Question:
Got my results back and had a 1.6 for HSV2 using IgG test.

Nothing for HSV1.

Had a partner about 5 yrs ago that mentioned she had a form of herpes that resulted in bumps on her back. After that relationship, I tested clean 2x over 2 years.

This time I got tested because I had this weird pimple at the base of my penis and my doc suggested a "routine" test.

Is there any scale or rating to say "you got this a long time ago" or "you got this last week"? In the past 2 years I've only had one partner.

Probably a question everyone asks, but I'm trying to gather all the facts before I freak...

Answer:
well it means your positive for type 2 herpes.
you really cant tell when you got the virus, that would be one hell of a test, but by the results, its either the start of a outbreak or sometime after as it would have been higher like a 3-4 if it during, where the count would have been more since its fighting off the active outbreak

Answer:
The "pimple" showed up the week before the test, and was completely gone in less than 5 days. I actually had the test 3 days after the pimple was gone. I had travel time in between the doc visit and taking the test.

If it were that close, would it still be so low?

Also, anyone know what type of herpes gives bumps on the back? I keep thinking back to that comment now and she told me it was just a rash, but a type of herpes. I saw them one time, there were like she had a scrape across a 4 inch section on her back. Didn't think much of it because I thought there were all types of herpes..now I wonder.

Answer:
shingles, and yes since it wasnt a very big outbreak just 1 dot and only lasted a few days its very possible you didnt make that many antibodies to fight it off, as it went away quickly.

take another test if you want, but given your results, it might be a negative by the time you get the test done.

or you can ask the doc about the numbers...

Answer:
and "might be negative" = still there and just hiding right?

My doc is kind of a country doc and no real experience with this. I'll have to find someone who does know. Seems like I can either get super technical (what are they saying?) information or info from forums that I can understand.

Of course, the real question becomes, did I have it for a long time and give it to my partner or did she have it and give it to me...and that thread is for another part of the forum.

thanks for responding waxedwrong. Feel free to add any further advice.

Answer:
well ""A person with a shingles rash can pass the virus to someone, usually a child, who has never had chickenpox, but the child will develop chickenpox, not shingles. A person with chickenpox cannot communicate shingles to someone else. Shingles comes from the virus hiding inside the person's body, not from an outside source.""

so its possible, that youve had it all along, or she also had something else other then just a back rash. if you want the 1 test that will give you a neg/pos for sure no matter what amount of time, is the western blot. but its hard to find someone to give/get that from, but theres a way to do it -you get your blood drawn, and send it to them (i posted the link for this, check my posting history for it- if u want it)

Answer:
Thanks for your help.

I found the post with the western blot info. I'm going to look into it.

Answer:
what next, where was the "rash" located? on her lower back, near the butt? or in a different location........did it come and go sometimes?

Answer:
The rash was on her lower back and hips. Yes it sometimes came and went.