Question:
I had a blood test and a swab test. The blood results should be in, but I have yet to hear from the doctor. The swab still has another week to go. Please tell me if I understand this right. Most people have had cold sores in their lifetime and therefore should get a positive on herpes 1? So, let's say I get a + on herpes 1, but not 2. Is the swab test whats going to clrify whether or not I actually have herpes on my genitals? So it's almost better to wait the week before knowing my results.

Answer:
True, you could have oral herpes without knowing it, so the blood may come up positive, even if its not from your genitals. The swab test will let you know whether the area they swabbed was shedding the herpes virus when they took the swab... but I don't know if it will tell you if it's type 1 or 2.

Answer:
Right, but if my blood test says I have 1, and not 2 and my swab just says "herpes," I will know. I realize if I have nay herpes down there it doesn't really matter. However, it will better explain how I probably got it. I know my husband has had cold sores in his life, just like most people. Since we both had pretty limited sexual history before each other, and I know he didn't cheat, it would explain how I likely got it. (If I did get it.) That just sucks though. If you think about the possibility of herpes being passed that way, just about ANYBODY could have it. You could have 2 totally inexperienced virgins have oral sex. One was kissed by Aunt Edna with a cold sore as a kid and bam, you have herpes.

Answer:
You could have hsv 2 on the mouth as well. Alot of people forget that you can have either type of herpes on either locations on the body. You can have hsv 2 on your mouth. The oral sex revolution in the 60's and 70's really gave the virus an opportunity to mix. So a possitive hsv 1 test doesn't nessesarily indicate a "normal" lip/herpes infection. So neither does a possitive hsv 2 test imply a genital infection. More than half the population is going to come up possitive for one of the two hsv tests. A swab test is a test of the actual lesion so it will identify the hsv type. Just wait on your results. But in the end its still the same..you have herpes reguardless of the type. Just take care of yourself and try not to get sick.

Answer:
But what I am saying is that it is possible that I don't have genital herpes. If I test positive w/ blood, it could be just cold sores. The swab would confirm herpes is down there. A positve blood test doesn't mean "herpes" as most people consider. (Other then cold sores.)

Answer:
Yes, it is possible that you do not have herpes... but then you have another problem... what is it "down there"? Either way, the test results will help clear things up, and if you have a good doctor, they will explain the results to you, and discuss how it affects your life.

Answer:
I don't mean to sound like I'm in denial. It's just I already know I have issues related to hormones. For example, my episiotomy hasn't healed after 15 months. My doctor said though she believes I have herpes, my problems could be related to the hormones. I also think I have some other type of allergy or something. Like, when I sit on my couch my arm starts to itch like crazy. I assume I'm allergic to something I sprayed on the couch. I also have a constant rash on the back of my head/ neck that itches like crazy. It's been there for about 2 years constantly, but does get worse at times, as it is now. It is worse in bed. Contact dermititis or something I think I have. probably all in addition to herpes. :(

Answer:
amom - have you seen a dermitologist for your skin issues? It sounds like you should have these things diagnosed and look into treatment options. Take your health more seriously! Things left untreated often get worse.