Very upset @ confused

[amybc]

Dear Doctor,
I am 38 yr Fem. and was tested for genital herpes. My concern was finding Vatrex in my partners home and we  engaged in unprotected sex. I have had no outbreaks and feel physically fine. Last time we were intimate was 1 1/2 months ago. I was told I had HSV-1, genital herpes yesterday. As I have been reading my understanding is HSV-1 is cold sores. Which I have had for 20 years. I had a blood test. Do not know which one. But it took 2 weeks for results.
Can my test result having HSV-1 be connected to my having cold sores?
And how is my having HSV-1 connected to genital herpes?
Thank you for your time

[waringblender]

It's understandable that you would be upset with the guy for not telling you about his herpes. However, keep in mind that he could have been given inaccurate information by his doctor. I have read comments on here by people saying their doctors advised them that telling their partner is "optional."  Or they say it's no big deal and that's why they don't need to discuss it. Until you ask him why he didn't tell you, you won't know why. (Or maybe you already did ask him.)

I don't think there's a good reason ever to withhold this kind of information. Did the two of you discuss birth control and STDs before you starting sleeping together? You need to get in the habit of discussing this stuff before you start screwing people, for your own protection.

Good luck. Your brain issues sound a lot more serious than herpes will ever be. Sorry, but that's just my perspective.

[gracefromHHP]

It sounds like you had the old labcorp default herpes testing done. It's an ok test. what they do is they first do a combined herpes test that looks for herpes simplex virus but isn't type specific. Since yours was positive they do a hsv2 igg only. I"m guessing the results of that are 2. 04.  As I said - you'll have to just wait and repeat the hsv2 igg in a few months. Labcorp is switching over to using the captia herpes blood test and it's recommended you wait to get it 4 months after the last time you had sex.

Sorry to hear you've had so many other problems :(   I hope your seizures are under better control soon.

grace

[auntiejessi]

No, you don't definitely have it.  You should get this confirmed as its a 2.04.

Given the confusion at the doctor's office, you should get a copy of your results and we can help figure this out.

And if you do have herpes, I promise you that your life is NOT over.  I have other health issues as well, and herpes is just a nuisance in comparison.

Hang in there,
Aj

[amybc]

Thanks grace. unfortunatly when i get upset i dont eat. have been sick with another illness dropping me at 5"9 at 112lbs. Not a contagious one. epilepsy. dr finally called, so i had a HSV-2 hgg specific.  hsv-1 and 2. combined was 4.4 then 1 @ 2 mine was 2.04. that doesnt sound right. i probrably mixed things up. but he said type 1 and 2 go up to 9 and mine was 2.04 was which the nurse told me diff. or maybe im freaking out and not hearing well. said also to be tested in 3 months again but it looks as though i defently have G.H. just when you think things cant worse. had brain surgery a few months back and it worsend my seizures. your posts have kept me from losing it thanks so very much.
I reall really appreciate you feedback.
thanks

[gracefromHHP]

ben and jerry's - in bulk?  perhaps that's just how I handle stress....

grace

[amybc]

Thanks grace. I am freaking out bad. Is there anything i can do in the meantime. instead of sitting here balling think my life is over

[gracefromHHP]

2.04 is still within the false positive range and since you know you have hsv1 you'll need to wait and repeat the blood test in another 2 months and see what it says then.  If it's still less than 3. 5 at that time you'll need to get a herpes WB to confirm it. Should you have any genital symptoms before then, see your provider within 24-48 hours of their appearance for a lesion culture.  

I know these aren't quick answers but they are the best you can do at this point.  

grace

[amybc]

Hi.Thanks for your input. Just got off the phone with the Dr. office 3rd time in 4 days and she said I tested for HSV-2 not HSV-1. So I told her what the other nurse said and she appologized and said HSV-2. I asked her what kind of test was done and she didnt know but will call back. Asked her the number which I dont understand but have seen people write them and she said it was 2.04???I am really messed up now and confused.

[gracefromHHP]

You should wait until 4 months after the last time you had sex to repeat your hsv2 igg blood test to see if you contracted hsv2 from your partner.

You can have either hsv1 or hsv2 genitally but since you have a well established history of hsv1 orally you are incredibly unlikely to contract it genitally.  I think your provider either didn't know enough about herpes to give you an accurate answer or just said the wrong thing to you ( folks have busy days and it happens ).  

I also recommend writing down a list of questions and asking your ex bf them. ask when he was diagnosed with genital herpes. Ask him how he was tested. Ask if he knows if he has hsv1 or hsv2. Also ask him why he never felt the need to share with you his status and if he was on suppressive therapy or not.  

grace

[amybc]

Hi.Thanks for your help. Yes, all I had was blood work. I am going to see my Dr. to see what test was performed and to talk to him about getting another test. Still confused about how I can have HSV-1 and was told that it was genital herpes. Thought genital was HSV-2?

[gracefromHHP]

If you only had a herpes blood test and it only came back as hsv1+ then since you know you have a history of cold sores then it's hsv1 orally.  The only testing you had done was a blood test for herpes correct?

grace

[amybc]

Also the Dr.s office doesnt know about me having cold sores. I am just learning about Herpes now. Did not know much about it.

[amybc]

No I did not notice date on valtrex. And have not and will not speak with him.. But what I still do not understand is why my Dr.s office said I have HSV-1. And when I asked her what that was she said Genital Herpes. Called 2 x and she said the same thing.(Just in case I was hearing incorrectly)

[auntiejessi]

He just found out?  He didn't tell you?  Did you notice a date on the valtrex?  Did he tell you what type he has?

The only thing I can tell you is that you don't have hsv2 at least as of 4 months ago.  You'll need to retest to find out if you have ghsv2.   Since you have hsv1, it might take you longer to develop antibodies for type 2, so you should test again around 4-6 months from now.

If he is taking the valtrex suppressively - every day - the chances of you getting this from him are slim - around 4% per year.

AJ

[amybc]

Thank you. Yes. I have just recently spoke with him. Said he has genital herpes. But just found out???? So know I am still confused? Have any answers??

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

You are right - if you've had cold sores, your hsv1 result is from that.  Since you have it orally, the chances of you getting it genitally are very slim.

Have you talked to your partner about this?  Have you just asked if he has herpes?  He might have valtrex to help prevent and/or treat cold sores.

Aj