dreamerb2257

I know, and I'm right there with you. I've come a long way in the past 6 weeks ... it does just take time. Like you, my np says its very common and that it's not a major health problem. It's very frustrating because of the stigma. What's really helped me is therapy, support groups, and social events for people with H. Just meeting others who are in the same boat is more comforting. Besides people I've obviously met through these groups, I've only told my parents and one friend.

It seems like you're doing all the right things! Of course ... I'm here if you need to chat 🙂

I'm sorry you're not feeling well! I've only had the virus for 6 weeks. The allergies and sneezing could be unrelated perhaps. Regardless, I'd take some supplements to boost your immune system just in case. I take multivitamins daily along with 1,000 mg of lysine. Also try your best to relax ... I hear stress can be a trigger by those I've met who've had the virus for a while. Take care of yourself!

Hey there! I got a flu shot maybe two/three weeks after my first outbreak, and I was fine. I asked my nurse practitioner about it and she said I'd be ok since I had been taking Valtrex and was over my initial 10 day course, and I've also been on daily suppressives ever since. I think you should be ok!

Thank you so much for sharing! As someone who is newly diagnosed, I truly feel like it would be easier to find someone who also has the virus. However, your post gives me hope that it won't be a "deal-breaker" and we can truly do our part to try and end the stigma. xo

You're not alone in feeling this way! I was diagnosed mid September, and I cried every single day. Anything could trigger tears streaming down my face. I am finally starting to accept the cards I've been dealt. I have highs and lows, and that is normal. However, I just wanted to share what has helped me in this short period of time. I started seeing a therapist the week after being diagnosed. She creates a safe space and validates all my feelings. I also attended an in person support group that meets once a month. I'm not sure where you live, but there's got to be some in your area! At the meeting, I met a girl who is a part of these secret facebook groups for people with H ... apparently there are a lot of them! She invited me to a meet-up for one of them ... just people from the area all with one thing in common. It has made me feel not so alone and realize there is life after this diagnosis. I met one inspirational girl who is so open about her status and wants to do her part in trying to end the stigma. There is hope ... you've got to just use all the supports around you to make yourself feel better. For me it's being around people who also have H who know exactly how I'm feeling/my daily struggles. I know it's hard, and I hope my story helps. Giving you hugs because you are not alone.

Lidocaine jelly ... my doctor prescribed it to my during my first outbreak. It really numbs the area and makes it more bearable. You just re-apply whenever it wears off!

Hey there! I recently was diagnosed and had my first outbreak in September. I was on Valtrex for 10 days and then immediately started daily suppression with a smaller dose. My outbreak lasted WEEKS, and I still don't feel the same down there. What I can tell you is if you're in extreme discomfort, your doctor can prescribe Lidocaine jelly. You have to re-apply every couple hours, but it really numbs the area and makes daily life activities more bearable.

That's crazy. Doctors or nurse practitioners should always test to make sure their diagnosis is accurate. I'd get a blood test (specifically IGG) and have them swab the blister next time one appears.

To add to my prior post, I didn't have classic symptoms of HSV2. It looked more like cuts to me. Pictures on the internet and actual symptoms can be vastly different depending upon how they manifest in your body. Anti-virals will shorten an outbreak and will help prevent future outbreaks by suppressing the virus. However, it's no guarantee that you won't have another outbreak.

It takes weeks, even months for antibodies to show up in your blood. The most reliable test is the swab culture, which should be done as soon as you experience an outbreak. This looks at the DNA in the sore and can detect whether it could possibly be HSV1 or 2. I'm sorry you're going through this. I was recently diagnosed with HSV2 mid September. The partner I was sleeping with tested negative via the blood test, but I still believe it's him I contracted the virus from, especially since it takes so long for antibodies to develop in the blood.

I don't think you're crazy at all. You've got to do what feels right for you, and only you can answer that. I wish I knew who infected me. I had my first outbreak almost immediately after having sex with a guy I was dating in September. He got tested and was negative via a blood test, and he hasn't talked to me since. I hadn't had sex with anyone else in months. All I know is I tested negative for herpes during my annual gyn visit last December. There are a few possibilities of guys I was seeing between last December and September, but what am I supposed to do, track them down and ask them? Especially because I thought your first outbreak is usually 2-20 days after exposure, and I'm extremely in tune with my body. I never had a problem before this last partner. Sorry for the rant. All I know is if I could see the guy who possibly infected me, I just might do the same as you.

Hello! I'm a 28 ... almost 29 year old female recently diagnosed with HSV2 and living in the Maryland/DC area. I'm just looking for someone to talk to who just understands the emotional pain I'm going through. Male or female, I don't care! I'm feeling alone, sad, and a bit in shock ... is this really my new reality? I'm single and wonder will I ever find someone who accepts and loves me for me, or will I be alone for the rest of my life? I started seeing a therapist as soon as I was diagnosed ... 2 sessions so far and I'm praying it'll help me accept the diagnosis and move on with life.