Aa
Following up...
Ms. Warren,
I just wanted to follow up with you at this point, because I'm a little stumped. I went to my dermatologist, who examined me and seemed to think I had ballanitis/some kind of dermatitis going on. She gave me a gel to use, which didn't completely resolve the issue, but seemed to help me feel better. I went back again, she still seemed to think my issue wasn't herpes, gave me another cream and said I might have to go to a urologist if this didn't resolve. I took the cream, which actually made my skin peel. I've actually peeled several times since then. So I went for an Inhibition Assay HSV 2 test at about the 6 month mark. It came back negative. But my symptoms keep coming back. My doctors don't seem to know much about testing, so I hope you don't mind me following up with you.
My questions are:
1.) How reliable is a 6 months negative Inhibition Assay? Keep in mind I had taken Valtrex for about a month early on, but had been off it for about 3 months before the IA was drawn. I can't seem to get a straight answer about whether or not the antivirals delay or skew blood test results.
2.) How likely is it that I would not seroconvert at all?
3.) How likely is it that a visual examination of symptoms at a dermatologist would be wrong? Was that the right kind of specialist to consult?
Thank you very much. I'm sure I'm now one of those posters who is looking obsessed, but trust me, I just want to either feel better entirely and move on, or know what's going on so I can deal with it. This in-the-middle business is driving me nuts.
This discussion is related to Negative tests, troubled by symptoms....
I just wanted to follow up with you at this point, because I'm a little stumped. I went to my dermatologist, who examined me and seemed to think I had ballanitis/some kind of dermatitis going on. She gave me a gel to use, which didn't completely resolve the issue, but seemed to help me feel better. I went back again, she still seemed to think my issue wasn't herpes, gave me another cream and said I might have to go to a urologist if this didn't resolve. I took the cream, which actually made my skin peel. I've actually peeled several times since then. So I went for an Inhibition Assay HSV 2 test at about the 6 month mark. It came back negative. But my symptoms keep coming back. My doctors don't seem to know much about testing, so I hope you don't mind me following up with you.
My questions are:
1.) How reliable is a 6 months negative Inhibition Assay? Keep in mind I had taken Valtrex for about a month early on, but had been off it for about 3 months before the IA was drawn. I can't seem to get a straight answer about whether or not the antivirals delay or skew blood test results.
2.) How likely is it that I would not seroconvert at all?
3.) How likely is it that a visual examination of symptoms at a dermatologist would be wrong? Was that the right kind of specialist to consult?
Thank you very much. I'm sure I'm now one of those posters who is looking obsessed, but trust me, I just want to either feel better entirely and move on, or know what's going on so I can deal with it. This in-the-middle business is driving me nuts.
This discussion is related to Negative tests, troubled by symptoms....
You received numerous replies in your original post here. You've now posted on the std experts board, Terri's board and this board and everyone says that you don't have herpes. You've seen professionals who also don't think this is herpes related. Your test results reflect that this isn't herpes. I'm not sure why you are having such a hard time moving past the thought of herpes?
grace
grace
Seriously, why am I getting the cold shoulder here? I just need some guidance. I'm following up with every resource I have available, but no one seems to have any answers for me, and I can't seem to find a way to end my suffering here. Please say something.
I was only trying to follow up on my original post with Terri because no one will respond to me on this forum. I am just trying to get some answers here because no one else seems to have any information for me, including my doctors.
you've replied on the wrong board. Terri doesn't visit this board. If you already posted on her board you can try to add to it or you might have to pay to start a new post to her but I believe there is a limit on how often you can post to the experts.
grace
grace
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.
