Concerned1977
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Posts posted by Concerned1977
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3 hours ago, ash128083 said:
@Lvsandy Hi, yes I am on daily suppressive medication as I’m doing whatever I can to keep my husband safe (he does not have this) and we also use condoms occasionally. I’ve been on suppressive therapy for 9years but in the last year I switched from acyclovir 400mg 2x a day to valacyclovir 1g a day as the acyclovir was not working well anymore. The valacyclovir as helped but I still feel irritation each month normally during ovulation. I don't get a typical outbreak with a sore anymore, which it was better when I did. Now if I do it is AWFUL, worse than my first, so much internal pain and irritation. When I start to feel “off” I cut the 1g in half at night so I take an extra 500mg and am usually ok in a few days. But for some reason the medication is not suppressing the virus like it used to. I also take 2,000mg of Lysine daily, elderberry, zinc, vitamin c, cats claw and olive leaf which is also supposed to help. After almost 10yrs with the disease I thought I would have built up antibodies to keep this in check. What a crock of shit the medical journals are. My doctors wont even test me to see if its hsv 1 or 2 because they're “both the same” so all I know is that it comes out genitally. So frustrating. I see my doctor November 4th and I’m going to see if he’ll change the dose to 500mg 2x a day so it’s always in my system. That’s what they give to people with HIV or compromised immune systems. I do have asthma and am sick a lot but idk why things have been so bad with this. Definitely get on suppressive medication. May help you.
@ash128083 Why would the doctor not want to test you? So it can be typed , actually, it's not really his decision as you're the patient, I would demand for a blood test to determine type, just for your own knowledge and peace of mind. It really makes a difference, since type one sheds a lot less. What if you wanted to let your partner know which type it was, even though I know you're married ...don't let them tell you how to manage your health ask for a 10 panel std lab test that will include hsv This is your health not the doctors. U can also do I test via online not through your physician.
I'm taking 1g daily, I do break it in half 500 in the morning and 500 in the evening, I still get a little bit of prodome but no active outbreak, sometimes like a crawling sensation.
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1 hour ago, LittleStar said:
2 years together and going strong
So far, I have managed to keep him safe (4 years with HSV2). But I’m also (finally) in a place where I don’t freak out about passing it on. He has openly said he “doesn’t care an iota about herpes”!
About to purchase our first home together and talking about kids in the near future...
There is hope out there for everyone! Even you, yes you!
My advice? Be honest, be vulnerable, be courageous and own your status. Show your partner that you value them above your own fear of rejection. Approach the subject as objectively as possible but keep it real to your experience.
Good luck to everyone! Love is love, a skin condition will not get in the way of a real connection with a beautiful soul!
@LittleStar This is great I'm so happy to hear this gives us hope 🙏.If you don't mind me asking how have you managed to keep your partner safe? Do you take daily supplement or antivirals? Do you guys use condoms? I want to do all I can and appreciate the feedback 💕
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40 minutes ago, Whymewhynow said:
Do you feel like the magnesium helps? Do you have hsv1 or 2? I can't seem to get the tingling feeling around my mouth to stop. It is driving me crazy.
I have hsv-2 and I only had a genital outbreak but I assume that I have it oral as well because I have all the symptoms just no sores or blisters inside or around the mouth but I have tingling, burning, itching, ringing ears, and to be honest although I had the genital outbreak in August I didn't start having oral symptoms until early November and it's been ongoing ever since. The first few weeks in November the burning was driving me crazy I didn't know what to do😞 I was putting aloe vera gel around my face to calm the stinging down because it has the lidocaine in it so that helped… but over the past few weeks the oral symptoms have not been as bad but linger 😔 this virus is so unpredictable. Try lemon balm salve or the lip bomb when I use it I get some oral relief also. @Whymewhynow what was your IGG hsv2 score from your blood test where the number high? Maybe its oral 2 it seems to act differently as far as the lingering symptoms.
