[Question #10742] Consultation and Medication

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20 months ago
Good morning Terri are you no longer taking consultations at WHC? I've sent messages in regards to scheduling but haven't received a response back. As to medications, several health professionals have told me not to take any unless I experienced an outbreak. However, if I am asymptomatic, should I be taking medication daily simply to suppress reoccurrences even if I'm not aware if I am having a reoccurrence?  I'm not keen on taking medication I don't need. I just want to know what the right answer is in this case due to conflicting advice from other health professionals. Thank you.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
20 months ago
I am still doing video consults, yes. 
Whether you decide to take meds or not is strictly up to you - people take them both to reduce the frequency of recurrences and to reduce the risk of transmission.  Doesn't sound to me like you need it right now.
Tell again, if you don't mind, exactly how you were diagnosed with HSV and was it HSV 1 or HSV 2? If by blood test, please provide the index value of the result.


Terri
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19 months ago
Terri- Good afternoon and Happy New Year! In 1996-1997 my boyfriend performed oral sex. Because I was in so much pain and didn't know what it was, I went to the doctor. The nurse took one look and said, "I do not want to cause you any more pain by conducting a more intrusive exam but I can tell you, just looking at it you have herpes. The tests I took years later just to make sure nothing was amiss would always read as "at some point I had been infected with herpes or came in contact" I never had index values.  I recently started collecting my medical records and in 2012 one lab result indicated: a  > 5 H for both HSV 1 and HSV 2 (IGG type specific AB). In April of 2023 when I got tested again, the values are 59.40 for HSV 1 and 13.40 for HSV 2. This is why I was asking in a prior message if index values can go up and down and if so why and what does that mean. It's the first time I've seen differing index values. Finally, can you advise how we may consult with you? I requested the Western Blot Test and tried to schedule a consult with you but your calendar doesn't allow it and there is no available contact number. I emailed twice but received no response as to how to set up a consult. Thanks so much! 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
19 months ago
I'm sorry you've had trouble reaching me.  And I'm confused that you've had trouble scheduling a visit - I have openings today and people scheduling all week successfully.  The index values vary normally.  Given that you had "greater then 5" the first time, you have no idea what the index values were the first time, right?  Both of these values are quite high and likely to confirm by western blot, should you decide to do one, but I have seen false positive IgG results (negative western blot) as high as 17.  I also have openings on the 9th now.  Check it out if you would like to make an appointment.  I've had three people just this morning schedule so I think it's working.

Terri
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19 months ago
Correct, I had no idea what prior index values were prior to a > 5. reading in 2012.  Prior to, it was generally a generic response that I had been exposed to herpes at some point in time in my life. My initial confirmation of having herpes was a visual observation by a nurse in 1996. If there were any values then I wasn't aware. I will set a consult asap, thank you for confirming. Just to confirm, I was told by Univ. of Washington you could write a prescription for me to get the blood drawn (I have the kit from UW) is this correct? I don't have a primary physician and in reading the instructions from the kit I will need an order from a provider. I live in Florida. Is this something that can be taken care of during consult? Thank you.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
19 months ago
I would be delighted to help you with the western blot should you decide to do it.  However,  with the index values that you've obtained, and a visual observation by a nurse that suggested herpes, I am guessing it will confirm as positive for HSV 1 and 2.  But I'm happy to help you do it if you want to and yes, we can find a lab in Florida where we can do the blood draw.

Terri
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