discussion title: Update On My Update!
Ok...I'm updating again. Click here for my previous update post to get a background of my story:
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhsexdisease&msg=5552.1&ctx=0
Ok so I waited for my period to end last week. Made an appt for this week and went back to the Dr on Tuesday.I waited an hour and 15 min in the waiting room before I even got called back, so by the time I did actually get called, I just wanted to be looked at and sent on my way, as I had to be at work shortly after. So at any rate, the Dr looked at me again, then called in another Dr to look at me. A male, nonetheless, even after I specifically request to have the female Dr each time. Thats not relevant to this story, but it made me uncomfortable. But I gotta hand it to him. He looked at me and finally requested a culture with blood work. I had seen the female Dr 3 times and all she ever did was visually examine me, never ordered blood work or anything. Now keep in mind, EVERY single time I've gone in for this problem, she ALWAYS tells me "This isnt an STD, its just some sort of rash or infection." Every. Single. Time. However, after she ordered the blood work and I was able to get dressed again, she came back in the room and said they were going to start me on another medication. This being my fourth. Yay me. BUT then she says "I dont know if this is what you have, but we're going to start you on a Herpes medication and see how you react to that and see if maybe that's what's wrong with you." My heart fell into my stomach. All she's ever said is, "this isnt an STD" and now she's saying that it might be Herpes?!?! WHAT?!?! So I got a script for Acyclovir, which is a generic for Zovirax, a Herpes treatment. So, another nurse comes in to take my blood, and explains that they're doing a culture for Herpes I & II. I understand that almost everyone's test comes back positive for Herpes I because that's the one that causes cold sores on the mouth. Ok fine. Herpes II is the one that causes genital lesions...I understand that too. But here's the thing. Ever since I started having these symptoms, I've spent hours and hours researching everything it possibly could be. And you guys, I really dont think it's Herpes! From what I've read, I understand that from the time you get exposed to the virus, it can take anywhere from 2-14 days to have an outbreak. I first noticed the bumps in August, and hadnt had ANY sexual contact with anyone since April. So that makes no sense to me. Next, your first outbreak is supposed to be extremely painful and inconvenient, right? Well, it's not "inconvenient" because I dont even know they're there till I actually look for them. And NEVER have they been painful or sensitive to the touch or anything! I dont even really notice them when I wipe. And they arent blisters. They dont pop, they dont crust over, they dont ooze anything or bleed. They're just little bumps. Ive read that you can get flu-like symptoms. And nope, havent had anything like that either. No body aches, not overly fatigued, no cold symptoms, nothing. So needless to say I'm confused here. My Acyclovir treatment is taking a pill 3 times a day for 10 days. I go back to the Dr the day after I finish my last dose of the meds. They'll examine me again and give me my culture results. I'm so frustrated!! I'm also very worried and quite frankly, pissed off that these people havent been able to properly treat me, even after 3 visits. Of course I'm scared to death that it could be something really serious. I just dont know what to do =(
message #: 5558.2 in response to 5558.1
I would be very surprised if your blood tests come back positive but perhaps the blood tests will put that fear to rest once and for all so that's a good thing.
My guess is that you have perhaps the most common type of HPV or in other words, genital warts. They are spread by sexual contact without the partner ever having a visual case of genital warts. Also, a flareup can occur anytime after contact, perhaps years later. It's very common and very treatable. I would ask for an HPV test and then go from there. This type of HVP does not lead to cervical cancer but can be remedied by either surgical means or medication. Good luck and let us know your outcome. We can all learn from each other!
message #: 5558.3 in response to 5558.1
I had a very cute, young male doctor diagnose me with herpes (with the visual!). I wanted to die, so I feel your pain! Plus, it was the ER, it wasnt an OB/GYN who sees vaginas all day! Not fun! At least in your case they FINALLY did some testing. Do you know if they are only testing for herpes or if they are doing a general STD workup? I believe HPV is diagnosed through a pap smear. It sure doesn't sound like herpes, my guess would be HPV as well. I don't know if they told you how long it would take to get results back, I think its normally 72 hours for bloodwork so I would call them. Theres no way I would want to wait 10 days! If it is herpes, the Acyclovir should made a noticeable change in about 4 days.
I sure hope they can get this thing resolved! I know the male doctor makes you uncomfortable, but I would probably contact him when it comes to results, etc. He seems much more proactive in finding out an answer to this.
message #: 5558.4 in response to 5558.3
If they tell me I tested positive for Herpes, I'm seriously gonna fall out in the floor. I REALLY dont think that's what it is. But hey, they're the ones with the medical degrees...
The nurse told me it usually takes about 4 or 5 days to get the bloodwork results back for that test, and she never mentioned anything about a full STD test. She just mentioned the Herpes I & II thing as she was trying to find a vein. So I'm assuming that's all they're testing for.
message #: 5558.5 in response to 5558.1
I'm glad you seem to be getting somewhere towards an answer. Hopefully, it won't be anything serious, but if it is, it'll be ok. We're all here for ya. And as far as cultures, that takes a few days, but blood work shouldn't (I wouldn't think) take too long. Let us know what happens. *hugs and good vibes*
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