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Swab results negative - how long for blood results?

Posted , 3 users are following.

supersad
supersad

So, after an agonising week my swabs came back negative, which I know means nothing really. I have had blood tests taken and was wondering when the results would be back? Also, when is the best time for a swab? I was swabbed within 24 hours of the blisters coming up.

Whole thing is really wearing me down. I have been in a monagamous relationship for the last 8 years and if this is herpes then I got it 10 years ago and have never shown symptoms. The other option is that I self-innoculated as I suffer from coldsores on my lips. Failing that, it could have been a reaction to scented toilet tissue which was really irritating me. Whatever it is, I feel broken sad

 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Nicki.J
    Nicki.J supersad

    Posted

    I was told that a swab should be done as soon as possible for the best results which is why I am a little confused myself as i was just told i have it after two swabs.  the 1st was negative and the 2nd was positive and the tiny little lesion i have is now pretty much gone on its own. I too am in a monogamous relationship. i feel your pain! its very stressful
  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus supersad

    Posted

    The most accurate swab test is a DNA/PCR one. Viral cultures can sometimes produce false negatives, so you may want to bear that in mind should you do another swab test down the line. 24-48 hours of a blister/lesion appearing is ideal.
    • supersad
      supersad FelizCastus

      Posted

      Do you know how long it takes to get the blood test results back?
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus supersad

      Posted

      I suppose that depends on your clinic/lab and location. Where I'm based, it only takes around two days. Best thing is to call and ask.
    • supersad
      supersad FelizCastus

      Posted

      I will call and ask in the morning. Feeling pretty rough and totally worn down.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus supersad

      Posted

      Yes, it can be very stressful at first, I agree! Rest up, keep the area clean and dry (but pour water down there while you pee, in case stinging is an issue), and stay well hydrated. The worst of the physical symptoms should pass in 1-2 weeks, with noticeable improvements in the second week.

      The psychological aspect is tougher, but if you don't let HSV rule or drastically change your life, you will be fine! My doctor at the STD clinic advised me to continue doing what I do and eating/drinking what I do, only making changes if I observe definite triggers. I think that's great advice! Good luck!!

    • supersad
      supersad FelizCastus

      Posted

      This is the thing, I had no symptoms as such. The blisters came up and were tender, but only if I wiped. Then went. No pain while peeing or anything. I keep thinking that it can't be herpes, but the fact is it can be. I think that is what is killing me. The maybe/maybe not of it all.

      The bloods today were for HSV2 as I already have HSV1 on my lips. I just want to definitively find out, but that is not that easy. 

      My mind is a living hell. I keep thinking that everything I touch can get infected. Towels, toilet seat, used underwear. I keep worrying that I can give this to my kids by just being around them becuase I am so contagious. I know that is crazy, but I can't stop the crazy voices right now.

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus supersad

      Posted

      Ah, well, maybe you don't have it at all down there. That would be the best case scenario! Did a doctor visually diagnose you?

      If genital HSV-1, it's no different to cold sores, except it sheds a lot less below the belt, so it's better in that regard. If genital HSV-2, yes, it sheds more, but it strongly prefers the genital region only (unlike HSV-1, which is less picky). Children seldom get HSV-2, unless they are victims of sexual abuse.

      I understand your transmission fears, but inanimate objects pose next to no risk, since HSV does not survive for long away from the body. The "worst", I suppose, would be immediately sharing a damp swimsuit/underwear or towel that had just been exposed to your genital region, but who does that? Lol

      Speaking of underwear, I usually wash mine in the shower with soap before it goes into the laundry. Now I just need to ensure I do that everytime, so not a big change for me. I also use laundry sanitiser, even before I acquired GH.

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