Okay, for those of you who have read my prior entry, I was just tested for herpes last wednesday. And I received my results today via telephone call.

To say the least my doctor talked to me and confirmed, it is herpes, It wasnt a big let down because I already put it in my head that I had it. Many of the symptoms ive read online were dead on with what I was having.

She then told me that she wasnt going to put me on any medication until/if, I have another outbreak?! Is this normal? I dont understand? When I went in last wednesday she told me if it came back positive that she'd have me come in again and get me set up on meds. Now today she said, no meds till I OB again? why? whY? anyone, tell me why?! Has this happened to anyone else?

I still went ahead and schedualed an appointment, because my b/f would like to know if he's at high risk, and we both have questions to ask. I even asked her on phone, should my b/f be tested? she said it wasnt necessary unless he is having symptoms of an outbreak.

This is after last week she told me "we believe if you have it, that your partner does now." and now this week she said he doesnt need a test?

I need some major info? I dont know what to think! Please help with some feedback asap! Our appt. is thursday!

Dream,
You should probably seek a 2nd opinion. I've experienced quite a few bad doctors in my life and have learned to always get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion.

As for your doctor not wanting to put you on meds, this seems reasonable because some people never have another outbreak after the first one. All the meds do is prevent OB's if you get them frequently.

For example, I suffer from cold sores. Initially my doctor didn't put me on meds because he thought my problem would subside and only come once a year or more. But when I kept getting a new cold sore every week or two he decided to put me on valtrex. It really worked for me. Thus, I think your doctor is following a common approach to herpes treatment.

On the other hand, I don't really like the idea of your boyfriend not being tested. He should get tested just to make sure he has it or not and a blood test would help pinpoint when he first acquired herpes.

Your Dr sounds flakey. Id get a second opinion. I have found doctors with a weird attitude toward Herpes, they seems shy to really get into detail and they never ask, "Do you have any questions" like they do when I have been in for other things. I think your boyfriend shoudl be tested, really what would be the point of using condoms and "being careful" or even stressing over the risk if there is really no point because he already has it. Its a test, what a hour out of your day, its worth it.

As for the meds, I see zorbas point, but my dr said he wanted me on Valtrex for the first year regardless. He said it would help make them less frequent later on in life. I dont know if that is true, but that is for sure what he said, one of those things you just dont forget. Each dr. has theri own opinion on what is best.

Good luck, and do your own research on Valtrex and if "you" think it is a good idea, just ask for it, its good to have on hand to take right away when you feel the next OB anyway, the sooner you take it the less severe it will be, so its good to have handy!

My doctor told me the exact same thing. If I'm not having an OB or any pain/symptoms now, then I don't need to be on meds right now. I assumed she'd prescribe something right away, but that's not how it went. Maybe I'll be fortunate and never have another OB....I hope and pray!!

Shelley,

Hmmm...the first OB I had, my dr gave me a prescription for Valtrex. No refills. Well, I got a couple more ob's after that within a period of 1 1/2 months. That's when he decided to give me a prescription WITH REFILLS. Maybe that is the approach that your dr is taking. In the meantime, try some suppressive therapy. L-Lysine, garlic tabs, and vitamin C. Those are the main ones I see mentioned here on these boards. You'll need to look around for dosage amts, but FYI, I take 3000 mg of garlic daily. But hopefully you won't have another OB!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you won't!!! Take care!!!

My doctor ended up giving me a prescription for Acyclovir with 3 refills incase I have another OB. It's set up for 5 pills a day for 10days if I have an OB. She told me to go see her if I have another. I think she's keeping me on Acyclovir since its probably cheaper then Valtrex. Not certain though.

As for lysine. I did start taking it, but since I do not know if i will be having another OB i decided I wont take it unless I start feeling weird down there. So far I've been okay, we shall see.

Also does a blood test determine what kind of herpes you have? Is my understanding correct that you can have type 1 and type 2 on your genitals? Or am I confused?

And...does anyone know of acne being related to herpes? I've been having a major acne attack to the face and im washing it daly like i use to! Whats the deal?

DreamOn ~
I've read where people with skin issues/problems (In my case sensitive & oily) are more likely to contract herpes. I think it's due to a skin-moisture imbalance. I've had eczema - since childhood, so I'm not surprised that I've contracted herpes. I've had it for a little over 1 yr. I get ob's once a month, usually prior to my period. Prior to contracting it, I have noticed a change in my face, being prone to breakout's @ that time. I've research online and then went out to a vitamin store and bought a face scrub that contains "tea tree oil". I use this twice daily and my face is sooooooo much better and it really wasn't expensive, I paid $5.00-something for it. But, it is worth it. Hope, something here was helpful.
Take Care, -Shinyornament

I think that it is very wrong that she did not put you on meds right away. Valtrex even sais that 60% of people who take valtrex within the first few days of symptoms never get another outbreak again! Definitly seek another opinion... It might not be as affective now... well it wont be, but for your future with this I'd try and get a more educated doctor on this.
take care, good luck!
xoxox heaven

yeah, i currently dont have insurance so I wont be seeing another doc. until after xmas i think. I'd still like a blood test since I guess those give you an idea of how recent it is?!

And my b/f needs one done sitll too. Does planned parenthood do them? and do they charge, last I knew they just asked for a donation...has this changed?