Question:
Hi everyone,
Been away from the site for a bit. Felt bad about complaining and guessing at symptoms when I couldn't even get a dr. to test me for anything so thought I'd wait until I had some sort of diagnosis. I saw my dr. today (for the 4th time!!)as my "rash" is stil very much active(though not nearly as ugly as it has been over the last few months)and still itching until it bleeds, STILL not having sex with my husband after at least 2 months (can you spell D-I-V-O-R-C-E). She won't give me a blood test of any kind...but she'll do a punch biopsy! If I thought I knew what discomfort was before, this experience gave it a whole new definition. The needle for the "numbing" was THE most NASTY pain I've had for a long time. Of course sticking a needle in the area directly above my clitoris and pumping stuff into it wouldn't be confused with fun...Anyway, she says she thinks my rash is quite "unremarkable" because it still isn't the typical open sores she desires to see so we'll see if I come up empty again. I had to work all day after my appt. while bleeding and aching so I'm glad to finally be home.
I have some questions though if anyone could shed some light on WHY she might opt for such a drastic procedure this late in the game(it's been 3 months almost) when she hasn't even drawn blood? Also, does ANYONE know if and where I can get a blood test specific to HSV in Canada(specifically British Columbia)? And, are any of you familiar with any correlation between autoimmune disease (specifically uveitis) and herpes? I am seeing my opthamologist soon and will also ask him of course. I am sorry to be a pest but I am totally on my own up here with trying to put it all together. Thanks for your help. I'll keep watching and reading :cry: ms.

Answer:
Ms., I have a question for you...Do you feel your doctor is understanding, Or empathetic of your condition?
She sounds like a Sadist to me! I have never heard of, Or read here, Of anyone having a punch biopsy to test for herpes. In fact I have read that a physical trauma can bring on an OB.
I'm not sure how easily you can change doctors in Canada?
If there is anyway you can I would encourage you to do so.
Meanwhile I hope you find a clinic to have the herpes specific blood test done.

Please don't ever stay away from this site because you feel like a pest. No one here is a pest! We are all trying to figure out our lives, Our bodies, And our emotional balance. We need each other to get through the tough times, and inspire each other with the good times.

Good Luck

Answer:
whats a Punch biopsy ??

Answer:
A punch biopsy is when they take a hollow needle that cores a teensy chunk out of you to be tested. I've heard of that for a liver biopsy, and heard it is painful. But I sure haven't heard of it for testing herpes.

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I had the same problem. My OBGYN wouldn't listen to my needs and wants so I switched and now am very satisfied.

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ms. in the many years before i got a confirmation of my "mystery itch" my dr's acted like they had no clue what would cause such symptoms and would only prescribe me cortisone creams and offer to do the biopsy you describe. I kept refusing because it made no sense and I do wonder what result it can show. if it is hsv then wouldn't the virus be in the cns and not in the skin? my drs never suggested or offered a blood test to check for hsv or any other std.

Can you insist on a blood test? They must exist.

when I finally had an actual ob the first swab was negative and i had no idea it was hsv 2 years later a second more classic ob allowed a swab culture to be taken that was positive.

i don't have experience in canada so i am unable to offer advice on their medical system.

Answer:
Ohh, I feel your pain. I just had a punch biopsy done 2 days ago and it was NOT pleasant. They did mine because I have 3 little bumps that don't look like typical herpes and won't go away...they just keep getting smaller then bigger but never totally disappearing. However, I don't think it is right to not even attempt a blood test first as the punch biopsy is very unpleasant and could tell the same thing as a blood test.

Answer:
Hey everybody,
Thanks for the support. I have felt like a gutless loser since yesterday. I know I shouldn't but I'm mad at myself for letting her just decide for me what is important and what's not. I will try to find another dr.(not an easy thing in a small town).
Shayna, I KNOW my dr. isn't compassionate and agree with your opinion of the situation.
Caliope, isn't it sad that I am hoping for an outbreak with "open sores" so I can have it swabbed? I don't know how she expects to diagnose HSV from an old chunk of meat soaked in fluid if you only have a window of time to effectively swab an open sore to catch the virus when it's active?!
leebee, are they testing you for herpes with your punch biopsy? Did you already have a confirmed diagnosis of HSV before the new bumps? I hope you are OK cause it's not brain surgery but those areas of your body are NOT meant for that kind of abuse. Let me know how you make out (if you want to of course).
Oh, and shayna, funny you should mention trauma precipitating an out break. My "area" has been much more itchy and reactive since yesterday and more swollen. I worked out this morning (carefully) and had intended to walk to work until I realized I had opened it up again...so another rather long day at the office.
Been feeling pretty beat up and sorry for myself but I'll get through it and eventually maybe EVEN get treated!!!
Thanks to you all again. This is a great place to be at times like these. ms.

Answer:
hey Ms. Informed, just wondering if there is any word on the results of the biopsy and/or if things are looking up at all these days for you. I Hope its gotten a little better since the procedure.