Question:
Hello All,

I am new to this site. I stumbled across it while doing a search about a week ago and have been reading it every day since. From everything that I have read, everyone seems to be very supportive and understanding. Because of this I have decided to share my story.....

In December 2000, I noticed that I was developing a small bump on my forearm. I ignored it thinking it would eventually go away. Over the next couple of days, it began to grow larger and become filled with a lil fluid. I began to freak out not knowing what it was. I thought I may have gotten a ringworm from somewhere and bought the over the counter treatment. It eventually went away and left a scar. This started happening about every three or four months. A blister would appear, then go away and leave a scar behind. This prompted me to go to a dermatologist who could not figure out what it was. He even took a culture that came back negative (so he says) for HSV. To make a long story short, I also would go to my regular doctor who would perscribe all kinds of topical treatment that would not work.

In May of 2003, I went for my normal check up. When I went back for my the results on for my bloodwork, I noticed that it had HSV. At this time I did not know what HSV was, so I asked. He nonchantly said that I had tested posted for HSV2 and not to worry since it is so common. To add to that, I had also tested positive for it as far back as 2001. What was confusing to me was that I never had any outbreaks in the "V" area, I would only get these blisters on my arm which I am linking to HSV even though the culture came back negative. Upon finding this information out, I felt like the dirtiest person in the world. All hope for finding someone to marry me and start a family was shot down the drain. I have since come to deal with it, but not sure if I should probably have another culture done to determine whether or not it is really HSV? Is it possible for the blood tests to show positive for the anti-bodies even if you don't have HSV? I have read several articles that the blood tests are not an accurate reading. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dealing with it........ :?

Answer:
Hi Dealing With It,

To the best of my knowledge, there are several things that fall in the category of HSV including HSV 1 & II, chicken pox, and shingles. Next time the blister is on your arm & is fluid filled have it cultured, and this will tell you for sure if it is HSV or not.

If it's not HSV, you can breathe a bit easier, but even if it is, give yourself a break. Many people have HSV and have families, partners, successful careers, beautiful homes-you'd never be able to tell them apart from the people who don't have HSV. I know of a woman with very severe HSV, who gets zoster and (I believe) has had to be hospitalized-not because of anything she ever did, but simmply because she got a weak strand of chicken pox when she was 5 that never completely resolved itself! Now she gets HSV outbreaks, and treats them with Famvir or Acyclovir.

Take this day by day is my advice..
Best wishes,
Chris (tina)