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17 hours ago, Whymewhynow said:
I wish I knew! I take daily antivirals as well.🤷🏽♀️ I have seen that people take lysine, vitamin c, vitamin d, zinc, red marine algae, lemon balm, oregano, probiotics ....seems like a whole bunch of supplements to me. Not sure what combination actually does the trick.
I have everything you mentioned above plus my antivirus and I really can't even say what combination works all I can say is I haven't had a outbreak since my initial one in August usually I take the antivirus daily, one vitamin C, magnesium for the itching, and oil of oregano, vitamin B complex, and my probiotics.
I've been talking to one of my girlfriends she has hsv-2 diagnosed 13 years ago when she was 18 she doesn't take anything daily she only takes her antivirals when she has an outbreak and she has no issues she has an outbreak maybe once or twice a year and that's it so I think it's just different for different people.
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17 hours ago, Whymewhynow said:
Thanks!! This is slightly encouraging. I think I might go for it. It's easier to see what's happening down below that way🤦🏾♀️
I've also been scared to get sugared ever since my diagnosis and August because it typically does mess with my nerves (its a lil painful) and I can see myself getting a little overwhelmed so since I saw so many people posting that it could be a trigger ( dont wanba chance it) I just went ahead and bought me a set of Clippers and I've just just cutting it low until maybe I'm about six months in and then I'll revisit the thought of maybe trying sugering again but for now these Clippers are going to have to do the job🤷🏽♀️.
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18 hours ago, Whymewhynow said:
Hi Community!
i am looking for some guidance. I was recently diagnosed with 1 & 2 but apparently they are not new transmissions. My question if in regards to transmitting hsv1 to children. I have a school aged child that loves to give mommy a kiss on the lips and I think that what kills me more than anything about my entire situation is being terrified to death to kiss my daughter. I get confused because in some places I read that oral 1 is transmitted through intimate kissing but then I hear so many people say that they've had it since they were kids, which would lead me to believe that it can be passed through a simple peck on the lips. Obviously, I know not to kiss anyone with a full blown cold sore on my lip but my oral outbreaks lately seem to manifest as small bumps around my mouth that do not always fully blister.
Im just so confused and heart broken by the thought of not being able to share this affection with my daughter that I don't know how to deal.
I read that parents normally transmit it to there kids at a very young age before there immune system is strong enough to fight it off. My son got it as a small child maybe when he was under 3 yrs old from his grandmother but it skipped me. Look into trying lemon balm theres a chapstick on amazon as well as supplements this might help with your oral symptoms.
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On 1/20/2019 at 4:29 PM, Newme said:
That sounds so promising but so far fetched. I know how minor of a thing it is but people make it seem like it's life and death. I spent all last night worried about what he thinks and anticipating the negative interaction we'll have when we finally talk about it. The thing is, we're not even together!! Someone who had access to my personal records told him..i.had no intention of telling him because there was no need.
I feel a lot better now. Spoke to my therapist this morning and spent some time with my gfs. Hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight.
@Newme I work in the healthcare industry and if someone disclose their personal information that's a HIPAA violation and they can lose their job if you can prove it .As long as you're being a good mother to his child that's the most important thing since you guys are not together he does not need to focus on what you have going on sexually. Just remember it's not your fault and it could have happened to anyone including him so he should not judge you you're still beautiful inside and out and when the time is right you will find someone who will accept all of you.
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12 hours ago, Lstgryl said:
I’m a 3O year old black female recently diagnosed. I’ve only been with one man in the past six years. Thankfully, he tested negative. He no longer wants to continue a sexual relationship, but he says he wants to be there for me. We’ve been friends for 15 years. I guess this is the first rejection. If a person who knows me better than anyone doesn’t it accept it, how can I expect a person who doesn’t know me at all to accept it. The African American community isn’t accepting. I don’t have the will to do anything. I can barely make it to work. I have crazy headaches at the end of the day from pretending to be ok throughout the day. I immediately come home and go to bed. I dread talking to my friends bc they are only going to ask about my dating life and I don’t know what to say. I honestly and truly wish I were dead.
