Pinky

Unfortunately I think many doctors are not very educated in this area..... I was shocked to see this outbreak on my arm since it’s been 20 plus years since I’ve had one....

Hi! I have HSV2 (confirmed with western blot) I don’t know when I got it because I’ve never had a genital break out. In my 20’s I had something on my arm twice and then never again (until today) knowing what I know now I believe it was herpes. Fast forward to now I’m 43 and have an outbreak on the back of my arm as of today. I didn’t even know it was there, no pain or itching but it’s definitely blisters. Was in a 16 year relationship and did not pass HSV2 to my partner no doctor can explain this. What are your thoughts? Why my arm? How could it be I never passed this to a partner..... if I don’t get it in my genital area is it still possible to spread it through intercourse?

Ok, I understand. I'm thankful he doesn't have HSV2. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

@WCSDancer2010 The X boyfriend is positive for HSV1 19.00 (high) HSV2 <0.91 Negative So does this mean his HSV1 gave me HSV2 from oral? Or is it possible I always had HSV2 and never passed it to him in 14 years?

The doctor who prescribed the Valtrex was my GP, but I took my results to my OBGYN, who said I was HSV2 positive. The OBGYN wasn't much better at helping me understand what's going on. She spent more time trying to convince me it's not a big deal. Thank you I will do the additional testing. Have the meds helped what? My cheek? I guess, I can't really say yet because it was only swelling one day a month, the symptoms are so mild. If my cheek doesn't swell in January then I will know the meds are helping.

@WCSDancer2010 I haven't given anyone oral sex in over a year

She told me to take the Valtrex before my labs even confirmed I had H. I told her my face was swelling she said you have H, even though I have never had an OB, I have never had an open sore or blister on my mouth, cheek or genitals. I said to her shouldn't I wait to take the Valtrex only if my lab comes back positive, she said no take now. I waited until my labs came back, then I started taking it.

Thank you @WCSDancer2010 you read my mind the next question I had was should I re-test later. Now as far as taking the Valtrex, should I be? Since my body has been fighting it this entire time how does taking the meds help/hurt? I've read that most doctors don't treat HSV1 mine told me start taking the Valtrex before the lab results even came back. She said "just take it, I would, it's herpes"

I started documenting my cheek swelling in August but it had swelled maybe 2 times before that so let's just say it started in June. I was tested in November but because I didn't believe my PCP at first I went to the OBGYN on 12/15 she "confirmed" the results. Now I'm just trying to educate myself and come to terms with it.

The person I have been with for the past 14 years has repeatedly cheated on me, I just ended the relationship in October. Right now I feel like I will never date or be with anyone ever again. This is a roller coaster ride, the test showing HSV2 has really depressed me. But then NEVER having any genital issues??? Even the symptoms in my cheek are extremely mild, I guess everyone is different but it makes it hard to understand. Thank you for all your comments.

Partner is getting tested tomorrow I can't say if the Valtrex is helping because it's only been 5 days, if my cheek doesn't swell next month I will know it's helping So you would agree I have both 1&2? So if I ever go on a date again I can't kiss? I know that sounds ignorant but these are all the things I need to learn now. I wouldn't want to pass this on

No haven't kissed anyone new same partner for 14 years No never any symptoms down below at all. The doctor didn't even look in my mouth and there is nothing to swab because I have never had an open sore in or outside of my mouth, I just explained the swelling and she said herpes! She didn't even wait for the results she prescribed Valtrex and told me to start taking immediately

Ok I will do my best to relay these results On the lab results it shows HSV 1 specific Ab, IgG <0.91 HSV 2 specific Ab, IgG 15.00 And HSV, IgM I/II combination 1.57 Now that I wrote this out I seem to think I understand it better, but still need help. The doctors don't educate much even though I asked a lot of questions she seemed to just want to say no big deal and tell me don't worry, easier said then done

The left side of my face started swelling in one spot about 4-6 months ago. No blisters, no open sores, nothing other than a slight swelling. Never really thought twice about it, then I started to realize it was monthly so I went to my doctor. Right away she said you have H and prescribed Valtrex. Also sent me to the lab for blood work. I honestly didn't believe her. When I think of H, I think cold sores, blisters etc. The lab work came back showing, hsv1 & 2, the 2 levels were higher than 1. That is why I'm so confused since the area swelling is my face. I still don't understand why they are saying I have 2 when I do not have any genital issues. I'm glad I found your site and plan to educate myself as much as I can. I'm super depressed now but trying to keep my head up. I was in a 14 year relationship, just broke up with him in October,he cheated multiple times. So I have no one to blame but myself for staying with him. Unfortunately for financial reasons we are currently still in the same house. I'm trying my best to keep my head up and not stress but dealing with a break up of a long term relationship and being diagnosed all at the same time is extremely painful. He is in the process of testing and will get his results back this week, I know he will be positive as well because he had to of past it to me as I have been with no one else but him for the past 14 years. Why am I being classified as hsv2? This stuff is so confusing, I have read the sites over and over and my mind just wants to reject all of it. I started my Valtrex this week, I feel like my life is over!