philipo59

I've known for a long time that I have herpes. I don't know when or who gave it to me. Sometime during the late 70's early 80's. I am a gay man and I was promiscuous. For a long time I would have sex when I did not have an outbreak. I did not know about shedding until I found this site and watched some of the videos. In 1996 I was involved with two men who knew each other. One of them want to be partners even though he had a girl friend. The day after I thought I saw a place that looked like an ob, but it was not. I had not had any of the symptoms. I told both of them the next day and of course wanting nothing more to do with me. I've tried hooking up with people since then, but they say it is too much baggage. So for almost 17 yrs now I have decided not to persue sexual relations. In 2006 a gentlemen and I became attracted to each other. I told him the situation and he was a little nervous. He wanted me to find out what we could and could not do. I asked my doctor which HSV I had and he said both. I asked about giving oral and he said use a condom. We tried and it just didn't work out. Also being newly sober did not help in the situation. I don't know if I will be sexual in the future or not. I am 54 and tired of trying to get to know someone and tell them what I have. I have had shingles outbreak also. Like the CEO says it is a skin condition herpes is. But shingles hurts a lot worse than herpes ever did with me. This site and the people in it have changed my attitude towards a more positive one. I still need to learn more on what I have and how to deal with people and their reactions. Thanks for adding me to the community-Phillip