all kinds of alarm/stress if this is a possible false positive.
If the WB comes back positive is that a definitive yes? Or should I retest at the 16 week mark (8 weeks from now) and see what those results are?
Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach the subject with my ex if the results are indeed positive? I'm trying to not put the cart before the horse, but I am also trying to prepare myself. I imagine he will not take well to this news, especially with neither of us ever having symptoms. I now know we should have discussed the extent of our STD testing when we first started dating. For all I know his extent for STD testing was just the q-tip test, and no blood screening. I didn't even realize that if you don't specifically *ASK* for a HSV1&2 screen, it's not included in STD screening. I guess most of us are learning the hard way.
Any advice is appreciated. I've only talked to one close friend and my sister about what's going on. I'm trying to not isolate myself but I don't exactly want to shout from the rooftop that I'm dealing with this right now. With everything else going on I've also setup an appointment with a psychologist to help work through this.
I was in a long term relationship for 3.5 years through April 2010. After that, I had a brief relationship (about 3-4 months) with a friend of mine. Huge mistake - we were great friends, but as bf/gf we just weren't compatible. From our conversations we had before becoming intimate, we had both been tested, in monogamous relationships, minimal risk, etc. During that relationship, we had heard a rumor that an ex of his may have been exposed to HSV2 and I insisted that we get tested. He said "I've never had a breakout, so I don't have herpes." I said I didn't care, that I was going to go get tested and he should too. That was in July of 2010. I went to my gyno and had the full workup. Everything came back negative. (I've also called that gyno's office this week just to double check what they screened and that the tests were negative. I know we did a big ol' blood draw. Waiting for a call back because I haven't been a patient there in 3 years so my file has been archived - they said they should have it next week). After a ton of drama I decided the relationship just wasn't for me and I ended things.
In September of 2010 I met the guy I would date for the next 2.5 years. We had the same discussion - "I've been tested, have you?" And we both said "yes, negative across the board." Things were great. We used condoms for the first 3 months or so. I was on the pill, we discussed contraception and decided that me being on the pill was enough. We moved in together, and life was grand. I thought I had met "the one." No issues with my 2010 annual gyno visit.
No issues when I went for my annual in March 2011. But now that I called and had that office double check my file, they only did a pap smear.
No issues when I went for my annual in May 2012. When I called my current doc's office to double check my file, they said they didn't screen me for HSV1&2. I could have sworn they did a blood draw that day, but the said they only did my pap, and ran cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
So fast forward to January of 2013 when it seems like the relationship is headed downhill. We're bickering a lot, we don't seem to enjoy one another's company as much. We take a vacation together, didn't really enjoy ourselves. My grandmother passed away unexpectedly and the first half of February was very stressful, making arrangements, preparing for her memorial etc. My bf wasn't very emotional supportive during that time. The first week of March we have an argument and he decides he's moving out. Broke my heart. I asked if there was any cheating that was going on. He said no. I don't think he would lie about infidelity.
I'm went to the gyno for peace of mind for a full STD screening. My cultures, syphilis test, HIV all come back negative. But then the nurse then says "you're positive for HSV1 and HSV2. Have you ever had a cold sore or an outbreak?" I have never experienced any symptoms ever - no cold sores, blisters, ulcers burning during urination, itching, tingling, pain in the genital area, odd back/muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes. And in 2.5 years I never saw any blisters, sores, ulcers, cold sores on my boyfriend's mouth or genital area either. Just a note, I am a complete hypochondriac when it comes to anything going on in my genital area. My previous gyno used to laugh at me coming in for everything, but said it was the right thing to do, that I was just being responsible. The last three months have been the most stressful of my life - my mom was unemployed and I took on a lot of her financial burdens, I transitioned to a more stressful position at work, my grandmother passes away, my grandfather is suffering from dementia, my boyfriend breaks up with me, moves out, etc. I haven't slept right, ate right in weeks. This sounds like it would be the recipe for an outbreak - but I've never had one ever. I asked the nurse if I could repeat the test to double check, could there possibly be a mistake. She said "No, there's no reason. The antibodies are in your system. You have it." She made a follow up appointment and told me to come in to see the doctor, discuss my results, and he would get me suppression meds ASAP. In shock, I agreed. After googling and reading messages on this board, I found out about the different types of tests for HSV1&2. I called the nurse back and asked her what type of test they used, she was very cold and sounded like I was inconveniencing her with my questions - great bedside manner, right?. She said the igg test. I asked for the values from the test. She again said "It doesn't matter what the values are. You tested positive." I said "There should be values." She said "No, with this test you only get positive and negative results. Your results are positive. You can come in on Tuesday and ask the doctor all the questions you want." I was so frustrated because the nurse was so dismissive. You would think there would be a degree of sensitivity when delivering this kind of news. Or that they might suggest a second HSV test to double check the results.