Things will get better as time passes focus on not stressing too much… I know its easier said then done. I felt the same way a few months ago, but I'm learning to accept that this is now part of me I don't feel any different, I don't look any different, and I'm the same person prior to this diagnosis don't give it the power to take over you just take it day-by-day. Sending you positive vibes💕
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2 hours ago, ash128083 said:
@Grace78 @Faith8 @beBravebeBOLD Well I FINALLY told both my therapist and PCP about my HSV and it felt like such a weight being lifted off my shoulders. My therapist even told me that not only has she oral herpes outbreaks but she’s also had a vaginal herpes outbreak about 20 years ago and hasn’t had one since. It made me feel a lot better but thought to myself “well you’re lucky.” The more I think about it the more I believe that a lot more people have the virus than what all the websites state. Of course it feels like less of a big deal when you’re symptom free. My PCP said that in my case she thinks the prednisone use wekeaned my immune system and where I get sick a lot I need a higher dose of the valacyclovir to get it under control. She doesn’t think I have any underlying issues or resistance at this point and said to give it several months on the 1 gram dose and see if theres a difference. She also took a culture to rule out a yeast infection. Where I just finished the Monistat 7 she said it didn’t look like one but that could’ve cleared it up. She didn’t say that it looked like I was having an outbreak either, so I’m not sure what it was. I started my first dose of the 1g valacyclovir today so I’ll see how it goes. I feel an occasional itch or prickle feeling on and off today and I can’t stop thinking about it. It goes away but I dwell on it andI swear it makes it worse. Maybe us tormenting ourselves over this is making the symptoms worse, but its so hard not to. I ended up cancelling my appointment with my OBGYN. I figured I’d wait and see if the new dose helps. Fingers crossed. I haven’t had sex with my husband in almost 3 weeks and I’m so scared to. He still doesn’t know I have this! I’m so scared and ashamed that I have let this go for so long. It’s eating me alive. I see my therapist again next week to help me come up with a plan for telling him. I’m so lost. How did you all disclose to your partner?
@ash128083 if you don't mind me asking do you have type 1 or type 2?
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21 hours ago, Completelyshocked17 said:
Hey, I feel that you are definitely being a little bit to overcautious.Hey, I feel that you are definitely being a little bit to overcautious. I have had it for 14 years and I’ve never given it to anyone’s mouth. I have freely kissed my kids as well and nothing. I didn’t even pass it on to my partner of 10 years, Either Orally or genitally. To be fair I didn’t even know what it was so I didn’t know that I could’ve given it to everything I’ve read says that passing it on with your mouth is very rare.
Do you have oral and genital hsv 1 or 2? Glad to hear you have not passed it after all that time.
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2 hours ago, MarieH said:
So I gave my sexual partner H, orally.
He freaked out at first but is okay now. I feel bad. I disclosed and told him everything I knew about it. Answered any questions he had.
He and I knew the risk was there but I feel a little ashamed anyway. He had a fever for a few days, and upset stomach, and some sores.
It's also been a challenge to feel my normal sex drive(or any sex drive), it's starting to come back but very slowly.
So are you saying you gave it to him by kissing and then he got a sore on his mouth?
