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EM424

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I want to share this because my initial OB and subsequent OBs are different then everyone else.

I went in (17 September 2015) because I was having symptoms of a yeast infection. My regular OB/gyn was not available so I saw a NP in his practice.  She examined me and told me that I had HSV2 (which was confirmed by swab).  She did not check or treat the yeast or BV ( which were later cultured and positive). She did not provide any psychosocial support nor did she discuss care and treatment. I went on Valacyclovir for 10 days. I did not see or feel anything.

I did not see or feel anything (OB wise) until Christmas and up until that time all subsequent swabs were negative.  Since Christmas I have had 3 OBs - the current OB has lasted since 4 February.  I went to see an Infectious Disease Doctor but he just caused more anxiety. 

Has anyone experienced the same; where the OBs have not really "shown up" until later?  Will it continue to get worse or will it get better?

I have been off coffee, alcohol, nuts, gluten, etc. since September and am taking vitamins and lysine. And using desitin and lemon balm.  Valacyclovir suppression (1g) and during OB (2g).

Input, advice, support greatly appreciated.  And thank god for this site!

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Whether or not you have genital HSV-2, I doubt this causing all of these issues for you. An outbreak would not last (at least at high intensity) for over two weeks. Antivirals are very effective and quelling the more severe symptoms hence that also suggests a different cause.

I would get the blood test as well. How are your swabs being tested? Culture or PCR?

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what is the difference between PCR and culture?  I am going for another blood test soon.  Have you heard of drug resistant HSV2?

 

Edited by EM424
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PCR looks for and identifies DNA particles of the HSV virus. The HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses have different DNA and hence the test clearly identifies type.

Culure attempts to 'grow' the virus in cells. If the virus grows, then HSV is detected. Another process must be applied to determine type, but this is often not done.

No it is not really possible to be resistant to the drug. Antiviral is potentially a misnomer. It does not attack the virus, but binds the key building blocks of the virus starving it of being able to grow.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Six months in...  Going through menopause and having continuous OBs.  Staying away from arginine foods and taking Lysine.  Yet it never ends... Went to doctor and did a bunch of blood work today - CBC, IGG, hormones, etc. ..  Would like help interpreting IGG numbers when I get results.   Also suggestions on how much Lysine and vitamin (B, C, D, iron) dosages.    Also, planning to see Naturopath once I have my test results back. I am aware that we are all different but suggestions and support  helps.

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What did the doctor think it was all about? I think it is great getting those tests and yes we are here ready to help interpret and guide.

If this is herpes causing these issues then the best you can do is eat healthy, lots of vegetables and fruit, modest amounts of meat, plenty of water and exercise.

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Doctor thinks that it may be due to menopause and hormones.  Should have test results back within two weeks. Really working on the healthy eating part. 

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And my swabs test positive...  I have all the symptoms of HSV2. My blood tests negative.  Its been six months. What does this mean?  Please help.

Edited by EM424
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I am worried about the credibility of the swab. I think your best bet is to obtain a Westernblot and believe that result.

It has only been one positive swab? Hasn't it? Did you get the paperwork for that swab?

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I have had two positive swabs in the last six months. Before you make assumptions of my diagnosis, I am looking for why swabs are positive and blood is negative after six months. Westernblot is very expensive.  If insurance covers it, I will do it.

Edited by EM424
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OK, what are your exact test results for IgG HSV-1 and HSV-2? Can you also publish exactly what sort of swab test you had and what the results look like? You sure it was PCR or culture and not a biopsy?

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HSV Type 2-Specific Ab, IgG

HSV 2 IgG,

Type Spec

<0.91       index 0.00-0.90 01

Negative <0.91

Equivocal 0.91 - 1.09

Positive >1.09

Note: Negative indicates no antibodies detected to

HSV-2. Equivocal may suggest early infection. If

clinically appropriate, retest at later date. Positive

indicates antibodies detected to HSV-2.

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The test taken on 9/17/2015 Says

HSV2 NAAL

Value: Positive

Normal Range: Negative

 

What is NAAL?

Edited by EM424
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OK that's great, sorry it just all quite hard to interpret as it simply doesn't add up.

The 12/29/15 test was a swab, right? What was happening at the time of a swab, were you having an outbreak?

Remind me of sexual history from the beginning of September through to the date of the blood test?

In terms of testing, it may be that the Westernblot could confirm the presence of HSV-2, however you do need to assume this is what you have. Again I doubt this is the root cause of the issues you are facing and whatever is happening is causing you to have herpes breakouts.