After reading some more on this board, I reached out to the Westover Heights Clinic and spoke with Terri Warren. We had a quick phone consult, and she *listened* to me - thank goodness, someone who heard me out, let me talk, and completely understood how emotional I was to get this news. She said that I tested positive for HSV1 may have skewed my HSV2 results a bit. She asked if I had the numbers from my igg test. I explained the situation with the nurse. She offered to call my lab and ask for the results, but did note that some brands of tests only give the positive/negative result vs. the actual values. My last sexual encounter with my ex was about 8 weeks ago, but I've been with him for the last 2.5 years. We agreed to send me for the WB test, with the knowledge that I may need to redo the test in another 8 weeks. I have an appointment on Saturday for the WB test.
I'm frustrated with the knowledge that false positives are possible. I feel sorry for anyone else in this boat that has to test, retest, and wait this out. I know it's very possible that I could be "asymptomatic" and carrying the virus. But is it possible that after being together 2.5 years neither of us ever showed symptoms and were both "asymptomatic?"
I've decided to see what my WB results are before calling my ex. I don't see a point to causing all kinds of alarm/stress if this is a possible false positive.
If the WB comes back positive is that a definitive yes? Or should I retest at the 16 week mark (8 weeks from now) and see what those results are?
Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach the subject with my ex if the results are indeed positive? I'm trying to not put the cart before the horse, but I am also trying to prepare myself. I imagine he will not take well to this news, especially with neither of us ever having symptoms. I now know we should have discussed the extent of our STD testing when we first started dating. For all I know his extent for STD testing was just the q-tip test, and no blood screening. I didn't even realize that if you don't specifically *ASK* for a HSV1&2 screen, it's not included in STD screening. I guess most of us are learning the hard way.
Any advice is appreciated. I've only talked to one close friend and my sister about what's going on. I'm trying to not isolate myself but I don't exactly want to shout from the rooftop that I'm dealing with this right now. With everything else going on I've also setup an appointment with a psychologist to help work through this.
Bigtime, thank you for the message! I am sorry to hear that despite the negative results you are experiencing symptoms! Have you gotten to the bottom of things?
I got an email from my previous gyno's office. They would like to talk to me. I told them I am available anytime after 6pm to discuss my experience. I hope they reevaluate the test they are using and how they go about sharing "the news." I hope false positives aren't a recurring problem for their office - I can only imagine how many lives and relationships have been impacted.
I got an email from my previous gyno's office. They would like to talk to me. I told them I am available anytime after 6pm to discuss my experience. I hope they reevaluate the test they are using and how they go about sharing "the news." I hope false positives aren't a recurring problem for their office - I can only imagine how many lives and relationships have been impacted.
Redhead, I read your story. So happy for you. Unbelievable that a nurse and physician could send you off in such a whirlwind panic without retesting or clarifying the results. Borderline malpractice, especially with a virus such as herpes.
I also tested negative for herpes via WesternBlot at 5 months for both HSV1 and HSV2. However, I had bad symptoms unlike yourself.
Great job retesting and enjoy your life knowing you are HSV2 free.
I also tested negative for herpes via WesternBlot at 5 months for both HSV1 and HSV2. However, I had bad symptoms unlike yourself.
Great job retesting and enjoy your life knowing you are HSV2 free.
