Newly diagnosed - some questions about spreading it...:-(
Nina
to confirm what I already knew - that I had HSV2...the outbreak was
the worst pain I've ever felt since the birth of my child - never
thought I could find a more painful experience but there it was. But
I have some questions regarding my boyfriend. Here's the story, and I
hope some of you can illuminate...
Before I met my boyfriend I had strange kind of vag consistency change
before my period and sometimes it felt like I had a tiny cut -- then
I'd start my period and all would be well - I went to the doc to have
it checked for herpes - it wasn't, according to her.
Then I meet my boyfriend who has very good health care and was tested
for everything prior to our sleeping together. He had a vasectomy so
we wouldn't use condoms - and apparently he noticed on a Thursday
these little bumps - like there was one and then two - we continued to
have sex - every position humanly possible. By Sunday, I felt a
horrible itching and assumed it was my usual weirdness before my
period and then he gave me the news that he was also itching and then
he showed me the two bumps...I didn't really know much about herpes
but they looked like pimples. So then I examined myself and I saw
that I had these little white blisters. Not knowing the first thing
about herpes I scratched them. Well, after that, all hell broke loose
- blisters everywhere and all of this DURING my period...
My boyfriend went to his doc who tested him with every known test -
blood test for anti-bodies, swab, etc. But by this time the bumps had
gone away...
I went to the doc for a swab but was not given Acyclovir until three
days later. I hate taking it - it makes me feel sick. Also have been
heavy-dosing the Lysine.
So, here are my questions.
Does my boyfriend have it but it never showed up on the tests? The
anti-bodies test even? Did he give it to me? Is it possible for me
to have gotten herpes on Sunday from exposure Thursday? Seems like
such a short time.
He is convinced he gave it to me - thinking he got it from a blow job
at some point. But wouldn't he have had a worse "first outbreak"?
He doesn't seem too concerned about getting it if he doesn't have it
but I really don't want to give it to him. Is there a chance I have
it and he doesn't?
Very confused...
Also, a sidenote...I've been on the Acyclovir but I feel like another
outbreak is just waiting to appear -- it's itchy and tingly and
everything.
Finally, will my vagina ever be the same again?
M2sl...@nospam.invalid
>Hi there, well, it's finally sinking in - spoke to the doc yesterday
>to confirm what I already knew - that I had HSV2
How does he know it's type 2? Did you see the results of the test, or
did he just assume type 2 since it is genital?
>Before I met my boyfriend I had strange kind of vag consistency change
>before my period and sometimes it felt like I had a tiny cut -- then
>I'd start my period and all would be well - I went to the doc to have
>it checked for herpes - it wasn't, according to her.
Just a visual check?? No swab? No bloodtest?
There's no way she could have positively ruled it out with just a
visual looksee.
>Then I meet my boyfriend who has very good health care and was tested
>for everything prior to our sleeping together.
Just so you'll know, a standard std panel that checks for "everything"
doesn't normally check for herpes. So unless he was told specifically
that he is negative for both type 1 and 2 by means of an accurate
modern bloodtest, then he may not have been tested for herp. Good to
know he's negative for "everything" else though (but I'll bet I could
come up with a couple of other std that aren't included in the
"everything" tests).
>we wouldn't use condoms - and apparently he noticed on a Thursday
>these little bumps - like there was one and then two - we continued to
>have sex - every position humanly possible. By Sunday, I felt a
>horrible itching
<snip>
>My boyfriend went to his doc who tested him with every known test -
>blood test for anti-bodies, swab, etc. But by this time the bumps had
>gone away...
He doesn't need bumps or an outbreak to do a bloodtest for antibodies.
As long as the infection was acquired more than 12-16 weeks prior to
the test, it should be able to pick up antibodies if they are there
(takes that long for antibodies to develop after infection)
>I went to the doc for a swab but was not given Acyclovir until three
>days later. I hate taking it - it makes me feel sick.
There are two other antiviral meds he can prescribe if you'd rather.
>Also have been
>heavy-dosing the Lysine.
Good luck with that. Lab studies have yet to show that lysine does any
good at all. Some herpsters say it helps though. Doesn't hurt to try
but don't count on it.
>So, here are my questions.
>Does my boyfriend have it but it never showed up on the tests?
Very possible, depending on 1) how long he's been infected, 2)
what/which tests were done.
>The anti-bodies test even?
Antibodies don't happen overnight. They take awhile to build to
detectable levels. Some people develop them within a couple of weeks
but by 12-16 weeks most people have developed them.
>Did he give it to me?
Maybe, maybe not.
