Rape/Herpes

[heavenisnearyou.livejournal.com]

Ok, some of you may recall the post. (http://community.livejournal.com/vaginapagina/7634831.html)

Now, the bump I had scabbed and went away. Now there's another one. I've kinda given up hope that this is anything but genital herpes. After all, "moscullum" only occurs once after contact, right? I know I need to get tested, but I really don't want anybody looking at the actual sores. It's embarrassing. Are blood tests effective for STDs? Are there conditions? I appreciate the help.

Comments

[ericalorraine.livejournal.com]

it's embarassing to show the sores, but probably best to show them during an outbreak or whatever. I'm 100% sure they've seen worse. Sounds like you went through a rough time. good luck.

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

Herpes is most easily diagnosed by a swab of the sore. There is a blood test, but it's not as effective. I understand not wanting to show your sores, but it really is best if you can bring yourself to do so. Maybe go with someone you care about and have them in the waiting room to hug you as soon as you get out?

Also, keep in mind that herpes 1 and 2 can both show up in the genital region, even though 2 is often called "genital herpes." The difference is in the frequency of outbreaks and persistance in the face of treatment rather than location. Even if you have a herpes outbreak on your genitals, you may still have herpes 1, which is a fair bit easier to deal with.

Good luck.

[kaelstra.livejournal.com]

It's easiest to diagnose while you're having an outbreak, unfortunately.

I wouldn't worry about it though, they've seen it all and then some.

Friendly Maintainer Note

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

Hey there! Would you be able to edit your post to include a more descriptive subject line? This helps us archive your post better in the community for other members.

Thanks!
Melissa
-For the VP Team
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Molluscum

[wellinformed.livejournal.com]

Hi, I just wanted to let you know as someone who was previously misdiagnosed with genital warts and then found out after lab tests that they were molluscum, that it can be very difficult to distinguish between the two. Molluscum can reappear after going away as people often spread it to themselves. Plus some molluscum can be quite persistent lasting up to 6 mos-2yrs. I encourage you to see a doctor and have her send it to a lab to be sure. Best of luck!

[https://users.livejournal.com/------speakeasy/]

The last time I got tested for herpes they said that they needed to vigorously swab the active sore because once it scabs over the results can come back false negative.

I know how it feels. I was embarassed too, especially with the negative stigma STD carries with it. But they're health care professionals - they understand that not everyone contracts an STD knowingly.

There are blood tests for STDs like Hepatitis, AIDS, syphilis...not sure of the others, but during regular checkups herpes is not usually checked for since a large majority of the population already has the virus because they're cold sore sufferers. They will really only test for herpes if you come to them with complaints of an open sore down there.

[heavenisnearyou.livejournal.com]

VIGOROUSLY swab the active sore? =o0

Will they burst the cyst?

[skyfullofleaves.livejournal.com]

I get random blood tests for herpes in the vaccine study I'm in. I kind of go by the assumption that if they use them to accept people into the study / check during the study, they are at the very least, mildly reliable.

the catch is that they can just tell you if you have it, more in depth whether it's HSV1 or 2. where accuracy comes into question has already been mentioned: if you get cold sores, it's going to show up as positive. the most reliable is the swab test.

it can be very stressful, getting things checked out. I went through a period of time where I always had to go to the doctor and with this vaccine study...well, any time I have a weird symptom I have to go in within 24 hours! lucky for me, doctors have been nothing but supportive. so, the best recommendation I can give is to go get it checked out.

[robynchick.livejournal.com]

Please please please! If you havn't been tested yet go to the doctor. You deserve treatment and if it happens to be herpes (your description sounds different but get tested all the same) they can give you medicine that can shorten or even prevent the outbreaks!

Not to mention you'll want to know if you have been exposed to any other STIs...
Sorry you have to deal with this, good luck!
*hugs*

[cagekitten.livejournal.com]

Almost all blood tests for herpes will give you a FALSE negative. This is because the herpes virus knows how to hide in nerve endings to avoid detection. This hiding is why people with herpes only have outbreaks a few times per year, instead of all the time. Because the virus comes out of hiding, causes an outbreak, and then hides again so that antibodies can't kill it. So when they do a blood test for herpes, they won't find the virus in your blood even though it is in your body.

There are TWO blood tests that are capable of testing for the herpes antibody and will give you an accurate result even when you are not having an outbreak. They are called:

Westernblot
and
Pockit Test

Go on google and search for Pockit Herpes Test or Westernblot Herpes Test and find out where you can get one.

