HSV-2 only: Who else, and how often do you have outbreaks?
Posted , 68 users are following.
Thought it would be good to have a discussion thread just for those with IgG/swab-confirmed HSV-2 (so not presumed cases).
For personal "research" purposes, lol, I'm also very interested to know:
1. How long you've had it.
2. How often do you have outbreaks.
3. Did you have a history of cold sores (even if only as a child) before you acquired HSV-2.
Other personal experiences regarding HSV-2 welcome. Cheers!
4 likes, 227 replies
les11195 FelizCastus
Posted
Hello
4 weeks but diagnosed by a doctor 3 weeks ago I say 4 weeks because that's when I noticed my first bump.
I'm currently on my second OB which isn't as bad I just have two blisters so far.
Never had history of cold sores.
My first OB wasn't bad I guess but it was bad enough. I did have a fever, swollen lymph nodes and it hurt to go to the bathroom at first I thought it was a uti. But now I'm on my second OB and so far it's been ok and it has not flared up. Im just hoping that I'm one of the ones that gets an OB every month due to my menstrual cycle. Also yesterday I noticed tiny bumps on my arm. Could I have herpes on my arm?
linda78245 FelizCastus
Posted
Hello, I have a question.
On the 18th I went to the ER due to burning while I pee and they took a urine sample and diagnosed me with a UTI that was spreading to my kidneys. So I was taking my prescription but wasn't feeling like it was helping a day later I went to my primary doctor and she said sheither also took a urine sample and said I do have A UTI and she will give me an antibiotic shot to help speed up the process. The following morning as I showered I found 3 bumps on the outer lips of my vagina and I rushed back to my primary doctor and she said I still have A UTI and the bumps can be herpes but she can't be too sure so she took a swab test and urine and blood test but I'm so scared because I have been with my boyfriend for two years and we have both been faithful and I don't know how I could have gotten herpes if it is the case. I need feedback please. I don't know what to think or hear.. I get my results on the 27th.
FelizCastus linda78245
Posted
If the UTI is actually herpetic urethritis (feels the same), the antibiotics won't help. If that's still the case with you and you also have sores, there's a chance this is herpes, unfortunately. It could be HSV-1 or 2, so good that you were swabbed. They should be able to confirm if it is herpes, and if so, the type. Your bf could have had it all this time and only recently shed enough while you were both intimate to pass it on now, but not before. Best to wait for your results. There's always a chance that it's not herpes, but something that seems similar.
linda78245 FelizCastus
Posted
So even if my bf has never had any sort of side affects he can still have it? I also have discharge which she said could be from something other than herpes which is why she is concerned and not certain if it is herpes... so I'm just really scared right now and anxious... hoping my results come back negative.
FelizCastus linda78245
Posted
Yes, it's possible for a person to carry the virus without recognised symptoms. Some people have zero symptoms, while most get it so very mild they don't realise they have it.
linda78245 FelizCastus
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Ok so I didn't tell him the possibility of herpes but he does know I might have something so he is going to get tested today . Can they do a swab test without any symptoms? How and where? If so. Because I know a swab test is the most accurate you have said before.
FelizCastus linda78245
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linda78245 FelizCastus
Posted
FelizCastus linda78245
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kevin-Canada FelizCastus
Posted
Hi:
You probably remember me as I was the one with strange case of having HSV2 related sore on my mid/upper back and arms not on genitals!!!!!!. Yes the swab test and blood test both were positive for HSV2. Anyhow to answer your questions:
1 - Have it for a year and a half. Likely got it in Greece whille travelling there March 2015.
2 - First 6 months I had 6 outbreaks almost all on my back. The first one was the worst. Then it was at 6 months intervals with major outbreaks *again on my back). I sometimes get very mild outbreak on my right arm (like an itchy small pimple that goes away in a few days). I am hoping (based on what I read) after 2 years outbreaks ceased and I don't get them anymore.
3 - No I never had coldsores before.
4- Recently as soon as I feel the itch I start taking Valtrex. It reduces the duration and severity.
Kevin
jane80952 kevin-Canada
Posted
jane80952 FelizCastus
Posted
I just have an update. Western blot type 2 positive, type 1 negative (same as ELISA).
Im sure it's in both locations even tho I've never been able to get a positive culture in either place. I've definitely had oral sores multiple times over the years, and now I have a suspicious itchy nose rash.
I thought I had type 1. Everything is upside down. The oral symptoms were the only thing I noticed until recently, pretty mild anogenital scrapes/fissures. I think I'm hitting perimenopause and that is why it acted up (enough to get tested).
Infectious disease doctor says if it's recurring orally, it is probably not strong enough to transfer from there, but I'm doubtful that's true.
Herpes above the waist, herpes below....it's all the same. Maybe some difference in strengths by site, but that's all. It all sucks. Get us a vaccine!!!!!
FelizCastus jane80952
Posted
That is quite strange how your swab missed it three times! (Was scrolling back and saw your original message, which I think I may have missed while on holiday. Apologies!) I wonder if a pcr swab would have picked it up instead? At least you now know, although that's not the type you were expecting. Do you think you've had it for a while? Ever swabbed your oral symptoms?
jane80952 FelizCastus
Posted
It is an old infection because I've only been with 1 person the past 5 years or so who is positive 1, negative 2. I have a few suspects in mind but I'm not in touch with one and the other went to be tested and they denied him because he's asymptomatic. And the truth is it could be neither, as you know.
Waiting to hear from infectious disease dr on when vaccine is expected out- it's in phase 3 trials and would be for type 2 existing infections. I'm on a medication that can contribute to skin problems, and probably perimenopausal, so maybe why having trouble now. Thankfully there was a question before and I had trouble with recurring oral discomfort- more like cracked skin all the time in one place on lip- so I was on antivirals for that. The few bigger sores were not swabbed, no, they never offered and in some ways, I'm glad. no one I've ever been with had issues suspicious for type 2, and I have been in several long term relationships without condom use. Like I said, they recommend the one guy not get tested due to no symptoms. Another one's Doctor is opposite and runs the ELISA every year screening.
ELISA was just under 4, so I really needed the blot to confirm.
I feel like my romantic life is doomed now, but I'm not in pain or even discomfort. Noticing things I would not have before but the valtrex doesn't completely make things normal orally or down south. And too much of it gives me horrible respiratory issues (a cough that won't stop and pharyngitis).
So at this point it is about how to best manage it, is HRT worth investigating, and again when is that damn vaccine coming. I get that hsv has been hard for them to crack, but I suspect lack of funding and research coordinating have delayed it longer than necessary. That's the issue with so many diseases....
deva01 FelizCastus
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