Rheumatoid arthritis and HSV2
I have Rheumaatoid arthritis and my IgG is very positive as a result of the autoimmune disease. I was recently at my gynecologist because I had some infected hair follicles after shaving in my vaginal area, she took a blood test and a culture. The office then notified me that my culture was negative but my HSV2 IgG was positive. Could this possibly be a false positive due to my RA. I have been in a monogamous relationship for over 10 years. I have never before had any s/s of herpes.
This was the same situation with me as well. My outbreak came after shaving (and I did nto do a good job at it) ... i too have been with only one partner.... my partner is waiting for his test results ... if his is negative then I will has for a 2nd opinion.
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Funny that I found this - I too have RA (newly diagnosed) and in the blood work found out that I am positive for herpies. Turns out if you have EVER been exposed, in your lifetime to the herpies virus you may have antibodies in your blood even if you never had a breakout. The blood test is new. The down side is, some RA medications that suppress your immune system may increase your chance of breakout, even if you have NEVER had one before. MORE bad news, it is possible, though I guess the risk is slight, that you can be contagious even if you are not having a herpies flare or never have. I have NEVER had a herpies flare but I know one of my first boyfriends (20+ years ago) DID. Back then conventional wisdom said if the virus wasn't active you couldn't pass it on. Now we all know better.
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I was told I had a high count of Herpes antibodies in my blood system as well. I was diagnosed with Junior RA at the age of 15 and took several oral and intravenous medication to suppress my immune system, I was on the medication for two years. I noticed rash developing after a month on the medication and I applied OTC hydrocortisone and it went away. Recently I've noticed that same rash appear, so I decided to get tested. I've been tested for STDs twice (I was told a Herpes test was included) when I was 15 (I was a virgin and still am, but they wanted to be sure my JRA wasn't some viral affect). Also, I was tested once more in college just to be sure of everything, since I was starting a relationship (I was 18 at the time). Now, I am 20 and was told I have a high count of Herpes antibodies in my blood. This rash responds well to OTC ointments, something I read Herpes reacts badly to. Its so confusing... I'm 20 years old... a virgin (never had oral sex, either). I have never had a cold sore. Plus, in my life I have gone through two surgeries, and each time nothing has come up about an STD. Could it really be an affect of my altered immune system as a child?
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