>Is it possible for me to have gotten herpes on Sunday from exposure Thursday? Seems like
>such a short time.
Three days is time enough.
>He is convinced he gave it to me - thinking he got it from a blow job
>at some point.
Here's the fly in the ointment. If he got genital herpes from a
blowjob, it's probably type 1. So if yours is type 2, you couldn't
have gotten it from him. So something doesn't make sense.
Just so you'll know, type 1 is most often oral but can also transfer
and survive on the genitals. It usually behaves a little differently
when it's genital though, in that it doesn't outbreak or shed as often
as type 2 genital. Type 2 on the other hand almost never transfers to
the oral region (I said "almost" ... but it *can* happen). Sooo ...
things can get complicated when you're trying to figure out the whens
and the hows and the whys of all this.
>But wouldn't he have had a worse "first outbreak"?
Not necessarily.
>Is there a chance I have it and he doesn't?
That's possible but there are to many unanswered questions at this
point to even make an educated guess.
>Very confused...
That's another of the symptoms of herpes LoL! Herpes is so very
tricky it can be very difficult to properly diagnose much less figure
out who gave who what, where, and when.
>Also, a sidenote...I've been on the Acyclovir but I feel like another
>outbreak is just waiting to appear -- it's itchy and tingly and
>everything.
Hard to say why that but keep us informed.
>Finally, will my vagina ever be the same again?
Now there's one I can answer for sure.
Absolutely Yes. Outbreaks don't last forever.
Herpes can be a nuisance but it's not life threatening, it's not
progressive, it doesn't cause any other diseases, the outbreaks
usually become less severe and less frequent over time whether you
treat them or not, the virus isn't airborne so it's not as contageous
as some would have you believe .... sex is how you get it ... it can't
jump on you from sitting next to someone. And once you're infected and
develop antibodies, you're not likely to be infected again. One thing
to remember, if you're newly infected (and we haven't established that
yet) be careful about touching an outbreak and then touching your eyes
before you wash your hands. You don't want it in your eyes. After
you've developed antibodies, your not likely to spread it to other
parts of your body though.
Hope I've answered some questions without causing more confusion. If
I've prompted more questions, feel free to ask away. Hopefully more
groupies will be along to clarify some of what I've said, or add more,
or at least fill in some gaps.
M2
Grant
Sorry about your diagnosis.
Keep reading for my comments:
> Does my boyfriend have it but it never showed up on the tests? The
> anti-bodies test even? Did he give it to me? Is it possible for me
> to have gotten herpes on Sunday from exposure Thursday? Seems like
> such a short time.
How were you tested? Was it with a culture or a blood test. Blood tests
are NOT accurate if given before at least 12 weeks have passed since
exposure. So, if your boyfriend had a blood test run less than 12 weeks
after exposure and it comes back negative...it could be a new infection. He
should be tested again after the appropriate amount of time has passed. If
he comes back positive, then you know that you were the one who gave it to
him.
> He is convinced he gave it to me - thinking he got it from a blow job
> at some point. But wouldn't he have had a worse "first outbreak"?
No. He would not have had to have a primary outbreak. Many, Many people
never have that primary outbreak. And many never have symptoms. But, if he
thinks he got it from oral sex, then it is most likely that he would have
type 1. If you are positive that you have type 2 - the results says so on
the test - then that isn't where it came from.
> He doesn't seem too concerned about getting it if he doesn't have it
> but I really don't want to give it to him. Is there a chance I have
> it and he doesn't?
Yes. There is always that chance.
> Very confused...
Herpes can be VERY confusing!!
> Also, a sidenote...I've been on the Acyclovir but I feel like another
> outbreak is just waiting to appear -- it's itchy and tingly and
> everything.
Some people need higher doses than others. Talk to your doc about upping
your dose.
> Finally, will my vagina ever be the same again?
Eventually. :)
ar
Nina
> How does he know it's type 2? Did you see the results of the test, or
> did he just assume type 2 since it is genital?
>
Well, the doc actually didn't tell me if it was II or I. I should
have asked. It seemed like it had to be 2 though. I'll see if I can
find out.
> Just a visual check?? No swab? No bloodtest?
> There's no way she could have positively ruled it out with just a
> visual looksee.
>
She asked me a few questions and determined that there was no way I
had it. Knowing what I know now, though, I should have gotten an
anti-bodies test and totally wish I had...
> Just so you'll know, a standard std panel that checks for "everything"
> doesn't normally check for herpes. So unless he was told specifically
> that he is negative for both type 1 and 2 by means of an accurate
> modern bloodtest, then he may not have been tested for herp. Good to
> know he's negative for "everything" else though (but I'll bet I could
> come up with a couple of other std that aren't included in the
> "everything" tests).