Long time, no see! I wanted to reach out to the community one more time. I went for my annual gyno visit - new gyno, thank goodness! I explained to her the drama of my last go-round with my previous gyno. I asked for a full STD screen - my western blot results were negative last year, but of peace of mind, I repeated testing one more time. I am happy to share that I am HSV2 free. I have sent a letter to my previous gyno's office asking to speak to the doctor or their office manager to discuss my misdiagnosis last year, the trauma it caused, and how they need to improve their testing and notification procedures. I hope it can be a springboard for that office and their staff. Big hugs to everyone!!!
How long until your next WB? I think you are clear... Still praying for you. Counting down the days until the specialist. Today was a good day, this is really confusing. I really hope they can shed some light on this for me. Take care
I'm glad you're keeping the appointment with the specialist. I hate when somone dismisses your symptoms. Hopefully time will speed up and we'll get to May 28th quickly so you can get some answers!
Hang in there!
Hang in there!
Hi, glad things are still on for you. You should definitely write a letter. My recheck was disappointing, she made me feel like I shouldn't have been there. Basically she said they did every culture they could, all were negative. Nothing more they can do. I told her I have the specialist appointment on May 28th and she said if I feel I need it I should go. I do, things still are sore. Some days are better then others but not back to normal. I just don't understand, I am still using the steroid cream everyday.... Take card and keep in touch
How was your recheck appointment?
I'm doing well - still no appearance of any kind of symptoms despite all the stress I've been under the last 2 months or so. I asked that my Western Blot test results be sent to my general practitioner and my ob/gyn's offices to be added to my files. I still cannot believe my ob/gyn's office was so against me getting a second test to confirm whether or not I actually had herpes. I think when this is concluded I am going to follow Grace's advice and write a letter to my ob/gyn's office about how poorly the handled the situation.
I'm doing well - still no appearance of any kind of symptoms despite all the stress I've been under the last 2 months or so. I asked that my Western Blot test results be sent to my general practitioner and my ob/gyn's offices to be added to my files. I still cannot believe my ob/gyn's office was so against me getting a second test to confirm whether or not I actually had herpes. I think when this is concluded I am going to follow Grace's advice and write a letter to my ob/gyn's office about how poorly the handled the situation.
I do see improvement, it's still not back to "normal" but much better then it was. I go back to Gyno next week for recheck so I will see what she thinks and I plan on keeping my appointment with the specialist. I think my "c" is still not right for sure and I want that to get back to normal. I think the relief of not having herpes helps to heal as well. How are you? You still feel ok? Glad to have people to share our ups and downs with!
Hey, congratulations on the negative HSV2 results!!! I am so happy for you! So what are your plans from here? Are you getting any relief from your symptoms?
Hi, hope you are well. Just letting you know got the WB results today, negative for HSV2. So so relieved . I knew I had HSV1 since childhood . Still thinking of you . Big hugs....
Hi, I felt confident when I spoke with Terry. She knows her stuff. I will be very nervous next week, I am trying to prepare myself for bad news. I am so happy your first test was negative, that is a good sign
The WB test should be done 16 weeks after last possible exposure. My ex and I were still together until the first week of March, but the last time we had sex was in the beginning of February. So in order to be 100% sure, I will redo the test at the 16 week mark.
I remember once in the third grade getting really sick. I got what my mom called a fever blister (which I've heard can be caused by HSV-1). That was the only time I've ever experienced something like a cold sore? I've heard it's very common to carry HSV-1... I mean, what's the first thing people do when they have a baby? Pass the baby around and everyone kisses the baby, so I was probably exposed at a very young age and my immune system has managed to keep it at bay?
My WB results only took about 2 weeks to come back. Terri called me directly. You're in great hands with Terri! She will call you as soon as she gets your results! I'm keeping you in my thoughts and will say another prayer for the both of us!
Besides the blood draw, how have you been feeling? Has the new steroid cream helped at all? Have you talked to your doctor or a specialist since your new diagnosis?
I remember once in the third grade getting really sick. I got what my mom called a fever blister (which I've heard can be caused by HSV-1). That was the only time I've ever experienced something like a cold sore? I've heard it's very common to carry HSV-1... I mean, what's the first thing people do when they have a baby? Pass the baby around and everyone kisses the baby, so I was probably exposed at a very young age and my immune system has managed to keep it at bay?
