Symptoms/questions regarding HSV2

[Beyondfrightened]

Thank you in advance for your time. I had posted originally within the Std section, and Dr Hook answered some questions. Since my fear is mainly herpes now, I thought this section to be more appropriate as i dont want to waste anyones time over there. Here is a brief description of what's I've been experiencing:

July 4th- unprotected vaginal sex that lasted all of 30 seconds.  A few days later extreme burn and itching, and was seen at my gyno a few days after that with a nasty yeast infection. Was given oral pill for infection.

Following week: still extreme burning and discomfort in my vagina. Went back to dr, and tested negative for all bacterial stds as well as yeast and BV

After that, unexplained vaginal irritation and discomfort. Started to develope lower back ache and leg muscle fatigue slight fever that wouldn't subside. I also got a uti during this time and was put on cipro. Dr order bloodwork and said possible recent mono exposure. Flu symptoms lasted a week after diagnosed with the uti.

I am now 6 weeks post exposure, and my vagina has not felt the same. It is always red and feels swollen. My normal discharge has vanished, and now it is pure watery discharge when I do have it. My legs are constantly sore, and the past few weeks I have nothing but tingling below my calves and my feet. Went to gyno again and was tested for HPV, HIV, Hep, and HSV. All negative expect for Hsv1 (IGG 2.5). My HSV 2 was negative at <.91. I must note that I never saw any lesions or sores, just the extreme swelling and numbness.

I know that a bloodtest at this point isn't really reliable, but I cannot help but feel like I have contracted hsv2. Too many symptoms happening all at once that cannot be attributed to anything else. Is it common for new infections to have the sacral symptoms of nerve pain along with all my other symptoms almost 6 weeks post exposure? Thank you so much for your response.

[Beyondfrightened]

Thank you Terri....

I am so appreciative you've allowed this thread to continue as long as it has. The small cut appears to be open in the center, and had redness all around it. I was able to get in with the dr the same day I noticed it, so I feel as though a swab will be pretty accurate.

Ill post the results when they arrive. Thank you again so much for your patience and understanding!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Of course you can.

Terri

[Beyondfrightened]

Thanks for the replies Terri. As promised, I will not ask any further follow up questions.

Today I went in for a swab as I found a small red open cut on the inside of my vagina. To me, it appeared as a lesion, but The Dr said it didn't appear as typical herpes, but she said she was concerned enough about the area to warrant a typing swab as she said it looked odd.

With your permission, may I please post the swab results for you when I receive them next week?

I'm petrified!! :(

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

1) With the watery discharge, how long generally does that last? Does it usually appear within the time frame of the first onset of genital symptoms (or within the first few weeks of exposure)? Is the fact that it began almost a month after my exposure and after the onset of my genital symptoms change anything?

With most first infection, it happens within 2-10 days and might last about two weeks.

2) In all your years working with patients, have you ever seen a case where daily backaches and soreness (in tailbone area) were present in patients with genital herpes? Or other manifestations such as numb or tingling feet below the calf daily?

Oh, sometimes, but that wouldn't be the predominant presentation.

3) I am in the process of visiting a urologist to address my white blood cells in my urine. They did send in a culture, and it was inconclusive findings. The recommendation now is to catheter me to get a sample to test for wbcs. Since bacteria has yet to be found, and inflammation is the likely cause, could there be a connection with herpes causing urethral or bladder inflammation? I've read a case study where this has been seen as a very atypical presentation of herpes.

I agree that this would be a very atypical presentation of herpes.



4) Earlier in this thread you stated that I should let go of the anxiety slowly, and I've been working hard to do that with the help of medications. You also stated that you feel it's about 85% likely that I'm not infected, so I am trying so hard to hang on to that number. Do you still feel this is an accurate percentage?

Absolutely, if not higher at this point.


5) in regards to the western blot, I was thinking of waiting to see what my 16 week results show. I will indeed be seeking one out should I get a low positive range for hsv2 or if the number for hsv1 has changed significantly. Do you think this is a good approach? Or should I be seeking one out now??

I think you could wait for another ELISA as an option.  Yes.

Terri

[Beyondfrightened]

Good Evening Terri,

I was wondering if you would please be so kind as to give any advice or feedback regarding my last post (containing the 5 questions). I know I have asked for quite a bit of your time, and again I wouldn't mind paying if it is necessary at this point.

Im so sorry, I tried to copy and paste those 5 questions again for you, but my iPad wouldn't let me.

Again, these 5 questions will be my last until I've had further testing. Your advice, input, experience, and wisdom will help me get a grip on my anxiety until I've had my 16 week testing done.

You are greatly appreciated..thank you! Again, sorry I couldn't paste those questions down here for you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm sorry I can't help you much with what the bumps are.  Often herpes hurts, but not every single time.  Were they sores or bumps?  Did the STD person have a look?  I would strongly suggest that you have a professional take a look at the bump on your lip.

Terri