greydaysandbrighternights

Hi maya. Firstly. In fairness, he may not have known he had HSV. But now he’s been made aware, he should really get tested. You can read almost anywhere that It can be symptomless. More so in men. Not always. But it’s more likely to show less severe symptoms or be thought of as something else in men. Secondly, you are carrying a simple virus, like millions of us around the world. You’re not alone. There are many of us. It can be a struggle when you first find out but you can and you will move forward. it just takes a bit of time. It’s a virus that will stay with you forever , and that’s hard to deal with at first but it is manageable and treatable and it really isn’t life threatening. Herpes exists in over 80 percent of the population in some form. some orally, some genitally. Some both. taking anti virals is always an option if your outbreaks are many or troublesome. They work. You just need to seek healthcare. And always being honest with your partner as you have done, is the right thing to do but you can and will still lead a normal and happy life. Only you’ll now live it with people who accept you for all that you are. Because in the end, you’re still you. Beautiful, unique and human. With a virus that many of us share. x

So. I’ve had my struggles in the last 2 years or so. It really hasn’t been easy as many of you will already know. It’s been bloody hard at times and I hit my rock bottom for a good 18 months. I struggled with my diagnosis. I struggled to get my healthcare and mental struggle with it to be taken seriously by my GP etc. They still don’t understand the impact it’s had on my life. anyway, 2 years after diagnosis and a terrible depression, also vowing to stay single forever more ( I’m 43), I met a potential partner. Disclosure wasn’t an immediate issue as we were in lockdown due to Covid. We talked for months from a distance. All the while I had a distinct disappointment and disgust in myself for lying about my diagnosis. Albeit by omission. But eventually, the time came to face it. I travelled hundreds of miles feeling sick to my stomach at what could possibly unfold. I knew that at some point, I would have to be honest. It’s one of the most stressful things I’ve ever had to do and I felt completely vulnerable. And! I worried that the stress would bring on an a outbreak. I needn’t have worried. He disclosed his own oral hsv. And then went on to confess that he had unknowingly passed it on to an ex partner during oral sex. He was very remorseful and BRAVE. I seized the opportunity with both hands and disclosed. He was more concerned about my contracting his GHSV 1 than his contacting my GHSV 2. And so, as a result, my diagnosis has already lost a lot of its significance. And power over me. I’ll always be grateful to him for that. I will offer this as advice: If you can, and it’s right for you, please, please get on anti virals. I take acyclovir twice a day. For the first year and a half, without antivirals, I had an outbreak a month. It made me totally miserable and was a constant reminder. In the 5 months that I’ve been taking acyclovir, I’ve had not one outbreak. No prodromes. Nothing. They made me feel a little unwell for about 6 weeks admittedly, but this did pass and now I have no side effects at all. My body just needed time to adjust. I keep them in a vitamin bottle and nobody notices any different. Not even me any more. I forget I have the virus most days. If you have many/ troublesome outbreaks, it really does make all the difference. And it gives me peace of mind that I’m doing all I can to protect my partner. There is always a possibility that you could transmit the virus but honestly, if you’re sensible and take the precautions, it’s a very small percentage. I will review the acyclovir in a year but stay on them indefinitely if needed. secondly. I have been very fortunate with my partners reaction. I know that. It is our duty to disclose as decent, caring human beings and it’s so so scary. but it’s important to remember how very common this virus is. I know it’s little consolation, especially to those newly diagnosed but you can live with this in peace and acceptance, in time. Just give it time. You have the strength within you to move forward. I promise. Life does go on. To Adrial. Thank you. For your invaluable words of encouragement and your sympathy. For giving me a safe haven on this site when I had nowhere else to turn, and for sharing your own experience and your willingness to help others and end the stigma. You’re wonderful and I appreciate you.

Thank you

I too have been in the mindset of not wanting to even try to bother dating. And I’m nowhere near self acceptance either. But somehow, it’s found me anyways. Someone lovely has shown up out of the blue and I’m having a wobble about it all and struggling with the reality of my situation. But I’ve had some great advice on this forum. I’ve allowed my diagnosis to control my life for 2 years and the only way to take that control back is to be brave, strong and move forward with my life. If I don’t do it now, I fear I never will.

