Why have I been having prodromal symptoms for 3 weeks now?

[scottishman]

Hello.

I am going to keep this as direct and too the point as possible. I am a 26 year old male who was diagnosed with genital herpes over 4 years ago. Following the primary outbreak, lesions have not reoccurred however I have had intermittent prodromal symptoms which have reduced in frequency as time has passed. The virus has not caused me any significant bother other than a bit of light socio-psychological distress. I am otherwise healthy taking regular exercise and eating well however I do enjoy a party from time to time.

About 3 weeks ago I went a particularly heavy party which involved a large amount of alcohol consumption. In the days following I experienced what I thought was the onset of an out break (prodromal symptoms - itching, pin pricks, slight pain etc). These have been in the genital region and on my face more noticeably my nostrils but I have had no lesions.

I have felt these prodromal symptoms for 3 weeks now. I saw my doctor who gave me a course of 'famciclovir' three times a day for five days. He was skeptical and so was I as I had felt the symptoms for a few days already. The medication had no noticeable effect.

The mild irritation this has caused me is not a cause for great concern other than it is beginning to affect my personal life and a potential relationship. I do not want to be intimate with another in case I am highly infectious so have consequently avoided situations that may lead to intimacy whilst at the same time trying not to burn any bridges as it were. I am aware that you can be contagious and be asymptomatic.  

Long story short why am I experiencing prodromes for three weeks? I thought they usually lasted a few hours to a few days as they have in the past. Assuming it is herpes prodromes then I must also be contagious for this whole period as well.

What are your thoughts? Anyone else in the same boat? am I losing the plot?

Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

how were you originally diagnosed as having herpes? do you have hsv1 or hsv2?

herpes won't cause tingling for 3 weeks without any obvious lesions. you and your provider should be thinking non-herpes related causes at this point.

grace

[scottishman]

Hi Grace,

Thanks for the speedy reply. I had the lesions swabbed during the primary outbreak and I was positive for hsv2. I will go to my doctor asap. I have had the odd dull ache from my glands in my groin and in my back but very infrequently. Is there any way the virus and my immune system could be stuck in a stale mate sort of situation?

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

nope, doesn't really work that way, recurrences will heal in 7-10 days on average even without any treatment and even if you are a little run down in general.

[scottishman]

Ok thankyou.

The itching and tingling seems to have subsided at this point. I have a dull ache in my right leg and some slight back pain. Maybe I'm over thinking this now. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for your response.