I was tested today at my gynocologist office . I had a blister and one small one that looked like a pimple . She did a swab test on both . I asked for a blood test for both Hsv 1 and Hsv2. She did 2 blood tests . One was the IGG for long term she said and other one was IGM one .. said that one was for short term . Did anyone else here have both when was tested at their doctors office . ??? My health dept here did not offer Hsv testing , and the online testing was expensive even though one would come to my home or job to draw blood , but when got to thinking about going that route decided even though would find out if in fact I did have Hsv I would still need to see my doctor if wanted valtrex or other meds to treat the virus . My nurse practioner is a woman and so felt much better about having the test . I did not feel great . very scared but felt better that I saw her and talked with her opposed to my gynocologist since last time I was there and had a swab test only and went in for results which showed negative he asked me why thought had this virus to begin with and had I been with a biker gang . after he said that that day I felt so bad .. so dirty even knowing that I had always been so careful and all these years have only been with 6 people total since 18 years old . married twice . I am still scared . hope I do not have this virus , but will feel so much better knowing for sure and if I do I hope can deal with it . suppose to go back on May 8th for results . I also have been so stressed lately feeling that my life is over , and that if anyone comes along that I fall in love with again will it end as soon as I tell him . feel my love life will be over . trying to stay calm and hope for best so do not get too overly stressed . Everyone has posted a great deal of great info, and should I test positive it will all be very helpful .. it already has ..

4eferscared.........
Calm yourself. Think positive thoughts, negative thoughts have NO USE & make you crazy. Think about it, what good are they? They just make you feel crappy so let it go. Herpes is NOT the end of the world. Good for you, you went & got tested. "Pat, pat on the back for you". Nobody gave me one, lol.

Life is never "over" because of a virus. Life is over when we give up. Don't give up.
Smiles, good thoughts & keep on posting.

As much as you liked the nurse practitioner, she's incorrect about the IgM blood test. That test only muddies the water for Herpes diagnosis.

The thought about IgM is if it's positive, then your herpes infection is recent. This is incorrect; studies have shown the IgM antibodies will show up 33% of the time in recurring outbreaks. And it's possible to be IgM positive and not have the herpes virus; it's also possible to be IgM negative and have the herpes virus. This test should be avoided and its results tossed out.

She was correct in ordering the IgG test. Make sure you get hard copies or your results so you can post them here if you have questions about the results or the actual results.

over21
thanks for your input. I agree with you as far as IGM test is concerned . I am not sure why she even bothered to do that particular one when she said was doing the IgG one . why do you think she did . I told her think I was possibly infected if did in fact have hsv a while back . I know of only 2 partners I might have gotten it from and it was years ago . just that when had these outbreaks and had them checked by other drs were looked upon as hair follicles. I d hope that she really is doing the IgG test and not just the IGM one , but she did take 2 vials of blood . I will ask for hard copies , but I have to ask what are hard copies? copies of blood test results and test used? I need all the answers I can get .. thanks again

4everscared,
Herpes testing is a real muddy subject, and very confusing. Lots of medical professional just aren't up to speed with current information. She was probably trying to help determine if you're experiencing a recent or recurring infection by using both an IgM and IgG test. This is an incorrect way to determine if an infection is recent. If you check out WebMD (which has a partnership with this site) or the CDC.gov, everyone and their brother will say to avoid the IgM blood test.

Hard copies are just the printed results. Meaning, when you walk out of the doctor's office, you should have copies of the tests results in your hand. Do not accept/trust a phone call saying you're blood work is negative or positive. Having copies will show the type of test performed and its results.

Good Luck!

blonder and over21 thanks for much for your input . it has been very helpful indeed .and I most definitely will get hard copies of results before I leave the docs office .I am hanging in there and hoping for best but no matter what I will feel more at ease just knowing .. even if the news is not good .

thanks Blonder. am hanging in there .hope that you are doing ok also . I appreciate your encouraging words.