[rockstarbob.livejournal.com]

I really sorry about what happened to you; I know it can't be easy to deal with. The bright side is that, with diagnosis and treatment, herpes is really no big deal! As robynchick said, you can be given suppressive treatment that will limit outbreaks or even stop them all together. Many people have herpes and it's really not a big deal to your gynecologist to see the outbreak--in fact, s/he will be most pleased if you come in *during* the outbreak so s/he can better diagnose it. Your gynecologist is the STI Master and has seen far worse things in her/his life. I know that thinking about getting naked with a virtual stranger is probably the last thing you want right now, but those 10 minutes of ick can only have positive consequences: you'll be relieved because either (a)it's not herpes after all, or (b)it is herpes but you leave the doctor's office with a perscription for an anti-viral medication that starts killing the outbreak right away.

Here's some more information about herpes (I can't remember if I've shared this with you before); perhaps it will help:

Genital herpes (often HSV-2) usually begins as a group of small red bumps that blister in the genital area. Some people report noticing itching or discomfort before the bumps appear. The blisters start to ulcerate or break after a few days, and finally yellow crusts are formed as they dry up. Eventually they will become red spots that slowly fade away. No scars form. The whole process usually takes about 10-14 days.

What are the symptoms of HSV-2?
Symptoms can vary greatly from one outbreak to the next, and even from person to person. Some people will notice small sores; others will have more "classic" blister-like lesions that crust over. In recurrent herpes, this process usually takes less than half the time a first episode takes.

Furthermore, many people can have very subtle forms of recurrent herpes that can heal up in a matter of days. These can often be mistaken for other things, such as insect bites, cuts, abrasions, yeast, jock itch, hemorrhoids, etc. These symptoms can be found not only on the vulva, but near the anus, on the thigh, on the buttocks--anywhere in/around the genital area.

Symptoms may include:
* painful and/or itchy blisters, bumps or ulcerations on the vulva, cervix, vagina, urethra, anus, buttocks or thighs (these bumps contain a large number of viral particles and are therefore very contagious)
* fever
* headache
* muscle aches and pains in the legs, back and/or neck
* fatigue
* swollen lymph nodes in the groin
* pain with urination
* vaginal discharge
* feeling pressure or discomfort in the abdomen/stomach

What does HSV-2 look like?
The Public Health Agency of Canada hosts this slide show (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/slm-maa/slides/hsv/pages/hxx2.html) (NSFW) of photos of HSV-2 outbreaks on various women's vulvas. The images show how different symptoms can look for different people.

(See my next comment for info about treatment.)

[rockstarbob.livejournal.com]

Continued:

What treatments are there for HSV-2?
There are currently two types of treatments for HSV-2: episodic and suppressive.

No treatment can cure herpes, but anti-viral medication can help to keep the virus in check. Three prescription medicines are currently approved for genital herpes:

1. Acylovir (Zovirax (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/acyclo.htm))
2. Valacyclovir (Valtrex (http://www.valtrex.com/?rotation=12818734&banner=28584419))
3. Famciclovir (Famvir (http://www.famvir.com/index.jsp))

These drugs are all safe and have virtually no side effects. Anti-viral medicines can help newly diagnosed people regain a feeling of control over their lives. It can also bring relief to those who have frequent or bothersome outbreaks. However, most people don't feel the need to take medicine because their outbreaks are mild. Talk with your doctor to see what type of treatment is best for you.

Episodic treatment
This means taking medicine either during or right before an outbreak to speed healing. You would begin taking medicine at the first sign of prodrome (warning signs that an outbreak is imminent) and continue it for 3-5 days. This can shorten a recurrent outbreak by about two days. If you choose this type of treatment, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription so you can have it filled before the outbreak happens so you can start taking medicine as soon as symptoms begin.

Suppressive treatment
This means taking medicine every day to help prevent symptoms. Suppressive therapy greatly reduces the number/severity of outbreaks for most people. It can prevent outbreaks altogether for some. It can also greatly reduce asymptomatic shedding (the recurrence of virus on the skin without sores). Studies are underway now to find out whether or not suppressive therapy can help prevent transmission as well.

There is a community for those with herpes called hsv2 that you may want to check out. They are a group of really smart and supportive people.

[heavenisnearyou.livejournal.com]

You seem to be very knowledgeable about this, and I was wondering if you could assist me in making an informed guess about this before I go see a doctor.

1) I've never had cold sores on my mouth.
2) These cysts I've gotten, are at the base slightly smaller in circumference than a dime, and pretty firm. On the top a sac of yellowish white seems to fill to a point and almost appear to hang from the base...and then rupture within 24 hours. After that, the visibility of the wound is greatly diminished but still persistently (but moderately) sore.
3) I also have similar sores that have popped up on my neck. I thought these might be pimples, but they're firmer than any I've ever had, and don't pop.

Also, I know this is going to sound so much like a bleat from sheep to shepherd, but could you possibly direct me to a clinic/office that can perform a full battery of STD tests on me, including both types of herpes? I just moved to Birmingham, AL and I haven't found anywhere on the internet that seems reliable. I don't care what the cost, and I'd prefer blood tests. (I'm pretty positive whatever this is remains alive and executing its wrath on my body.) Can you help me?