>
that's a terrifying thought...what are some possibilities? Like warts
or something? Sounds, though, like I was the one who gave it to him.
> He doesn't need bumps or an outbreak to do a bloodtest for antibodies.
> As long as the infection was acquired more than 12-16 weeks prior to
> the test, it should be able to pick up antibodies if they are there
> (takes that long for antibodies to develop after infection)
>
Okay, well that proves it then. His anti-bodies test was negative -
so he couldn't have had it prior to meeting me unless he had an
affair.
> There are two other antiviral meds he can prescribe if you'd rather.
>
I've heard a lot about Voltrex. Is there any noticeable difference
between that and Acyclovir?
> Good luck with that. Lab studies have yet to show that lysine does any
> good at all. Some herpsters say it helps though. Doesn't hurt to try
> but don't count on it.
>
Yeah, probably more like the power of positive thinking or something.
Can't hurt you, though, right? Probably is good for the immune system
anyway; I'm guessing that the better the immune system the easier it
is to keep herpes at bay.
Here's a question: could I have had herpes but had no major outbreaks
and then one weekend of rough sex (oral) could have brought it on in a
major outbreak?
> Here's the fly in the ointment. If he got genital herpes from a
> blowjob, it's probably type 1. So if yours is type 2, you couldn't
> have gotten it from him. So something doesn't make sense.
> Just so you'll know, type 1 is most often oral but can also transfer
> and survive on the genitals. It usually behaves a little differently
> when it's genital though, in that it doesn't outbreak or shed as often
> as type 2 genital. Type 2 on the other hand almost never transfers to
> the oral region (I said "almost" ... but it *can* happen). Sooo ...
> things can get complicated when you're trying to figure out the whens
> and the hows and the whys of all this.
>
Ah, that's interesting. I thought they were interchangeable.
> That's another of the symptoms of herpes LoL! Herpes is so very
> tricky it can be very difficult to properly diagnose much less figure
> out who gave who what, where, and when.
>
It's very tough - so far we haven't done the accusatory thing - the
relationship I had before was two years prior - so if I had it - I had
it for two years without knowing and then for some reason had my first
real outbreak that weekend.
> Hard to say why that but keep us informed.
Thanks. So far, just annoying itching.
> Now there's one I can answer for sure.
> Absolutely Yes. Outbreaks don't last forever.
>
thank god - so there's hope...I'm 39 - and got the herpes diagnoses in
my borthday. While it's a drag to have it - I'm glad I at least was
able to be clear of it for a good long while. Sigh.
> Herpes can be a nuisance but it's not life threatening, it's not
> progressive, it doesn't cause any other diseases, the outbreaks
> usually become less severe and less frequent over time whether you
> treat them or not, the virus isn't airborne so it's not as contageous
> as some would have you believe .... sex is how you get it ... it can't
> jump on you from sitting next to someone. And once you're infected and
> develop antibodies, you're not likely to be infected again. One thing
> to remember, if you're newly infected (and we haven't established that
> yet) be careful about touching an outbreak and then touching your eyes
> before you wash your hands. You don't want it in your eyes. After
> you've developed antibodies, your not likely to spread it to other
> parts of your body though.
>
> Hope I've answered some questions without causing more confusion. If
> I've prompted more questions, feel free to ask away. Hopefully more
> groupies will be along to clarify some of what I've said, or add more,
> or at least fill in some gaps.
Thanks so much - I really appreciate it. It's truly horrifying to be
afflicted but on the other hand, it could have been a lot worse I
guess.
Nina
Nina
> Hi Nina,
>
> Sorry about your diagnosis.
>
Hi Grant, thanks. It's nice to have found this little group, though -
it's been a real salvation...
>
> How were you tested? Was it with a culture or a blood test. Blood tests
> are NOT accurate if given before at least 12 weeks have passed since
> exposure. So, if your boyfriend had a blood test run less than 12 weeks
> after exposure and it comes back negative...it could be a new infection. He
> should be tested again after the appropriate amount of time has passed. If
> he comes back positive, then you know that you were the one who gave it to
> him.
I was given a swab, which the doc said came back positive - but she
didn't go into whether it was 1 or 2. He will go back in 12 weeks to
see if he now has antibodies but I think if he didn't have it before
he probably has it now though we didn't have intercourse during an
outbreak.
> No. He would not have had to have a primary outbreak. Many, Many people
> never have that primary outbreak. And many never have symptoms. But, if he
> thinks he got it from oral sex, then it is most likely that he would have
> type 1. If you are positive that you have type 2 - the results says so on
> the test - then that isn't where it came from.