My WB results only took about 2 weeks to come back. Terri called me directly. You're in great hands with Terri! She will call you as soon as she gets your results! I'm keeping you in my thoughts and will say another prayer for the both of us!
Besides the blood draw, how have you been feeling? Has the new steroid cream helped at all? Have you talked to your doctor or a specialist since your new diagnosis?
Hi, so happy for you. I bet this is a big relief. I know I have HSV1 , I have been getting cold sores since I'm 10. Why isn't this test enough? How long ago were you exposed? I said a prayer when they were drawing my blood today. So your sample got there ok then. The girl today took 2 viles, she said the fax stated one but since she was sending so far she wanted to be safe. How long exactly was your wait. I know I will be a nervous wreck when it gets close. I'm sure when you saw the number your heart picked up a few beats. Next one will be negative for you as we'll! Positive thoughts
Rainy12 - I'm glad you're talking to Terri - she's is an excellent source of information. I don't think you will regret speaking with her. Good luck with your blood test today. I'm keeping you in my thoughts, and I will say a little prayer for you. I know waiting for results can be stressful! ::HUGE HUGS::
I just got a call from Terri this afternoon! I tested negative for HSV2!!! I did test positive for HSV1 - and I am ok with that. I will repeat the test the first week of June to be 100% sure.
Fingers crossed nothing changes in the next few weeks. I will definitely let you know what happens. Please keep me in the loop with your results as well Rainy12!!!
I just got a call from Terri this afternoon! I tested negative for HSV2!!! I did test positive for HSV1 - and I am ok with that. I will repeat the test the first week of June to be 100% sure.
Fingers crossed nothing changes in the next few weeks. I will definitely let you know what happens. Please keep me in the loop with your results as well Rainy12!!!
Hi, going Thursday for my blood test. Gave Terry my details , she remembered my post. I hope she is tight, she does not think I have it. I guess it's the waiting game for me now. Thinking of you, keep posting as to how you are doing.
Tonight is my call to Terry so I guess I will find out the procedure. I am trying to stay positive but yesterday was a hard day. Thinking if you and let me know if you hear back from Westover clinic. Hugs...
Rainy12 - I have no idea how payment is suppose to work. The lady at Quest had the box and instructions and didn't seem too sure about what she was doing. I emailed Westover Clinic and haven't received a response yet. I'm so confused and hoping that this isn't a week of wasted time, and that my blood specimen wasn't tossed because of confusion due to proper payment.
I'm glad you got to read up on LS. I'm sorry to hear there is no cure, but maybe this is manageable? I agree - keep your appointment with the specialist. Hopefully he/she can point you in the right direction on how to deal with LS and your symptoms.
I'll say another prayer for the both of us - answers, positivity, and the strength to continue on our paths!
I'm glad you got to read up on LS. I'm sorry to hear there is no cure, but maybe this is manageable? I agree - keep your appointment with the specialist. Hopefully he/she can point you in the right direction on how to deal with LS and your symptoms.
I'll say another prayer for the both of us - answers, positivity, and the strength to continue on our paths!
You had to send a check to the University? I thought it went thru the Westover clinic. How did it work? I asked and they said they would take my insurance. I read alot on LS this weekend, very scary, no cure. Could suffer the rest of my life. I bet this is what is bothering my "C". Yesterday was a good day, today not so good! Still keeping my appointment with the specialist. Maybe they will have more ideas. Your sample was sent in over a week ago, right? Still praying for you...
Rainy12 - I'm glad you got negative results back for all of your cultures!!! I agree with Grace - not herpes! I'm not familiar with Lichen Schlerosus (I just googled it right now) but I'm glad you have a diagnosis - I"m sure it feels good to have a name to the symptoms you are experiencing. I hope this milder steroid cream works for you. And good luck with your appointment with Terri!
I haven't heard a peep about my WB yet. I am concerned that my check to the University of Washington hasn't posted to my bank account yet - they should have received my specimen and the payment on Wednesday. I might call Quest to make sure the specimen got picked up by FedEx.
::sigh:: the waiting game.......