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1 hour ago, PhillyChick said:
@Concerned1977 just to provide an update, no he and i are no longer dating. unfortunately our relationship didnt last but it had nothing to do with my diagnosis. he was great in that regard and very understanding, but i broke up with him.
i have actually had 2 successful disclosures since then. i met someone shortly after the original dude, and we hit it off. we dated for a few weeks and he expressed interest in a relationship. i disclosed to him using my similar script above, and he said he appreciated my honesty, confidence and maturity. he called me back the next day and said he did some research, and he didnt think it was a big deal. long story short, we dated for a few months, but i had to let him go too.
i'm dating someone now, and as luck would have it, when i disclosed to him, his eyes lit up and he was like "OMG me too!". so coincidentally, it just so happens i'm dating someone who is HSV2+ as well.
i truly believe that your attitude dictates your circumstances. i REFUSE to view my diagnosis as a limiting factor to my dating. and because i dont believe it will impact my dating, it hasnt.
i also get asked what is the age range of the men i'm dating: they are all black men in their late 40s, early 50s. I'm 43 and i prefer "mature" men LOL
happy to chat further. feel free to PM me!
Yes this is great news lady so happy for you. Gives us some hope 🙏 that there are men who will see you for who you are… and not let this diagnosis scare them away. Thank you for sharing and I will definitely Pm you as we all need support. Thank you
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What do you guys take to prevent a full blown outbreak that you find works. My legs are aching my back is hurting and I feel the ladybits icing. Help
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17 hours ago, anniemilly said:
Hi so I have some questions ,
i went to the dr 1 day after seeing sores downthere , I got the doctor to swab it and she said she doesn’t think it’s herpes but it could be .. so she swabbed the area and did a blood and urine test for all STD , these were fresh , like very fresh flat ulcer looking sores they were also small, I thought there were from stretching after sex I had sex with condom and without maybe a week before. Anyways the doctor uploaded my test results online and they were all negative except chlamydia , she called me and let me know that one was positive and to tell all my past partners to get tested . Then days later I log onto my chart and see the HSV 1&2 were positive , she didn’t even call to tell me and I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t check... She told me it’s not necessary to tell past partners and there’s no way I can know who gave this to me even though I’m pretty sure the guy I’m dating gave it to me. I finished my 10 day antivirals and she told me I don’t need to go on antiviral therapy or anything because the swab was negative.. it’s been a month since I finished and I haven’t had an out break even with my period .... what does this mean? She’s not really giving me answers I also got a second opinion from a doctor who told me my levels were low and to come back to be tested again... this is all very confusing to me. Anyone have any advice or gone through similar ?
@anniemilly check your patient portal and see exactly which test you received did you get a IGM or IGG and post your numbers here it will better help determine sometimes it takes a little more time for people to build up the antibodies that need to be tested. How soon after your outbreak did you get your blood drawn
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On 10/24/2018 at 6:25 AM, New2GH said:
Hello @bonnie_1987, My igG index value was a 10.40 and when I asked Terri Warren if I had a recent infection she told me it was likely an older/established infection at that index value. As you know this is a common question and so Terri's answer is usually that index values such as ours are not likely to be recent infections. I hope that helps. You can check out her forum (if you haven't done so already) and read her responses to this very question from others. Take care.
Can I ask how soon after outbreak did you get tested? To have a 10.40 Igg
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@PhillyChick I love your disclosure it brings hope as im also in the same age range as well as AA. Its been about a year since this disclosure are you guys still dating if you don't mind me asking? And if not have you had any additional successful disclosures?
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I'm also African-American and I'm newly diagnosed as well just take it day-by-day and things will get better focus on yourself and accepting the new you, you don't want to stress yourself out because stress is a major trigger you are still beautiful inside and out.
Just remember there are so many other important things outside of this minor setback keep healthy stay positive and things will work out for the best.
I'm also going through the same thing and I'm here if you need to talk.
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20 hours ago, Alisonbr said:
Mine came back positive only two weeks after exposure. So I think your good .
Where your IGG numbers high after 2 weeks?
