Western Blot timing question

[Muscha]

Hi all, I had a worrisome exposure and I am approaching the 16 week mark.  I originally tested at 16 days post exposure. The results at that time was Hsv2 negative, Hsv1 = 1.31.  Negative everything else.  Since I'm going to do a follow up test for hsv2 for final confirmation, (Hoping for similar hsv2 results) I want to take a western blot test mainly to verify the hsv1 results.....to see if maybe I had a false positive.  What is the length of time for best results.  I've seen 3 to 6 months range.  Thanks in advance

[WilsoInAus]

Hey @Muscha the later the better, but 16 weeks is fine, the result will be conclusive for you. Remember any HSV-1 infection for you would be much older than 16 weeks.

[Muscha]

As always, thanks for taking the time to share information.  It is appreciated.

[Muscha]

@WilsoInAus "The most rational explanation with the fewest assumptions is almost invariably the correct one". I agree. So, now, which path is the correct one for me?

Condom Protected encounter for both vaginal and oral sex.  6 days later a single bump shows up in my pubic hairline area at the base of the penile shaft.  Did not hurt except after a day or so when pressed upon.  The bump was in the skin as opposed to on the skin.  It did not blister, ulcer or scab. It did resemble an underground pimple.  I thought I saw a head and tried to squeeze but nothing came out.  I then applied warm compress 2 to 3 times a day and also applied benzoyl peroxide in morning and night along with a neosporin ointment during the day.  After 4 days the bump was completely gone.  Once I applied the benzoyl, it began to dry up the bump until it dissapeared.  

Con - The timing after exposure and since I dont get many pimples in my groin area anymore at my age is cause for my concern.  However, it did not act like a blister or look like one nor went through the normal cycle I have read from Dr. HHH or Dr Hook. Also, I'm concerned as I've read hsv1 can make primary hsv2 infection, milder.

Pro - the way it responded to the antibacterial as antibacterials have no effect on the virus, lack of  blister, ulcer etc., the short length of time for healing, single bump, location not on shaft or head as the majority of primary is located in those areas, again per Dr HHH, Dr Hook and Nurse Warren is why I feel encouraged it's not hsv2.......this is unless it was coincidence with normal hsv2 healing process.

Thanks in advance.

[WilsoInAus]

@Muscha the only comment I'd make on your series of events is the one around not have a bump of the nature you describe before. In all likelihood you have and they are extremely common generally amongst the population. The context is just different.

As you appreciate, well over 90% of infections are unambiguous if presented to a doctor for examination and swab. Hence whichever way you cut it. The chance of this being an issue of infection within your skin in that area is very high. The possibility of herpes is well down the list. 

As you suggest though, if you cannot remove herpes from the list with the information you have, then let testing be the arbitor here.

[Muscha]

Care to lay a fiver on yes or no?

[WilsoInAus]

4 minutes ago, Muscha said:

Care to lay a fiver on yes or no?

I'd only get $1.01 on the No!

[Muscha]

Is it the timing and location that causes your concern or something I have not cinsidered? Sounds like you are saying 60% no, 40% maybe.

Edited July 16, 2019 by Muscha

[WilsoInAus]

I mean $1.01 means about a 1% chance you have herpes in my view.

[Muscha]

Thanks for clarification.  Haha.  I just went through the range of emotions that I had finally gotten out of my head. My primary Dr. said that since the benzoyl did not burn, he felt it was not hsv.  I also spoke with a gyno Dr friend and he basically said he did not think it was hsv either based on my description.   You are right.  The test can be the arbiter but I'm back to believing I may not have it.  I will test soon.