I haven't heard a peep about my WB yet. I am concerned that my check to the University of Washington hasn't posted to my bank account yet - they should have received my specimen and the payment on Wednesday. I might call Quest to make sure the specimen got picked up by FedEx.
::sigh:: the waiting game.......
Hi, got results today, all cultures negative, (BV, yeast, trich, herpes.) I asked them to let me try Valtrex to see if it would help my symptoms but they said no that the culture was "strongly" negative for herpes. Not sure what that means but since I do not have lesions I really didn't expect it to be positive. Biopsy came back to. Negative for cancer but positive for chronic inflammation which they diagnosed as Lichen Schlerosus. I feel good that someone found something. Prescribed steroid cream , milder Then the one I used last week( which made me very red and sore.) Have my phone appt with Terry on Tuesday. Grace posted to me today to forget this herpes diagnosis I gave myself and move on but I just have to know for sure. I am hoping this Lichen diagnosis is really all I have but I still cannot figure out what is going on with my "C" and the tingly feelings I have. Just to coincidental this all started after this one Hugh mistake. Guess you are counting down the days now? Stay strong! Hugs...
Rainy12 - I'm glad you posted to Terri! I hope she was helpful! I know talking to her on the phone was very reassuring for me. Just to talk to someone that seemed knowledgeable (more knowledgeable than my ridiculous doctors over the last two weeks!) made me feel so much better.
Hang in there sweetie. You're going to get results soon and hopefully that will point you in the right direction. I know dealing with uncertainty can be so nerve racking. Just know you are doing all of the right things! Get another test, go see another doctor, whatever it is that you need to do to feel better, get answers, and feel like you're being taken seriously!
::HUGE HUGS::
Hang in there sweetie. You're going to get results soon and hopefully that will point you in the right direction. I know dealing with uncertainty can be so nerve racking. Just know you are doing all of the right things! Get another test, go see another doctor, whatever it is that you need to do to feel better, get answers, and feel like you're being taken seriously!
::HUGE HUGS::
Hi, you are so confident and strong, you will get thru this. I pray that you WB comes back negative. I did post to Terry and found out she is the only person in the US that can order it. When I get my cultures back, ( hopefully tomorrow) if negative I will call next week and have her order for me. I was hoping to have back today but it would not make sense to order it just in case the culture shows positive. Right now I just want a diagnosis so I can treat whatever this is. I am beyond frustrated with discomfort down there. Today my"C" was very bothersome. Tingly and itchy which makes me feel like it is herpes , just no blisters on it. It is such a strange weird feeling. That to me is worse then the vaginal tenderness, I guess because that part is so sensitive. What is strange is it usually happens once or twice a day for a few minutes. Somedays I might not feel anything and today it bothered me a lot. From what I have read, not typical of herpes so what the heck could it be. Sorry, bad day today, have been crying a lot. You are in my prayers and keep posting.
Rainy12 - I did not have to pack the sample myself. The Quest tech said she would do it for me and get it sent out. But she didn't seem too competent. She kept going through the 4 pieces of paper included with the kit so I'm a bit concerned. It seems like people aren't patient enough to READ directions anymore, so I hope she didn't botch the packing process. Fingers crosses my blood sample get where its suppose to go and is still viable. If I'm going through all of this stress and I get a call that my blood sample was ruined in transit I'm going to flip out on someone. I hope you get some answers soon - I know it can be overwhelming to get test, after test, biopsies, more tests, and then just wait for some sort of explanation for what's going on. Have you tried switching to dye and fragrance free detergent? Maybe you're having a reaction to that? If your Quest is saying they only do this test for Lyme disease, maybe you can contact the University of Washington and have them send the kit directly to you. You can ask your doctor to send you for the correct blood draw from any lab, then pack the specimen yourself and send it to University of Washington for testing.
I still am not experiencing any symptoms - which is what originally blew my mind when the nurse called me and told me "you've tested positive for HSV 1 &2." I've done some reading on asymptomatic herpes, so I understand that it absolutely a possibility, but I haven't had an ex boyfriend reach out to me with news of an outbreak, or the very recent ex bring it to my attention - and we lived together for 2.5 years. I'm pretty sure he would have told me if he was experiencing any kind of symptoms. No one in my past, including me, has experienced a cold sore outbreak either. I'm just glad I went to the internet and discovered false positives are possible.
