Juvia

I didn't really get scabs. I felt my lymph nodes swell up and the tingling start, and I immediately switched over to my prevention dose. The sores never formed, as far as I know. I hate type 1 genitally, so my outbreaks are never very severe. I just am more worried about spreading it more than anything.

I meant to say, long-distance, although it is also a long-term relationship as well.

I am on my 4th day of medicating for treatment. I take 400mg of Acyclovir 3x a day as prescribed. My doctor told me to do this for 5 days and start the suppression dose of 400mg 2x a day (morning & night). I am in a long term relationship, and I will be visiting him on April 3rd. He knows that I have herpes, and he knows that I am currently having an outbreak. I will still be taking the medicine for suppression, which I always do while I am sexually active, and we use protection as well (even though I know that condoms don't protect against herpes 100%). I just want to make sure that there is no extra risk, more so than normal, if we decide to have sex. If there is, I will (unfortunately) have to make it a celibate weekend.

That is where most of my stress lies, too. I take a lot of precautions when I am sexually active.

I only take it when I am sexually active to take precautions so that my partner does not contract it, when I am off, I am not bothered very often by outbreaks, so I don't find it necessary to take it everyday, but only when I have an outbreak (to help the heal time).

I didn't realize that getting herpes this way was so common. I also contracted the H this way.

Oh! you can favorite posts! You have just been favorited!

I am so happy for you, and I wish I could favorite posts for me to save so I could read later in the future. This is extremely uplifting, and it brought me to tears. You have such a positive outlook it is truly inspiring. I have good days and bad days, but reading this will definitely help me on the bad days in the future. Cheers to you chicka!

That sounds like a good question to ask your OB about. I don't have the professional knowledge a doctor would have, but if you both have the same type, him orally, you genitally, it is not like you two can get it twice in the same spot. He can still get it genitally and you can still get it orally though. Once again, this is just my understanding. I would suggest doing research and asking your doctor before listening to me. :)

Because once you tell them, it is easy for it to become the one thing that isn't talked about, when it is actually the one thing that needs to be talked about.

Did you explain to him any information about herpes? I know it might be rough, but try and put yourself in his shoes. He probably doesn't know much about it other than what the media has shown, or just the basic information. Try telling him about what type you have, explain to him the preventative care you are taking to ensure that you do not spread it. Whether you are taking the medicine, taking vitamins, and the advantages of using condoms. Explain what having herpes really feels like and what it actually means. Learn as much as you can about herpes for yourself too. Be open about it, because in my experience, telling them isn't enough. I guide them through the process, I try and put myself in their shoes, I am respectful of their feelings, and I ask them if they have any questions, and let them know that I am here to help and talk about it if they need it. The more support you offer, the more support you will receive, at least, once again, this is speaking from my experiences. The more confident you are about what you have, the more comfortable he will be.

By the way, I take 1000mg of Lysine daily even when I am not sexually active, when I am sexually active, I take the medication daily, but I have found that the Lysine does help. The first few outbreaks I had lasted from a week to two weeks, now they only last 3 to 4 days, and with much less pain. But, I would find an OB that you have a good relationship with. Ask her shamelessly about everything you feel like you need and want to know. My OB has been my saving grace.

To help with the physical pain. I have very painful outbreaks, too. When I get out of the shower in the morning and before I go to bed, I put an ointment on the outbreak that was prescribed to me by my doctor (OB), I pat it dry after the shower as well. Keeping it dry will help it heal faster. I also take Acyclovir to help the outbreak fade faster. On top of that my OB suggested to me that I take a supplement called Lysine to help my body's natural immunity strengthen, so it too can help me fight off the outbreak. Your first outbreak is going to last the longest and be the most painful, because it is all new to your body. Eventually, you body will build up it's own resistances to it, and your outbreaks will be less severe. Before the ointments, medication, and supplements, my outbreaks lasted 1 to 2 weeks, now they only last about 3 to 4 days, with much less pain. About the emotional pain you are going through. Stay strong. Look at it as a challenge thrown your way. Over time you will learn how to deal with it. Also, this is something that you have, it doesn't define who you are. You are not alone and you are not a freak. You still have a whole world of opportunities ahead of you. Now, you just have to be more careful with who and how you have sex. That is all. The more you know about what you have, the less chance you will have of spreading it to someone else. Although, there is always a possibility that it will happen. If you prepare yourself and your partners (share the knowledge) you have with them and take the appropriate precautions), everything will be fine. Even if things don't go as planned, that doesn't mean that it won't work out in the end. Life has a funny way of giving you what you need, even if it doesn't seem like what you want at the time. Social stigma about what we have doesn't make it better. Because the truth is, most people I have come across don't know anything about it. They don't know that there are two types that you can have, and all they have been exposed to about it is movies like Pineapple Express where it is joked about and shown as a dirty thing. And so, when someone finds out they have it, they often don't know much about it except for what they have seen, and all those bad connotations affect how you feel about yourself. But, you have to remind yourself, that that stigma is stemmed off of ignorance of what herpes actually is. They can joke about it because it isn't a life threatening thing. I mean getting chicken pox as an adult is more deadly than herpes. I have had herpes for about six years now, and I have had the talk quite a bit. Although it is still a little uncomfortable, it got easier. I have been rejected, but that only made me realize that that isn't the kind of person I was looking for anyway. It was rough, but nothing I couldn't handle. You find that having herpes really does help you grow in character, if not anything else. But, at the same time, you have to respect the decisions of others and try not to harbor judgement or resentment if they decide that they are not comfortable with it. If you wish to not be judged you must hold as one of your values to not judge. I am just letting you know, that rejection isn't the scariest thing, even if it may feel like it sometimes. It just means there is someone out there even better for you. I usually tell someone very early on. It is also good to be informed on what you have and ready to share your understanding and knowledge. The chances are he doesn't know much more about it than when you first found out that you had it. It will make him feel more comfortable knowing that you are prepared and well informed. I usually keep it short and simple and to the point. Prepare him for a talk "Could you sit down with me for a moment?" And then continue, "I feel like we have a good understanding of each other, and I want what we have to continue, so I feel it necessary to tell you something important for you to know. You see, I have herpes, and I was wondering what you thought about that." Listen to what he says and then offer, "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I believe talking about this is important. I want us to be as open about this as we are with other things." Try and put yourself in their shoes, it always helps me to be stronger. As I have stated, most people don't know much about what herpes is or what it feels like to have it. So teach them, help them understand. Be strong and stay strong. You have the ability and the right. I hope things get better soon.

