Flowerteacher55

Hello, I hope you are well. I am so sorry that you are anxious and scared. It is exhausting to have that fear looking in the back of our mind. It is distracting and takes away from the joy of the present moment. Please know you are not alone and know and believe that you are NOT a danger. You are a person with a common virus. It doesn't define you. It's wonderful you have spoken to your partner about it. They accept you and understand risks. Love is stronger than fear. Always remember that ❤️. Stay strong and hopeful. Hold onto the rational logic and truth that you have your antivirals and your partner understands the situation. It isn't your fault if you have an outbreak. You did your part by being honest with your partner and by being prepared with antivirals. If it helps, ask you partner for reassurance and explain your fear. Sometimes having a little support reminder from your partner makes all the difference. Like, asking them to say "I will still love you even if you have another outbreak," or "love is stronger than fear" really can help. When I'm anxious about my OCD thoughts I ask my mom for support. I'll say, "I'm worried about this but I don't need to be, right?" And she gives the reassurance and support I need. When we verbalize our fears, they loose their power over us. Love is stronger than fear! Remember this always! Reach out with any other questions or if you need any support. We are here for you! 🌟 Blessings, grace

Hello, @RingofFire! No worries! It's never too late to ask! 😊 I am excited to get answers to all these questions. Thanks to all who have posted their questions!

Hello @RingofFire! I am so sorry that the doctors appointment did not provide a diagnosis. If the doctor doesn't know who to refer you to, that's just absurd! Could you ask for a referral to a urologist? That may help.or perhaps a virologist? The urologist may really help though since they specialize in the lower region and perhaps they've seen others with similar symptoms. it's great your symptoms have gotten better! I'm saying prayers for you to fully heal 🍀 I completely understand your worry about passing your infection to another person. It's great that you are considerate of the well-being of others. TO get back into saying you could always hold off on any intimacy and explain to the person what happened, and how you are currently trying to get a diagnosis. Waiting before being intimate is okay, and can often make the relationship even stronger and more romantic. I hope this helps! Stay strong! Things are getting better! 🌟☀️

@I_Got_This Hello! I am so sorry you are dealing with COVID and your new HSV diagnoses. I hope your son is okay and I hope you heal and feel better soon! 🌟 If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out. Sending prayers of healing and happiness your way! Happy New Year! 🌟🕊️🎉

Hi, @RingofFire AWESOME questions! Thanks so much for asking them. I will relay the questions to UW and let you know what they say! I am going to call them after New Year's Day! Blessings!

Hello! It's so wonderful you met someone! This is a great question! You both can contract each other's strain of HSV. It is unlikely you would contract the other's HSV in the genital region, but it is possible. Typically, people with both strains of HSV have the different strains in different regions of the body, such as one in the oral region and one in the genital region. I am not sure about the outbreak rates for people who have both strains in the genital region. I would imagine that having both strains in the same region may increase outbreak likelihood since the lower nerve bundle/ganglia is being impacted by both viruses strains, but I am unsure. I can ask University of Washington Virology Division about this, too! Is your partner symptomatic or asymptomatic? Do they take preventative antivirals? Do they have frequent outbreaks? Thinking about these questions and answers can help you evaluate safety and precautions to take. Stay well! Blessings! 🕊️🌟✌️

Hello! First, I am so sorry you've been hit with the storm of so many things; HSV symptoms in two places, a sinus infection, and COVID! You don't deserve this at all. Please know this is not your fault. You are not dirty. You are not bad. You are not any less of a person for having HSV. You are pure. You are good. You are worthy! Hold you head high! In regards to the post-sex symptoms, perhaps you had a hemorrhoid flare-up. Did the doctor offer anything else to help with the pain, or offer an explanation as to how this flare-up was specifically caused? I hope you heal soon! In regards to the HSV symptoms, they align with the timeframe you mentioned and the blisters you mentioned and the nerve symptoms all sound like HSV. It's great you had a blood and swab test to confirm. Have you talked about it with you current partner? The Valacyclovir may have caused the adverse oral reactions you mentioned. That actually is indicative of a serious allergic reaction, especially if you felt irritation in your throat or your breathing was impacted. I would not take Valacyclor again. Tell the doctor who prescribed it that you experienced serious adverse side effects. Ask your doctor or an OBGYN (or both) if Famcyclovir or Acyclovir would be a better antiviral alternative, or if they also would cause adverse side effects. The oral sore sounds like you have oral HSV and genital HSV. Don't worry- there is hope! 🌟🕊️ Also, having a sinus infection AND COVID definitely is not helping your immune system. The reason why your symptoms may be lasting so long is because your body is under such stress, and stress (both physical and emotional) can worsen and even trigger outbreaks. I am praying for you! 🌟💛 Stay strong. We are here to answer any questions you have! Blessings, grace