Whiteshadowcgb - I'm sorry to hear you're going through all of this with us. It's not fun. Big hugs to all of us!!! I think if you need a second test to confirm your diagnosis, get it! Peace of mind is peace of mind, whether you're pretty convinced you've got herpes or not. I think with any diagnosis of this nature a second opinion is warranted. My gyno's office called me, said "You've got HSV 1&2" and wanted me to come to the office ASAP for a follow up with the doctor and immediately begin suppression medication. If I wouldn't have did any internet research on the topic, I never would have discovered that false positives are a possibility. I might have gone to the doc's office and began a lifelong suppression regiment that I may not even truly need. We have to be our own advocates! We have to ask questions, insist on addition test if we feel it necessary.
I too have quit searching the internet for answers. I'm scaring myself more than anything. I've got a basic knowledge of what is going on, I've gotten the blood drawn for the WB test. Now all I can do is wait for clarification from University of Washington about what my status is.
I also saw a therapist for the first time last night. I've had so much going on in the last three months of my life, with this thrown into the mix I just felt it was more than I could handle without some kind of guidance. I got my therapist up to speed through about the beginning of March. Next Wednesday I need to discuss what's going on with the possible HSV1&2 infection, because the unknown is wearing on me a bit. I know I just need to hold tight and wait for my results, but it is rather nerve racking.
Big hugs to all of you!!! I am thinking good thoughts for all of us! We all deserve answers, great doctors, fantastic care, and the support needed to get through moments like this!
I still am not experiencing any symptoms - which is what originally blew my mind when the nurse called me and told me "you've tested positive for HSV 1 &2." I've done some reading on asymptomatic herpes, so I understand that it absolutely a possibility, but I haven't had an ex boyfriend reach out to me with news of an outbreak, or the very recent ex bring it to my attention - and we lived together for 2.5 years. I'm pretty sure he would have told me if he was experiencing any kind of symptoms. No one in my past, including me, has experienced a cold sore outbreak either. I'm just glad I went to the internet and discovered false positives are possible.
Whiteshadowcgb - I'm sorry to hear you're going through all of this with us. It's not fun. Big hugs to all of us!!! I think if you need a second test to confirm your diagnosis, get it! Peace of mind is peace of mind, whether you're pretty convinced you've got herpes or not. I think with any diagnosis of this nature a second opinion is warranted. My gyno's office called me, said "You've got HSV 1&2" and wanted me to come to the office ASAP for a follow up with the doctor and immediately begin suppression medication. If I wouldn't have did any internet research on the topic, I never would have discovered that false positives are a possibility. I might have gone to the doc's office and began a lifelong suppression regiment that I may not even truly need. We have to be our own advocates! We have to ask questions, insist on addition test if we feel it necessary.
I too have quit searching the internet for answers. I'm scaring myself more than anything. I've got a basic knowledge of what is going on, I've gotten the blood drawn for the WB test. Now all I can do is wait for clarification from University of Washington about what my status is.
I also saw a therapist for the first time last night. I've had so much going on in the last three months of my life, with this thrown into the mix I just felt it was more than I could handle without some kind of guidance. I got my therapist up to speed through about the beginning of March. Next Wednesday I need to discuss what's going on with the possible HSV1&2 infection, because the unknown is wearing on me a bit. I know I just need to hold tight and wait for my results, but it is rather nerve racking.
Big hugs to all of you!!! I am thinking good thoughts for all of us! We all deserve answers, great doctors, fantastic care, and the support needed to get through moments like this!
Thanks for the support, I am trying but some days I just cannot stand not feeling normal down there. Never a day either vaginal entrance is sore or clitoris itches. Every time I go to the doctor they do not see anything abnormal on my "c" but I'm telling you something itches there and it never did before. So so frustrating. You're right, I need to stay off the Internet. I was never the type to be on looking things up until this happened. In the mood to cry today .... Thoughts are with everyone! Hugs right back at ya!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