If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me either through the forum or you can leave me a message if you wish to be more private. We are all here for you, and you are not alone.

Hello, my name is Juvia. One thing that helped me not be so scared is finding out all the information I could on what I had, not just which type I had, but both types that you can contract. Most people don’t know much about herpes other than the social stigma that the world seems to have about it. I sure didn’t know anything about it other than those two facts you mentioned, it is an STD and I will have it forever. But, the truth is, it won’t kill you. Getting the chicken pox as an adult is more dangerous than herpes. It is just a painful skin condition that will pop up every now and then, it will go away, and everything will resume as normal. Talk to your doctor about preventative care so that you do all you can to prevent it from being spread. There are medicines, ointments, and supplements out there to help your outbreaks not last as long and be overall less painful. As time goes on, the outbreaks become more infrequent and less painful because your body builds up a natural defense against it. Basically, the more you know the better off you will be. Here are some sites that provide information: www.cdc.gov/STD/Herpes www.herpes.com

That is beautiful, cheesy as h-e-double hockey sticks, and so incredibly true. I love it, it was a good thing to read this morning. Thanks.

I have had herpes for about six years now, and I have had the talk quite a bit. Although it is still a little uncomfortable, it got easier. I have been rejected, but that only made me realize that that isn't the kind of person I was looking for anyway. It was rough, but nothing I couldn't handle. You find that having herpes really does help you grow in character, if not anything else. It seems like you two really care about each other and have a good connection, so I don't feel like you will be rejected. I am just letting you know, that rejection isn't the scariest thing, even if it may feel like it sometimes. It just means there is someone out there even better for you. I usually tell someone very early on. It is also good to be informed on what you have and ready to share your understanding and knowledge. The chances are he doesn't know much more about it than when you first found out that you had it. It will make him feel more comfortable knowing that you are prepared and well informed. I usually keep it short and simple and to the point. Prepare him for a talk "Could you sit down with me for a moment?" And then continue, "I feel like we have a good understanding of each other, and I want what we have to continue, so I feel it necessary to tell you something important for you to know. You see, I have herpes, and I was wondering what you thought about that." Listen to what he says and then offer, "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I believe talking about this is important. I want us to be as open about this as we are with other things." Try and put yourself in their shoes, it always helps me to be stronger.

