Whymewhynow

@PhoenixRising_009 I agree with you on other people's opinions and judgements. I'm really not here for that either. You are also right on the money about having to be okay with yourself and your journey because otherwise nothing else matters. I take 500mg of valacyclovir daily but I'm wondering if maybe I need to up the dosage or change it to acyclovir. I also take lysine, which to be honest I really don't know if it does or doesn't help. The outbreak itself is pretty mild since it's not directly on my lips and since I am darker complexion it doesn't really stand out (to anyone but me). It makes me very anxious though because I feel like I am checking my face in the mirror every 5 minutes to make sure that something new hasn't popped up.

God knew exactly what we all needed in this time, to not feel alone and isolated. I am so thankful for everything you ladies are sharing because until you have gotten to the place of acceptance as @PhoenixRising_009 and @Star28 mentioned it is definitely a daily struggle. Also, thank you for the reference, I will check Belize Spivey out today. @SeraLyn if you wouldn't mind sharing your post on your disclosures, I'm sure that a few of us on here will find it helpful. @Lstgryl please know that I feel your pain, but it has to get better. There is a ying and yang to everything in life. For every guy that is not willing to accept our journey there is one that will. I have to believe that because otherwise I just don't know. I am looking into going to talk to a therapist to try and work through this. I personally feel like I need all of the support that makes me comfortable at this point. I have not shared this with anyone yet so I just need to maybe say it out loud to someone at least once. I'm just not ready to do that with anyone that knows me personally. My struggle is a little daunting. I was diagnosed with HSV1 & 2 but the HSV1 is what is giving me the blues physically. I have what feels like a never-ending outbreak around my mouth that is going to drive me to a mental asylum.

Have any of you ladies had any positive experiences disclosing or found ways to work through this? I am a 38 year old single mother with 2 kids. I am currently not dating which is giving me time to cope with this myself before I could ever even think about disclosing this to anyone. I feel like the men in my age group might be the worst at accepting my situation. @Newme I am so sorry to hear about how this was involuntarily disclosed without your consent. That is a such a huge violation.

What are the side effects of lysine?

I pretty much feel the same at this moment!😢

Hello! I am new to this forum and have been reading though many of the threads which have been so very helpful!! This particular thread definitely caught my eye because it speaks to me directly. I was recently diagnosed but it is not a new transmission as I have not been with anyone in a year and suddenly had an outbreak. I'm still at a loss and have no idea how to move forward. To your point, this diagnosis holds one of the BIGGEST stigmas on our community that it makes me want to just crawl into a shell forever.