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On 8/21/2018 at 6:37 PM, Sunny720 said:
Hello everyone,
A little about me I’m in my late twenties and an African American female. I was diagnosed with genital hsv1 about 10 years ago while I was a senior in high school. I was so devastated and embarrassed to learn that I had this disease, especially because of the stigma and ignorance behind it especially in my community and with black people in general. Exploring this forum makes me feel a lot better knowing that I’m not alone and it’s more common that people care to admit. I remember when I was first diagnosed, I sat in the doctors office with lord knows how many painful blisters in my vagina and all the way to my anus. I felt so bad because the doctor made it seem as though almost all black women and men had this disease and hinted towards the fact that I must’ve been promiscuous although i had been with the same guy since 9th grade. I left the doctors office with a prescription and an invisible Scarlett letter on my chest that day, I was so torn and had such low self asteem I stayed with the guy who gave it to me and we soon had a child. Fast forward to 2015 I finally broke things off but have been dealing with the fear of dating because I dread the disclosure talk as well as possibly transmitting this to someone else. I’ve read all the statistics regarding genital hsv1 and I try not to stress as much to prevent having an outbreak. The physical part of having herpes is no where near as bad as the emotional part, I think I’ve had about 7 outbreaks in 10 years and it’s always one small blister in the same spot between my vagina and anus and they usually go away within 4 Days. I recently began taking antivirals although I don’t know if it’s all that helpful with ghsv1 and because I met a new guy that I really like and if we become sexually active I would like to reduce the transmission as much as possible. I’m not sure if we’ll get to that point yet because of my fear of being rejected or telling someone and they go around telling everyone you have herpes. It’s crazy because when I try to bring up herpes with my family and friends I just get shrugs and everyone acts like I’m a leper, it baffles me how statistics shows that herpes is common in the African American community but no one will admit it and acts like it doesn’t affect them. Anyway I feel like I’m rambling lol but I just wanted to share my story and I’d love to hear from anyone who can relate or wants to share anything.
Thanks for sharing this I'm also a black women.
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6 hours ago, Jane M said:
please weigh in on this, the man I believe to be the source of this has been with at least 100 women. He has put off getting tested, clearly avoiding. Just based in statistics, do you think he is likely infected? I can't see how he would not be.
I would say anything is possible.
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1 hour ago, Jane M said:
Lysine, olive leaf extract, 1 gram of valtrex, oil of oregano capsules, garden of life enzymes, vitamins D and C and monolaurin. I space out the olive leaf extract and lysine per what I read.
Can I ask what you mean by you space out the lysine? How often and how much are you taking daily?
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18 minutes ago, Jane M said:
regarding the first outbreak. It was so minor. Mg doctor initially thought it was a razor abrasion. The only tell tale sign for me is that it burned during the healing process. Short of that, it was just a nuisance. Not what I have expected.
That was really the same symptoms that I had as well, one small bump that I thought was a ingrown hair I also had some tingling as well that was my Telltale sign. Im taking oregano oil, multivitamin, lysine, vitamin C, and valtrex. I have ho had any additional outbreaks since first one on Aug 28th.
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10 minutes ago, Concerned1977 said:
Have you had any additional outbreaks since then? And if so were they more severe then your first one?
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2 hours ago, Jane M said:
July 20th sex w/ with the guy who has slept with 100 people and has yet to be tested
July 23rd sex with ex boyfriend, I don't think he is positive for herpes. He claims not to be.
August 4th, sex with Mr 100+ again.
August 6th, woke up with small sore.
August 7th, had cultured tested
August 10th, culture came back positive. Blood drawn that day. Negative for hsv 2, both igm and igg
August 16th, blood drawn, positive igg 6.82.
September 5th, hsv 2 igg 2.42
October 1st hsv igg 1.19
I have been taking 1 gram of valtrex per day since August 10th.
the earliest date of exposure would have been July 20th, the latest date would have been August 4th.
Have you had any additional outbreaks since then?
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Given my partner herpes...
in The herpes talk: disclosing
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@newtothis22 You hear so many people say that HSV1 shed a lot less than 2. But it could be that you are fairly newly diagnosed and more shedding occurs in your first two years.
If you don't mind me, asking where you guys using protection? and where you on antivirus?