>
I have no idea about that - I have to find out. But here's a question
- if I know I have it and that I didn't get it from my boyfriend
should I contact my last lover and tell him?
>
> Some people need higher doses than others. Talk to your doc about upping
> your dose.
>
Thanks - I will...thanks so much for your help.
N.
Grant
If you have a positive lab culture, then you definitely have herpes. But if
it's only been a week or so since they did the culture, then call your
doctor TODAY and make her call the lab and have the culture typed. They can
still do that, no matter what the doctor tells you. Never assume you have
type 1 or 2. Always find out for sure. Most likely, the doctor didn't
bother to have it typed. You'll have to insist on it.
Whether or not you contact your previous lover is up to you. Personally, if
you are on good terms with that person, then I think you should call him. I
had to go back and tell a previous boyfriend of mine and it wasn't easy.
However, unless that previous boyfriend was your first, then you could have
had herpes even before him.
I'm running through some points you mentioned on the previous post to M2 as
well.
As I mentioned above, if you have a positive culture, then there's no need
for a blood test. If you are not able to get a type out of the culture,
then I would suggest a blood test so that you'll know which type you have.
Currently, there is no adequate way of testing for HPV which is the family
of viruses that give you warts and cervical cancer. A few of us here also
have HPV.
Acyclovir is considered the generic of valtrex. Valtrex is a more efficient
way of delivering the meds so you don't have to take it as many times during
the day as you do acyclovir. Some people do better on type of med than they
do on the others.
A healthy immune system is key to keeping herpes at bay. Lysine won't do
much for that, I don't think. There are certain foods that can be triggers
for herpes - they include nuts, caffeine, chocolate. Basically, foods high
in arginine - which is what the lysine is supposed to counteract. But food
isn't a trigger for everyone. Anyway, you should eat a healthy diet, get
plenty of rest and exercise. And try not to stress. :)
"Here's a question: could I have had herpes but had no major outbreaks
and then one weekend of rough sex (oral) could have brought it on in a
major outbreak?"
Yes, this is very possible.
Many people are confused about type 1 and type 2. They are NOT
interchangeable. I think M2 did a good job of breaking it down, though. If
you have any further questions, just ask.
Take care,
ar
"Nina" <darwing...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8259f6d8.04032...@posting.google.com...
Tim Fitzmaurice
> M2slo2cht writes:
>
> > How does he know it's type 2? Did you see the results of the test, or
> > did he just assume type 2 since it is genital?
> >
> Well, the doc actually didn't tell me if it was II or I. I should
> have asked. It seemed like it had to be 2 though. I'll see if I can
About a third of newly diagnosed genital herpes cases turn out to be HSV1
in the USA, similar figures I think for Europe. Its worth asking to find
out not so much for treatment but for prognosis.
> She asked me a few questions and determined that there was no way I
> had it.
??? What questions decided that
> Okay, well that proves it then. His anti-bodies test was negative -
> so he couldn't have had it prior to meeting me unless he had an
> affair.
SO he has had an HSV specific blood test now - sorry miseed that in the
earlier stuff...
> I've heard a lot about Voltrex. Is there any noticeable difference
> between that and Acyclovir?
You need less doses per day and it converts to its a prodrug so what goes
into your gut is not an active compound - whether than helps you
specifically and the gut side effects - you can but try.
> Yeah, probably more like the power of positive thinking or something.
The data is mixed basically - some experiments show a positive response
some zip. If its going to help it could a) be only a sub population or b)
its got only limited effect eg particualr times or c) could just
supplement other drugs. What there is on the stuff does now seem to
indicate its more a preventative than a treatment (at least last time I
trawled the data) which is a big change in focus. Still very scanty data
present and mostly in model systems...
> Can't hurt you, though, right? Probably is good for the immune system
> anyway; I'm guessing that the better the immune system the easier it
> is to keep herpes at bay.
Lysine can have some side effects, but IIRC you need a LOT. "better" in
immune terms is very difficult to define. HSV as a virus has developed to
produce disease inthe face of a full blown immune response in an
immunocompetent person. Its has its effect by evading it not fighting it.
> Here's a question: could I have had herpes but had no major outbreaks
> and then one weekend of rough sex (oral) could have brought it on in a
> major outbreak?
Theoretically - no one will be able to tell you the odds though.
Impossible to study.
Tim
--
When playing rugby, its not the winning that counts, but the taking apart
ICQ: 5178568
monique
if you have syphilis you get bump and the bumps go away but not the syphilis
monique
"Nina" <darwing...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8259f6d8.04032...@posting.google.com...