[Guest]

Dear Doctor,

In June of 2001 I was with a partner, who I became concerned about for many reasons. To make a long story short, I contracted genital herpes and gave it to my partner of 10 years ( bad mistake!) Now my partner (heterosexuals) has genital herpes as well. After this I started to get these little red blood filled blisters in my mouth. They usually only last a day or so. They do not hurt. Well I have also got a white coating on my tongue, but mainly focused towards the rear of my tongue. My partner has the same thing. What is this. I was tested after my infidelty at 3 and 7 months after, the recommended time for HIV testing. Both were negitive. I used the Orasure test, and now I am wondering if may for some reason the antibodies to HIV just did not show up. Could there be any thing else that would cause both of us to have this white tongue.

Thanks kindly

[Guest]

JK,
You were smart to consider hiv infection after getting another std, herpes. The orasure test is about >95% reliable. I'd recommend a simple blood test, elisa, which I'm sure will be negative based on your story, and then you can put this to rest. In terms of the "blood blisters" you describe. I'm not sure what they are, but having examined thousands of folks over 21 years of the epidemic, they are not typical of hiv. With respect to your tongue-- being nervous and not trained in physical diagnostic skills (you) leads to misinterpreting all kinds of findings. Most people's tongues have some coating especially in the back. Let a doctor look at you. GR
[quote] Dear Doctor,

In June of 2001 I was with a partner, who I became concerned about for many reasons. To make a long story short, I contracted genital herpes, and gave it to my partner of 10 years ( bad mistake... [/quote]