mr_hopp

Hey @Phoenix08! It sounds like you're having a reaction to monolaurin, similar to how skin might react to too much Retin A. It’s not uncommon to see some irritation as your body adjusts to a new supplement, especially at higher doses. Others have sometimes reported similar skin reactions when starting new supplements, so you're not alone! It's always smart to listen to your body and scale back if something feels off.

Hey @WSTCHSTRHIKING, First off, HSV-1 (which can affect either the oral or genital area, usually depending on the location of initial infection) and HPV are different viruses with their own distinct symptoms. The bumps you mentioned from when you were younger sound like they’re related to HPV, especially since your dermatologist identified them as such. HPV and HSV-1 won’t look the same and generally have different types of outbreaks. Canker sores inside your mouth are usually not caused by HSV-1; they're non-contagious and quite different from cold sores, which are caused by herpes. Now that you’ve tested positive for HSV-1, it doesn’t necessarily mean your genital symptoms are due to this virus, especially if they look more like HPV and behave differently from typical herpes outbreaks. Medications for herpes won’t help with HPV outbreaks because they target different viruses. If you’re unsure about any symptoms, it’s a good idea to keep consulting with your healthcare provider. They can help clarify which symptoms are linked to which virus and advise on the best treatment options.

My pleasure, @Darleen! Glad it was helpful. (And I like the sound of Mr. Hope. That certainly rings true. 😉)

Hey @Isleguy, Typically, herpes outbreaks recur in the same general area where the virus first entered the body because the virus stays dormant in the nerve cells near the initial site. (For example, all of my genital herpes outbreaks have shown up in the exact same spot on the shaft of my penis.) However, HSV-2 primarily affects the genital area (only 1-2% of all HSV-2 cases are oral), so you're right that having a first outbreak near your belly button and then on your lip is unusual since these areas are typically affected by different types of the virus (orally, HSV-1 is by far the predominant strain). It's good you're getting the new bump swabbed. This could help clarify whether it's indeed a herpes outbreak or something else. You could also have both strains, HSV-2 and HSV-1. And remember, auto-inoculation is possible but rare without direct contact from an active sore to another body part. Also, the longer you have herpes, the less likely auto-inoculation can happen because your body builds up natural immunity. How'd your appointment go to swab the bump? And yes, unless it's a fluid-filled blister, it probably won't pick up enough matter to be identifiable, unfortunately.

Hey @seamusharper, The risk of transmitting herpes, whether she has had multiple partners or not on the same night, mainly depends on whether there are active outbreaks and the type of contact. Unprotected oral sex can expose you to genital or oral herpes if she is infected, especially if she had any sores or symptoms. Protected penetrative sex reduces the risk significantly but isn't foolproof, especially for areas not covered by a condom. The number of partners doesn't inherently increase your risk from the same encounter, but multiple exposures over time would increase your overall risk. You can download the free e-book and handouts for more transmission-related data: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook It’s always wise to get tested if you have concerns about possible exposure, even if symptoms aren’t present, as herpes can be transmitted without visible signs. However, without any signs or symptoms yourself that would be swabbable at the clinic, you'd have to wait 12-16 weeks before enough antibodies would be detectable by a blood test if you did indeed have herpes. Let us know if you have any more questions!

Hey @Darleen! I'm sorry, it's totally frustrating to deal with those symptoms even after the visible outbreak has healed. What you’re experiencing is actually quite common among many folks with HSV2. These symptoms are often referred to as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), where nerve pain and sensations linger after an outbreak. It's your body's response to the virus affecting the nerves. Many find relief by continuing antiviral medication even after the outbreak clears, as it can help reduce the frequency of these neuralgic symptoms. Also, managing stress and maintaining a healthy immune system can be beneficial. It might be worth discussing with your doctor if you continue to have frequent outbreaks and persistent pain—they could adjust your treatment to better manage the symptoms. Take care and hope you find some relief soon!

Hey @Missannthrope45, It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough spot, but it's great that you're thinking this through. Even if things with this guy aren’t heading towards something long-term, it’s still important to bring up your HSV status before getting more intimate. It’s not just about relationships but also about respecting each other's right to make informed decisions about health. After all, you'd want him to be upfront with you about something similar if the tables were turned, right? (And I love what you said, @Isleguy. Well put.) A casual yet straightforward approach can make this conversation easier. (In other words, don't think of it like a big "speech" per se; it's the safer sex conversation that all consenting adults should be having.) You might say something like, “Hey, I really enjoy spending time with you, and since we’re talking about getting closer, I think it’s important to share something personal. I have herpes, which is pretty manageable, but I want to be upfront about it. What do you know about it?” This opens up the dialogue and shows you care about consent and safety, which is super attractive in its own right! Here's a link to a video I made that talks about handling casual hookups with herpes, which might give you some more pointers: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/casual-hookups-with-herpes Also, even though this is something casual, you can still get a lot from reading the disclosure ebook and soaking up the data/stats so you're armed with knowledge and confidence beforehand: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook It’s totally normal to worry about rejection, but every disclosure is also an opportunity to connect on a deeper level, even if things are casual. Plus, handling this well sets a positive tone for how you approach challenges, which is something to be proud of! Hang in there and good luck with your date. Keep us posted, okay?