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Exposure 9/12/2015. Positive NAA 9/17/2015.  OB and Positive PCR 12/29/2015. Negative IGGs since 9/17/2016.  I am sure I have HSV2. If the swab is positive, I am positive. Question is why IGG is still not positive?  Is not having antibodies a good thing or a bad thing? Also, I want people to know that some of us will not test positive through IGG (after 6 months), so many people will not know their status unless thy have an OB and get swab!

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Was the partner of 9/12/2015 a confirmed HSV-2 carrier?

Yes I agree that you have HSV-2, thus the explanation as to why you are not testing positive for IgG include the following:

- If you've had sexual partners leading into 12/29/2015 there is a chance that the September test was a false positive and you were infected closer to Christmas. You may test positive very shortly on commercial IgG tests.

- It may be that you've had HSV-2 for 20 plus years! Symptoms are emerging now given hormonal and related issues. There is a link between having HSV-2 and female hormonal changes that result in unreliable IgG test results.

- You may be in the 1% that commercial IgG testing does not pick up. In this case a Westernblot is very likely to pick this up. Reasons are unknown but could relate to an overall immune deficiency etc.

I don't think your point is quite right about understanding one's status. In order to be a HSV-2 'ghost' you have to test negative on HSV-2 IgG testing AND never have an outbreak to swab! Do such ghosts actually exist? Does it matter if they do?

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I have not been with anyone since September 12th and the person I was with did not disclose his status and I doubt that he would be honest about it.

I don't think your point is quite right about understanding one's status. In order to be a HSV-2 'ghost' you have to test negative on HSV-2 IgG testing AND never have an outbreak to swab! Do such ghosts actually exist? Does it matter if they do?

I am not sure if I understand your statement here or perhaps you misunderstand me.

I was saying that some people may never test positive via IGG and should relay on  a positive PCR or NAA (swab).

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Yes I see what you are saying, I understand, note that it is 1% of less of people that do not test positive on an IgG for a HSV-2 infection. Swabbing is by far the best given false positive blood tests and uncertainties about location.

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Does anyone know why IGG would not come up positive after 6 months?  Is not having antibodies a good thing or a bad thing?  What does this mean?

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    • WilsoInAus
      I really suggest that the best thing is for both you and your boyfriend to obtain the Westernblot HSV test. He has a 50%+ chance of being positive and you have a 50%+ chance of being negative. Only the Westernblot can sort this out for you.
    • WilsoInAus
      Hi @kpn the first thing to note is that it is all OK to have HSV-1 or indeed any HSV type. It is not negligence, it is just being human. Oral HSV-1 is not an STD in the sense that the primary transmission is non sexual and the majority of it occurs between parents to children. If any of your children contracted HSV, you would know it. It wouldn't be a silent infection for children. HSV-2 tends not to shed from the oral region for people who have it there in any event. At age 73, about 80% of the population has HSV-1. There is no reason to believe that your mother isn't one of those people. About half of all carriers of oral HSV-1 do not realise they have it and have no living memory of cold sores as they were infected when very young. The most logical explanation is that your mother has oral HSV-1 from her childhood and that your daughter doesn't have oral HSV. Not that it is relevant to anyone but yourself, but your wife might find she actually has genital HSV-1 having had an untyped swab when she was diagnosed.
    • WilsoInAus
      Hi @Dylan86 and welcome to the website. First note that you cannot pragmatically become infected with HSV-1 from sharing a drink. If you carry HSV-1, it did not come from that episode. As such it is extremely unlikely HSV-1 is the primary cause of your issues. Can the WB miss a HSV-1 infection? Rarely but its feasible in less than 1% of carriers who test with WB. Note that the WB does not have values, it has positive or negative as you say. It is way more accurate than IgG as it looks for all 30+ antibodies that are in your blood for HSV. Could you have HSV-1? Yes it is feasible, but it would be a very old childhood infection. Could HSV-1 be causing your oral issues? No herpes will not cause the burning mouth syndrome you describe. Could some of the lesions be herpes related? It is feasible if you are a carrier. But it is unlikely to be the primary cause of the issues, but its an opportunistic virus that can cause issues when something else is taxing your immune system. The best thing you can do is the PCR test on a oral lesion and that will be pretty definitive. Either way, in summary. I'd suggest there is <1% chance you are part of about 70% of the population that has HSV-1. Further there is less than a 1% chance that herpes is the primary cause of your issues.   
    • kpn
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    • CHT
      Hello DavidGua.... based on the two pictures, I'm not seeing anything that resembles a typical herpes outbreak.  I am not sure what those spots are on your penis.  Please have a doctor take a look and I'm sure you'll get a proper diagnosis.  Have you ever received an HSV antibody test (IgG)?  Again, I doubt your symptoms are herpes-related but, if you'd like some peace of mind, you could request the IgG antibody test for HSV2.   Best of luck.... let us know if you have any other questions/concerns.
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