Ok. I’ll give turmeric a go. Thanks for the tip.

thank you. I so appreciate you taking the time to reply. It means a great deal and I’ve saved it for future reassurance.

https://herpes.org.uk/why-aspirin-may-help-prevent-recurrences/

I have a typical story to tell. I’m a woman in my early 40’s, caught HSV2 in August 2018. I’m so tired of how this virus is affecting my life but I accept responsibility for my own naivety. I hold no judgment toward anyone. It is after all, a very common condition but, accept that I will always be judged for my diagnosis. Always. I’ve only ever disclosed to my daughter and after going away to think about it, her reaction was terrible and cruel. And I was shocked when she told me that she felt people with STDs were irresponsible and deserved it. I’ve lost interest in every aspect of living for two years. It’s been awful. And one hell of a rocky road. And I came to accept that I would probably be alone for the rest of my life rather than tell anyone about this... but now I’ve met someone. Someone true and lovely. And I’m just really interested in him. Much older. Much wiser. I know I’ll have to tell him soon. That I have a lifelong sexually transmitted disease ... oh my heart. I thought it would be ok. Even though I’ve tolerated the outbreaks, you know what? The outbreaks aren’t even a problem. It’s the constant feeling of shame and regret. I’ve been on suppressive antivirals for about 3 weeks. I feel totally nauseous at times and I’m sweating constantly but my vagina feels the most normal that it has in two years. So, I should be happy, right? Despite the side effects, it’s worth it? I don’t know. Because like most people, I’ve scoured the internet for information on keeping a sexual partner protected. And from what I’ve read, even if I’m super aware of my symptoms and abstain from sex during outbreaks, even if I continue to take a drug that makes me absolutely sick and not be able to eat, every 12 hours forever, even if we have to use condoms and lose the spontaneity and intimacy that is afforded to others not afflicted with this disease, even if I pour my heart out and tell someone who I can never know can be trusted with my vulnerability, and by some miracle, he accepts the risk, I cannot keep him safe from it. At all. I read today “ in discordant relationships, where one partner has HSV2 and one doesn’t, at some point the negative partner will ultimately catch the virus.” I can’t live with doing that to another person. What’s the point in even trying if I’m going to infect someone I love with something incurable despite all of my best efforts? And now I have to make up some imaginary excuse to walk away from him without him thinking it’s his fault. Life is truly unfair sometimes.

That should have read first disclosure.

That’s so good to know. I’ve had HSV2 for nearly 2 years and have battled awful depression because of it. I was finally coming to accept it as part of me and find some peace but now, out of the blue, I’ve met someone really wonderful. Due to Coronavirus,we’ve spent months getting to know each other but it also means that I haven’t had the opportunity to decide when and if I should disclose. ( I say if because we may well not even get on in person). But the longer this goes on, the more I feel as though I’m lying to him. But this is a huge deal for me. It’ll be my disclosure and involved in my own mental battle here. I’ve Just started suppressive anti virals but despite the transmission percentages, risk still exists and I just don’t know if I can do that to him even if by some miracle he does accept me. And so into that dark depression I go once more. I’m bloody terrified. but it is good to know that it works out for some people.

Ok, this isn’t an easy one to answer. If you insisted he use a condom but he didn’t, then yes I can understand you feel violated.. what you choose to do about it now is up to you but there is no way of knowing you contracted it from him unless you have an HSV blood test now that can possibly determine a new infection but even then, you said there has been others. HSV can lie undetected ( dormant) for weeks, months or even years. A partner could have given it to you years ago and only now has it chosen to activate. A blood test can sometimes be a clear indicator of a new or old infection. I can understand it’s difficult for you both. It’s normal for your boyfriend and you to feel regretful and angry whilst you cone to terms with the diagnosis. But if you both went for the HSV blood test, you could find out where you both stand and whether your partner is already infected or not. If not, then there are medications and easy steps to prevent passing it to him, if he tests positive as you have, then things become a little easier. It is not a death sentence. Many of us actually do live our bests lives with this virus. It’s a virus, it’s not a disease.it isn’t the end of the world even if it sometimes feels like it and trust me when I say I’ve had my days!

Same

Hi, akirn. it’s just a case of finding a good doctor with reasonable knowledge of HSV in the U.K. I think. They do exist, you just have to find one. honestly, judging by social media, I think the stigma is the same here as the U.S. but then I’ve not been brave enough to disclose to anyone to give you my personal experience. But I hope it goes well for you in your relationship. Be strong. x

Also, hot baths with salt ( table/sea) eases pain and itching. And I swear by Sudocreme straight from the fridge when I have a sore/sores. xx

Hi SAS1991, firstly, you will be ok. You need time to come to terms with your new situation, and that in itself can take a bit of time. Be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone. I’ve had HSV for nearly two years and as I write this, I’m in the middle of my second OB in two months. ( I’m under a bit of stress atm). I’m in the U.K. too and your initial outbreak sounds identical to mine. One sore, fever, swollen nodes in my groin, but the irritation and discomfort was much more widespread and took a good few weeks to settle completely after the OB. I too used vagisil a lot in those early days. The itching is, in my experience, very common after an OB has healed. it’s impossible to say how the virus will affect you as no two people react the same to it and it can and does have a mind of it’s own sometimes. Time will tell how your body handles it. It’s completely normal to be paranoid about sex causing another OB ( as was I) but a good tip is lots of lube as friction and irritation are known to trigger outbreaks, especially in those early days. Lube,lube and lots of lube. If you get many or particularly troublesome OB’s and symptoms, you can discuss taking acyclovir as a preventative measure with your GP or SH clinic and see how you go. xx

I wish I had the answer but I don’t. The same thing is happening to me. I’m on my 3rd OB in a month and It’s very frustrating not to mention painful. I honestly don’t think that there’s a straightforward answer. I’m starting to believe that It’s all down to genetics as to how we handle a virus that has a mind if it’s own!