My pleasure, and thanks for the kind words! I love to hear it that folks like you get goodness out of H Opp being around.

Hey there @pecan! Yes, the CDC does mention it can take up to 16 weeks or longer for enough antibodies to develop to detect HSV-2. This timing varies because everyone's immune response is different. Some people might develop detectable antibodies sooner, while others might take longer. It's not exactly specified how much longer beyond 16 weeks it could take, as it really depends on individual immune system factors. This is yet another factor that contributes to a lot of frustration and confusion about the herpes testing process, so you're certainly not alone in wondering this!

Hey there @pecan, Wow, what a journey you've had with all this testing confusion! It sounds super stressful, and I'm sorry you've had to go through so much frustration over this. It's great that you've finally got some clarity with the negative Western Blot result, especially after all those negative IgG tests over the years aligning with no symptoms. It does sound like your initial diagnosis might have been a mistake, especially with the inability to produce those early test results and the strange numbers on that old IgG test. My guess is that first test was *not* a Western Blot since WB is the gold standard and has much higher efficacy than IgG (but it's more expensive, so clinics tend to use IgG as the go-to herpes blood testing method). A second Western Blot probably wouldn't be necessary if you haven't had any new exposures since the last test, as the test you had is quite reliable. Given your long history of negative results and lack of symptoms, it seems very likely that you don't have HSV-2. Your experience highlights how important clear communication and accurate record-keeping are in healthcare. If you still have doubts or need more peace of mind, discussing this with a knowledgeable healthcare provider could help, but it sounds like you've been thorough. Take care of yourself, and I hope you can find some peace after all this!

Hey there @Darleen! It's totally understandable to be cautious about long-term medication use, but know that all herpes meds (Valtrex/valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famvir) are generally considered safe for long-term use in managing herpes outbreaks, but like any medication, they can have side effects. The concern about kidney issues primarily affects those who already have kidney problems, elderly patients and/or are taking other medications that impact kidney function. So if you generally have good health, you should be fine. I've been taking twice-daily Acyclovir for over a decade and I've seen no issues, and the vast majority of people fall into that camp. If your outbreaks are becoming more frequent, it might be worth discussing with your doc. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of ongoing Valtrex use based on your specific health circumstances. They might also check if anything else could be impacting your outbreaks, like stress or other health changes. Always good to keep your doctor in the loop, especially when you’re noticing changes. Stay safe and take care!

Haha, "bumpies" — I love it! And shocking the bumpies away sounds like a superhero move. It's not something you hear about every day, especially in the context of managing herpes outbreaks. Your theory about it possibly impacting the nerves and the virus is neat to consider. While there isn't established research linking shockwave therapy with herpes management specifically, I'm glad you shared your personal experience just in case. Could be something there, but also could be a complete one-off coincidence. Who knows! And of course it’s always important to approach new treatments cautiously and discuss them with a healthcare professional, especially when it comes to long-term management strategies for conditions like herpes. Thanks for sharing your story!

Thank you for the update, @Farishta, and congrats on reconciling! We humans can be pretty messy, especially when it comes to romantic relationships, but a superpower we have is the capacity to repair what needs repairing in the relationships we want to nurture in our lives. Good work! And yes, love that quote. Because even going through hell can give us an experience that has us appreciate our lives in a more profound way on the other side of it ...

Hey @Isleguy, it sounds like you're carrying a heavy load right now. A perfect storm. Finding out about HSV-2 amidst marital strain must feel like too much to handle alone. It’s a tough situation, but you’re taking responsible steps by seeing a counselor and planning to talk with your dad. That’s brave. I certainly had similar suicidal moments initially myself, but I'm so glad I didn't do it. And I'm glad you didn't either. Because making such rash decisions in the midst of such strong emotions is never the way to go. It's super important to put this into perspective: HSV-2 is way more common and manageable than the stigma and shame would have you realize, and it doesn’t define your worth or your ability to have meaningful relationships. At all. Separation is a big decision, influenced by more than just a diagnosis. Honest communication is key, whether with your wife, a therapist, or close family. It’s okay to take time to figure out what’s best for you and your family. And @ashleytiffania, you’ve shared some insightful thoughts. Therapy could indeed be a pathway to rebuilding trust and communication, potentially creating a space for difficult conversations. And absolutely, time heals through the stages of grief (when you hold a positive perspective as much as possible). Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to lean on this forum, friends, or family for support. You got this. Keep us in the loop as this thing progresses.

Hey there, @Pink Sky, and welcome back! It's totally possible for herpes outbreaks to shift locations slightly, especially in the same general area where the virus usually pops up. This isn't unusual, as stress and health changes can influence outbreaks, including their location and frequency. Stress and trauma can trigger more frequent or differently located outbreaks. The herpes virus lives in nerve ganglia (like branches of a tree) and travels along nerve pathways to the skin surface. Usually, it follows the same path, but sometimes it may take a different branch, appearing in a new nearby location. This doesn't mean it's spreading across the body but manifesting in different parts of the same nerve region. Definitely stay in contact with your clinic so when/if those ulcers come back under your butt cheek, you can run in to get it swabbed when they are fresh so you'll get a more definitive test. And you're right on it — managing stress and continuing therapy might also help manage the outbreaks since a peaceful physiology creates a healthier immune system. So keep doing what you're doing taking good care of yourself!