To help with the physical pain. I have very painful outbreaks, too. When I get out of the shower in the morning and before I go to bed, I put an ointment on the outbreak that was prescribed to me by my doctor (OB), I pat it dry after the shower as well. Keeping it dry will help it heal faster. I also take Acyclovir to help the outbreak fade faster. On top of that my OB suggested to me that I take a supplement called Lysine to help my body's natural immunity strengthen, so it too can help me fight off the outbreak. Your first outbreak is going to last the longest and be the most painful, because it is all new to your body. Eventually, you body will build up it's own resistances to it, and your outbreaks will be less severe. Before the ointments, medication, and supplements, my outbreaks lasted 1 to 2 weeks, now they only last about 3 to 4 days, with much less pain. About the emotional pain you are going through. Stay strong. Look at it as a challenge thrown your way. Over time you will learn how to deal with it. Also, this is something that you have, it doesn't define who you are. You are not alone and you are not a freak. You still have a whole world of opportunities ahead of you. Now, you just have to be more careful with who and how you have sex. That is all. The more you know about what you have, the less chance you will have of spreading it to someone else. Although, there is always a possibility that it will happen. If you prepare yourself and your partners (share the knowledge) you have with them and take the appropriate precautions), everything will be fine. Even if things don't go as planned, that doesn't mean that it won't work out in the end. Life has a funny way of giving you what you need, even if it doesn't seem like what you want at the time. Social stigma about what we have doesn't make it better. Because the truth is, most people I have come across don't know anything about it. They don't know that there are two types that you can have, and all they have been exposed to about it is movies like Pineapple Express where it is joked about and shown as a dirty thing. And so, when someone finds out they have it, they often don't know much about it except for what they have seen, and all those bad connotations affect how you feel about yourself. But, you have to remind yourself, that that stigma is stemmed off of ignorance of what herpes actually is. They can joke about it because it isn't a life threatening thing. I mean getting chicken pox as an adult is more deadly than herpes. I hope everything gets better for you soon.

It is always the hardest part. I have had it now for five... six years? I must admit I can't recall how long ago it was. But, when I do disclose the news with someone, it rough at first, but if they care about you and have a good character in general, then it will bring you closer. I have always had a hard time telling people, because sometimes I feel like I sound like I am about to confess my love or something, which is odd in itself because I usually tell them quite early on. It doesn't have to ruin a good time. It is all about how you present it. I really like how it was presented in the e-book available through this site. "I feel like we have a close connection, and because of that, I would like to confide something in you. I want what we have going on right now to continue, and this isn't easy for me to say, but I still find it necessary. (Here comes the hard part) I have herpes, and I'd like to know how you feel about that." It doesn't have to involve crying, or constant apology. It can be a very good thing. Just always keep that in mind. I always try to.

You can find it at Walgreens or CVS, it is not a behind the counter drug, it is a vitamin/supplement. The pill form usually is about $10.00 a bottle, they have a sale going on at Walgreens Online right now, two bottles for $10.00. It also comes in a ointment form, which I like as well, which you can find for around $8.00. I take the 1,000mg

I usually tell them once I feel we both acknowledge that we are both interested in having the relationship actually become a romantic one. I feel like if you wait too long, they may feel like you were holding out information, but they have just enough chance to understand as well. I usually tell early on. It eases me of carrying around that stress for longer, and it lets them know that you care about them and their right to know. If they are not okay with it, then it isn't someone I want to be giving my love to anyway, but I also try not to judge them and I try to respect them for their decision, whatever it may be.

Oh yeah, that veet stuff if rough! A week is usually good for me. Even after the outbreak is over, I continue to use the ointment to help my skin heal.

Ask your doctor about supplements or vitamins you can take that will help shorten your outbreaks and help them heal faster. I take Lysine, which works for me.

What helps me is getting as much knowledge as possible. For me knowledge means power. It will help you feel more confident, and help others feel more at ease as well. It is good to not want to spread it to someone else, that means you care. If you learn about ways to help prevent that from happening, it not only will help your peace of mind, but it will help your chances of not spreading it. Pacific is right, the sensitivity and awareness you are showing is quite impressive. Thumbs up, girlie!

Before I am about to have an outbreak, my lymph nodes under my jaw and by my hip bones (best way I can describe it) swell up and ache continually. Before that happens though, I usually find I get headaches typical over-the-counter pain relievers can't get rid of and body aches. And, of course the tingling. Do the bumps hurt that you get where your hair follicles are? I just know, that when I have an outbreak, they look like when I had the chicken pox, but just a few of them, and it hurts, it really does! It doesn't stop hurting, ointments my doctor has prescribed helps alleviate some of the pain, but when I have an outbreak, it is just very uncomfortable. Your bumps near your upper thigh may just be ingrown hairs, I have quit shaving the upper area and switched to using wax strips. Shaving can cause ingrown hairs to appear more frequently, but waxing or plucking the root out can help prevent that from happening. It doesn't hurt as bad as you may think, and the effects last longer (your hair takes longer to grow in and over time even grows in less thick). NEVER wax the lips or the area where skin cannot be easily pulled tight. I still shave that part. If you want, go to Wal-Mart or Walgreens or any store like that and pick up some wax strips (I use the Nair Brand- the small 'facial' ones- the smaller the area you apply wax, the more control you get and the less pain you feel) and test that out in small areas first to see if that helps with the bumps that you are getting. Also, ask your doctor about the bumps if you are worried. I ask my doctor about EVERYTHING that worries me. I am not a doctor, and can only give answers based on experience and my understanding, which is not a professional understanding. And, when I have an outbreak I keep razors and wax and all of that away from that area. Try not to touch it too much down there. And always wash your hands with soap after you do have contact. Just let it do its thing until it goes away. I usually wait about a week after the signs of an outbreak have passed to shave again down there.