Mine are always different. First OB was mild. One sore with flu like symptoms and swollen node that just faded away within a week. No scabs. Second was terrible. No feeling of illness but mass of sores that scabbed in a different area and took weeks and weeks to heal. I’ve had several since then and all have been relatively small outbreaks and all in the genital area but a different location. Sometimes the inner labia is affected, sometimes the outer labia and it changes sides at will. This OB after my first 18mnths ago, is quite severe and probably the most painful yet with a general feeling of illness and a swollen node again. But in fairness, Ive never been so stressed as I am now. I don’t think my OB’s are ever gonna follow the norm by the looks of it.

I’m late to this but I’m also in the U.K. my nurse couldn’t have cared less and made me feel as though I was taking up her precious time. it’s so hard to get any meds, that I buy mine online. And it’s not cheap is it. I can’t afford it as a suppressive therapy but I like to have some on hand to head an outbreak off if I can.

I’m late to this post but I always try and add my own experiences in case someone is looking for answers. I’ve had HSV2 for around 18 months. I’ve had several occurrences with varying degrees of severity. Sometimes I get swollen, painful lymph glands in my groin with the OB. Sometimes I don’t. But from my experience, it’s certainly not something that only happens with a primary outbreak. I have an ob now and my gland in my groin is very large and tender and this is about my 8th.

So. My story is long and complex as is everyone’s here. But lately, I’m trying so hard to focus on self help rather than self pity and in doing so, I’ve come across studies of aspirin having a significant effect on herpetic recurrence. Apparently, people who take a small dose of aspirin every day, have significantly less or no OB’s for the duration. I am not in any way in favour of people doing so without the advice of their GP because long term aspirin use carries significant health risks of its own. Does anyone have any thoughts or personal experience?

Thank you for your reply. I cannot face the humiliation of visiting my GP again. I had a terrible experience both times that I went there for help. ( I am currently in the muddle of a house move so I will change doctors very soon and try again) and it would be terribly difficult but not impossible for me to visit a clinic ( I am a full time carer and It is difficult to find the free time that coincides with clinic and waiting times) so I’d rather not unless I absolutely must. The itching has completely subsided and has given way to the pain of an open ulcer/ulcers. It would seem that extreme itching may well be my prodrome. I suppose it’s still relatively early days for me and I’m still trying to learn about my H. could I ask you one question? Do you believe OB’s can be triggered by stress? many thanks for your help.

So, I was diagnosed with GHSV in August ‘18. Second outbreak 5months later was the worst ( probably because I had a severe illness), and have had sporadic but comparatively milder outbreaks since then. fast forward to now, and I am under incredible stress and pressure at the moment. I have several big problems not least being a single mother and in the middle of a house move. I have Unsurprisingly developed a really big OB very similar to my second. Very uncomfortable and sore and I’m feeling a bit run down and very tired but MY GOD! What is this itching on and near the OB?? It’s driving me seriously nuts and I never had itching like this before. It’s intense and constant. Can somebody please tell me this doesn’t mean the OB is infected. I’ve been keeping it very clean and treating with antiseptic. Is this normal or what? I can’t take it! thanks in advance x

Thank you for replying. I’m so low at the moment. I don’t know where to turn. Since my first post about having only small outbreaks, I’ve developed a big one that’s very painful and I think it’s making me feel like crap in general but I may be just overly sensitive. I am moving house at the moment along with some other problems that have probably brought it on but I’m pretty self aware. I honestly don’t know why I can’t get a grip on this and make progress with it. again, thanks for taking the time to talk. It means a lot.

Yes. I get both too and have done only since HSV diagnosis.

Such an open and honest account. Positivity is great! and sometimes very uplifting.... but it’s not day to day reality is it. Good for you for being brave enough to try and date even though it didn’t work out and for sharing your story even though it’s not shrouded in inspirational quotes and a testimony about how wonderful life is with an incurable virus! I’m not even brave enough to consider trying and I know I never will. A long standing romantic interest has become available and shown more than mutual interest after nearly 20 years. I have run for the hills and sacrificed a friendship rather than disclose! 20 years of wanting it and now it’s been taken away from me. By a virus. And my unwillingness to risk being judged unfairly. it is just a sometimes uncomfortable skin rash. That fact makes me really sad. The virus doesn’t have many real significant health risks and yet mentally, it’s the most destructive thing I’ve ever faced. All because of stigma. a harsh but true reality for us. thanks for taking the time to post. It will make people feel less alone in the reality of how they really feel. x