Further Testing or have I done enough?

[dowhat]

HI...newbie here and fresh off the news of an elevated igg test result.  Ok...my journey...will be succinct as possible I have other details that I think may be important-I get to the igg at the end.  

In august I started to have a pimple like spot on the shaft of my penis-i of course tried to squeeze it and nothing was expelled.  It became larger and the area was sore.  I used to manscape with a razor and seem to recall getting razor burn there.  I went to my dermatologist who thought it was an oil gland but took a swab of it anyhow.  She pressed fairly hard and I recall it hurting.  Anyhow that was negative for herpes (never told me the type).  The same dermatologist upon a recheck told me to see an urologist since I had pain and she didn't know what it was...cross her off the list.  Found a new dermatologist (who is fantastic).  They also thought it was an oil gland but at this time I started to get a red ring like rash along my circumcised foreskin after any activity.  I was diagnosed with eczema and have also been told I have psoriasis not eczema and it was presenting as the rash. I tried cordrand 0.05% and other gels/creams.  I went to the urologist who prescribed me with keflex and neuproxen.  I took those in december.  The creams were causing additional reactions so I stopped and started using simply gold bond powder and so far it is helping so that is great.  Conclusion is this is foliculitis and will take time to heal...

The urologist wanted to eliminate any hsv2 concerns despite this not looking like it at all.  I had a blood draw and my results are (labcorp)
HSV, IgM I/II combination <0.91 ratio-negative
HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec 1.87 index-positive
HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec <0.91 index-negative

So, it appears I have Type 1 despite never having any outbreaks or every kissing anyone with an obvious sore (I am pretty anal about this as I grew up with my mom being ultra careful with hers).  Needless to say I am upset since I have been fairly cautious.

My questions:  With the swab of the bump being negative and this test showing HSV 2 negative can I assume I am definitely type 2 negative?  Is 1.87 a low positive for type 1?  Can that have been cause by my childhood chickenpox or my type 2 diabetes or any other factor--meaning a false positive?  Does that number indicate if this is a recent exposure or if I have it a long time?  Is it a good idea to have a western blot completed for confirmation?  Or have I had enough testing to stop and just go forward with the knowledge that I have done all that I need to at this point.  If I am indeed an asymptomatic carrier, I do not want to pass the buck and right now am going to not kiss anyone, share any utensils, cups, etc and basically withdraw...I am upset and disappointed since I thought I always was negative.  

Both the urologist and dermatologist when presented with these results told me that 90% of the population has it, I most likely have had it since childhood, don't worry about, and you don't need to tell anyone since they most likely have it.  I also asked about my children and I was told they most likely have it already and to just assume they have it and not worry about it act normally ie kissing good night etc.  I don't want to risk giving them this 'gift' if I can avoid it.  

Thank you in advance for your time, Do what

[dowhat]

Thanks to all replies. Just waiting for the 90 day window to get here. Aprilish.  

[ehbeedub]

I think you are generally worrying way, way too much about the HSV-1 result. Like you said : up until now, you always thought you were negative, which clearly shows that it has impacted your life exactly zero. There is no need to stop kissing anyone or stop sharing plates and utensils and cups. A large majority of the adult population already has or will acquire HSV-1 in their lifetime, and for the vast, vast, vast majority, it is simply just not a big deal. Disclosure to partners wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but in general, you're just going to get weird looks if you tell people, "Look, I have HSV-1 but I've never had a cold sore." If it means a lot to you, you could get a Western Blot for confirmation since your score is technically low-positive, but it's a good bet that you have it if your mother and siblings did. Perspective: You'd be out $160 + whatever blood draw fee the lab charges to learn that you have an asymptomatic virus that more than 60% of adults in this country already have.

As far as HSV-2 goes, I'm not going to tell you that you 100% absolutely do not have herpes. The tests are not perfect, and there are no guarantees in life. That said: the tests are very good, and the majority of people have symptoms that are noticeable if they are on the lookout. So combining your lack of symptoms with the negative test, you can safely assume that you do not have HSV-2.

[dowhat]

Thanks that's what I thought about a rolling date.  Any other comments about my questions or what my docs had to say about this...

[ehbeedub]

Your tests are only good 3 months after your most recent sexual contact. If you are continuing to have sex with this girl, then your date will always be a moving target. Get her tested if you want answers.

[Life360_Dave]

Best to wait for conclusive

[dowhat]

Have had a new gf since start of December. Unprotected sex with her.....so do I have to wait from three months from last time we had fun or from stsrt of December when it became just her?  Just a difference of a month but still wanted to ask.

[Life360_Dave]

If you have not had any exposure for the last 3 months you can test now, if not then yes, test after 3 months post exposure.

[dowhat]

Thanks for your reply.  So, in your opinion put all the toys up on the shelf for 3 months and then retest for most accurate results?  

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, negative swabs are not that reliable as often miss the virus. Only positives are conclusive but your blood show negative and that would be conclusive if you tested at least 3 months from any exposure.

Your hsv1 does fall into the false positive range so would need retesting now if youve not had contact or 3 months if you have been exposed.

Nothing to do with chickenpox as is another strain. These are whats called shingles.