Are these the right conditions for Herpes

[oldmanjonn]

Dr Hook
This is a follow up to an older question.  I went to my regular doctor for a physical and he thought it would be a good idea to retest for herpes since I still have the burning and all the uti test were neg.  The results this time for HSV 1 were 0.9-1.1 Equivocal.  I tested 2x neg and now equivocal.  My question to him was, does that change his opinion on my condition for possible herpes, are the antibodies building up and that is why the test is not neg.  He is going to research the answer and get back to me.  
Can something else effect the results, or does it look like the antibodies are building.  Also, I have gone back to having sex with my wife, both her performing oral and regular sex, should I have a talk with my wife, or wait another 4 weeks and test again ..  the test my doctor did are 8 weeks after the possible exposure.  

I just reposted this as a new question because the first time I asked was so long ago.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I don't want to get between you and your doctor.  To have a longstanding relationship with a doctor is to your advantage.  Here are the pros and cons of the prescription:

1.  If lesions aren't bothering you there will be no symptomatic change
2.  If this were herpes, while taking valacyclovir there would be reduced risk of transmission but no change once you were off the medication.
3.  Valacyclovir is well tolerated and has almost no side effects
4.  if you are paying for it, the prescription could be rather expensive

Whether or not you fill the prescription is your call.  I see little benefit but I also do not want to negatively impact your relationship with your doctor.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

feel free to print it out and take it with you- thanks for asking.  Hope it helps.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, no impact on blood test results.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

If your childhood cold sores were due to HSV, your test should have been positive for HSV-1.  thus you would not be protected at this time.  EWH

[oldmanjonn]

May I print this thread and bring to my appointment?  My results are negative at 8 weeks and he would like me to test weekly for the next 4 weeks because of the equivocal results in the past.  I  will make sure this is my last post on this thread. Thank you

[oldmanjonn]

My doc sent me for another blood test yesterday, I was wondering, would taking the Valtrex 500mg 2 times a day have any affect on the results.  He did not know. Thanks

[oldmanjonn]

I decided to take the Valtrex.  
This is a question that I have noticed comes up alot on your site.  You mention several times over that 60% of adults have been exposed to cold sores and that may help fight off the possiblity of getting oral HSV1 from rec. oral sex.  If I had cold sores growing up (which I did) but I tested negitve for HSV1 2x, then would I be right in assuming the cold sores had nothing to do with HSV and provide no protection.  He has me going for another test as soon as Monday.
Thanks again

[oldmanjonn]

I did not mention in my last post it is 500 mg 2x a day for 7 days,  I have not gone to fill it and have told the pharmacy to hold off until I read your next post.

[oldmanjonn]

Me again, my doctor just called and said he called in a prescription of 500 mg Valtrex just to be safe until he finishes his consult.  I hate to question him because he has been my doc for 30 years, but except for the burning and pinching on my penis (that has been there for 6 weeks) I am more inclined to agree with your post.  
Here is what he said he based his opinion on:
Burning and pinching feeling on penis, not all the time
2 small red bumps on my penis-same thing, there for several weeks, no rupture, some days you cannot even see them.
burning sensation on my feet
sore throat on and off for weeks-not uncommon in winter.
Tiredness

What is your thoughts on filling the prescription?  I would hate to take something just in case.  He still would like to do a re test in 6 weeks....oh the joys of making a mistake in life.
Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I think that's a good decision.   EWH

[oldmanjonn]

Thanks for the prompt response, this last testing was done not by my request and the results caught me off guard.  I was even more concerned when he had to do research and get back to me.  He wants a follow up test in 6 weeks, I will inform him that if I do not experience any problems, I will not continue to test.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are now about 2 months out from your exposure of concern.  I would not worry.  The antibody test values do "bounce" around a bit and the equivocal results can be anxiety producing despite that nearly all of them ultimately turn out to be negative.  The chance that your antibody concentrations are increasing ("building" ) and that this is the beginning of seroconversion for you are close to zero.  I urge you not to wrry, to stop getting testing and, as I said before, move on.  I would not worry at all about you having sex with you wife either.  EWH