About Kimberly Expertise I can answer questions about the transmission and risks of most STD`s out there. If I were asked something that I was not sure of, I have numerous references to utilize with accurate and updated information. I can answer questions related to the behavior of symptons and associated emotional distress of STDS. I can also refer interested individuals to numerous help outfits.
Experience I have been interested in infectious diseases for many years now. My research has been conducted both in and out of educational institutions. I have been in direct contact with many laboratories on investigational studies and vaccines. I have also been in direct contact with educational professionals that supply for these areas.
Question My husband, who is 64 yrs. old; had five bypass heart surgery in 1995; has had juvenile diabetes since he was 15...broke out in a skin disorder three weeks after his heart surgery (he was already at home...no longer in the hospital). Our local cardiologist thought the condition might be from too much medication and anesthetic and his body couldn't handle the overload. He had what looked like big welts(spelling?) beginning on his buttock area and eventually covered his entire body. Consequently, he was admitted into our local hospital and put on intravenous steriods for three or four days. The condition seemed to resolve itself, until 1997, when again the itching, burning and pain began again in the same area (left buttock), so a friend and local family physician put him on Famvir. The Famvir seemed to clear the condition up completely until this past July, 2003; when he had another outbreak. Another friend and local cardiologist, thinking the condition was shingles, again put him on Famvir. My husband has been off and on Famvir everyother month since July, 2003 with outbreaks. The Famvir seemed to resolve the outbreak until this last outbreak which rose above the Famvir and begin to spread, forming lesions. My husband went to a local Dermatologist this past Friday. The Dermatologist took one look and told him that he did not have shingles, but has herpes simplex 2 and put him on Valtrex. Today is Saturday, my husband now has a huge outbreak on his left buttock with oozing lesions and small red rashes beginning on the right buttock. My husband has expressed that the pain, burning and tingling has slowed down somewhat since he began to take the Valtrex 24 hrs. ago
My question is this: could my husband have acquired this condition from tainted blood given him during his bypass surgery? He received about 4 units.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You!
Answer Becky,
You two have certainly been through it!!! The first thing that I suggest is to PLEASE PLEASE have all of these things confirmed with a bloodtest. For one, herpes is a HIGHLY misdiagnosable condition. Shingles should be tested for as well if this is a thought. They are all in the same same "HERPES" family...however, different symptoms. Let me assume that your husband has Herpes Simplex 2 (I cannot stress how IMPORTANT it is foryou to have an accurate blood test done to CONFIRM this though) it is not unheard of for people with HSV 2 to have outbreaks on the thighs and the buttocks. The famvir would have helped but has a MUCH lower absorbtion rate than that of Valtrex. Valtrex is the best in my opinion to fight off the outbreaks quickly. If he is experiencing relief at this point, that is a sign.
As for the blood transfusion, I have to tell you that Herpes is transmitted from direct SKIN TO SKIN contact. We do not consider blood an accurate means of transmitting the virus. It is rare to find HERPES in the blood...but rather we see the antibodies for the virus. IF you came in contact with the antibodies... they would only be present for about 8 days before they went away. This would not give you the infection, rather the false immunity for a few days. Antibodies will not give you the virus, only the antigens...or the virus itself. Herpes simplex 2 tends to reside in the spinal cord nerve ganglia...and only surface during an outbreak. I cannot tell you that it is IMPOSSIBLE for him to have caught it this way....this is an area where science uses words...like "rare" and "unlikely" I would like for you to call the National Herpes Hotline and get their opinion. I would call for you now, but they are closed. it is free, confidential and they are experts. 1-919-361-8488 This is their number, please let me know if you find anything different from what I have told you. I just want you to be SURE.
Also, if your husband did have this before...keep in mind that he could have acquired it from any ONE sexual encounter that he EVER had. People have been known to have herpes for MANY many years and not have symptoms until their immune systems were compromised or until they were put under extreme stress. So, there is always the possibility that your husband was infected years ago. It is a good idea for you to have your blood work run as well...in my opinion.
Becky, I certainly wish you the best of luck with everything. I am more than happy to help you with anything that I can. Herpes is an area that I have researched extensively.
