Hi everyone,
I would love some input on the results, which are very unclear to me.
Here’s some background info:
I had a partner of 3 years, in which we broke up around February. I had a gut feeling he was cheating due to his weird/sketchy behaviors over the holidays, and our sex life was not how it used to be. When I confirmed he had been cheating, I took a full STD panel in early March, in which I tested positive for HSV-1, but had an equivocal for HSV-2. The last time me and him had sex was late December or early January?
I of course was freaked out because I couldn’t get a hard answer on my HSV result and thought a good 2-3 months was sufficient enough time to build antibodies (if I had them) and inform me whether I was positive or negative.
Fast forward to last Wednesday- I had my labs redrawn because I have been seeing someone for a month, and I also just wanted to get re-tested to see if my results have changed. I received the results yesterday, and it now says I’m positive for both. I’m completely devastated. I told my partner right away, and I’m not expecting him to stick around after this. I just feel so low, even though it wasn’t my fault and I meant no harm. I did inform him that I’ve never had any symptoms and that unfortunately, a lot of people have HSV and do not know. Millions of people are carriers. I also told him if he tests positive, it’s hard to say whether I or a previous partner gave it to him. It’s all speculation and a guessing game.
Unfortunately, the IgG test done at UCSF does not give you values- it only reads “pos” “neg” or “equivocal”. I don’t know why this lab doesn’t give values- isn’t that kind of important, as you could have a false positive depending on the number?
I’m really worried here, not only about myself but the person I’ve been seeing and what effect it’ll have on our relationship. I wanted to get testing done again, but was looking into the WB.
Do you guys think it is worthwhile to have this done since my IgG test does not give lab values? Or is the HSV-2 equivocal to positive a pretty clear indication that I am truly positive? I have a video visit with my PCP on the 8th to discuss my labs and see what she says. I feel like most doctors won’t consider the WB because of costs and difficulty of getting the kit, but I feel like it would put me at ease to have a definite answer.
Thank you everyone! And stay safe.