@Sonia Thank you for all of this insight! The spine-related issues would make sense since genital HSV lives in the base of the spine. I am going to look into that! Would you mind posting the link to the article(s) where you found the information you mentioned here? Thank you so much! 🌟

Hello, @Sonia! I hope you are well. I am sorry to hear about your frequent outbreaks. It is awesome that you take such good are of yourself. Perhaps the inflammatory stress your body was under from your gluten allergy was causing more outbreaks? I will ask the University of Washington about links between allergies (specifically Celiac's) to HSV outbreaks, and I will ask them what other lifestyle changes and supplements can help reduce outbreaks. I am praying for your health and happiness! Blessings and Happy New Year to you! 🕊️🌟💛

Hello, Friends! I hope you all are well 🌟🕊️💛 I wanted to ask if anyone else had any questions for the University of Washington Virology Division (who makes the Western Blot test) before I call them to ask questions from friends on the forum! Respond here or direct message me know before the end of the week 😊 Thank you! Blessings, grace

Hello! Sorry for my misunderstanding, and thanks for the clarification! Yes, 12 years is such a long time, and you deserve to know what is happening with your body. Good luck to you, and keep us updated! What the doctor/virologist says may help others in your situation! 🍀 Thank you again for sharing your story, and Happy New Year! 🕊️🌟💛

Hello! I am so sorry that I never responded to your post! I sincerely apologize. Things have been hectic. My grandparents have been ill (one has shingles and the other has three broken ribs from being stubborn and climbing a ladder by himself). First, I am so sorry that you are experiencing these symptoms, and I am so sorry that your doctor was dismissive and made you feel like you were hallucinating. That's NOT okay at all! You did not deserve that. Your body seems to be having some sort of immune response related to the cold sore, or perhaps a medication you take when you get the cold sore. Do you take anything to help the sore heal? Perhaps your body is allergic to an antiviral if you take one or a type of ointment or supplement you may take to help the cold sore? If you do not take anything during or after the sore, it seems that your body may be having an inflammatory response to having a outbreak. You could get a referral and go to an allergist or a virologist. They would more likely take this more seriously and have experience helping those who have allergic responses to viruses. I hope this helps! Stay well. Sending positive blessings your way! 🙂🌻 - grace

Hello! It's great that you stay up to date with the scientific studies out there. I am hopeful for a herpes vaccine, too! I haven't done much research in regards to the current studies and work being done to help create a cure, but I definitely will check it out! Thank you for your positive outlook on the future. You are so right-- a lot of progress has been made for herpes understanding and research, answer still have a lot to go, especially in terms of social understanding of HSV! Blessings to you and Happy New Year! 🌟🕊️

That's great that you are focused on the rational side of everything! 🌟😊 It's also awesome that he also wants to get tested. A team effort always makes things better! In regards to the breaking open and releasing fluid, that is a pretty classic sign of a herpes sore. However, sometimes sores skip stages of healing. The classic stages are: red raised bump with dimple, fills with fluid and forms head, sore breaks open and releases fluid, scab forms, scab falls off leaving new skin. Typically, HSV sores will break open in some way. However, it is possible for them to appear without breaking open, too!

Hello, Thanks for the information and additional image. It sounds like this may be some sort of dermatological rash. I also wax, and if wax is too hot or you wax on ingrown hairs, it can cause some painful sores. The sores can worsen if it's a friction area. If you bike or run or wear certain underwear, it may cause friction in the thigh/bottom area. It is great that you are going to get tested. Since it's been a little while since you first noticed the spots, testing may not be very helpful in indicating HSV. Swab tests are most useful and accurate within 72 hours of first seeing your spots/sores. An IgM antibody blood test would indicate if you were recently exposed to HSV, and an IgG antibody blood test would show if you were exposed 12+ weeks ago. IgM antibodies spike in number when exposed to HSV, but then decrease quickly in number as time passes. IgG antibodies take time, at least 12+ weeks to build up detectable numbers of. Even then, blood tests are difficult to time! Everyone's body builds up antibodies at different speeds. So, sometimes a few tests are needed to conclude a positive diagnosis. However, this may not be HSV. I reccomend going to get it examined by your primary doctor, and ask if they can write you a referral to a dermatologist. Explain to your doctor/dermatologist about the wax you had a few weeks ago. Facilities can often not clean tools or wax items properly and infections can occur. I am sorry that the fear of unfaithfulness has arose. It is possible to transfer HSV oral coldsores to another through oral sex. Your husband may have transmitted it to you without knowing. Remain rational and calm, and ask him again about things, explaining that it's about physical health and wellbeing. If anything ever happened, honesty is the best policy. However, before jumping to conclusions and giving in to fear and worrying, get it examined by a doctor. Also, ask him if he's ever noticed a rash like this on his body before. I hope this helps!

Hello and Happy Holidays (or Merry Christmas, if you celebrate it!) ⛄ I hope you are feeling okay. The light-colored bubble-looking sores in the photos do look like they could be HSV, however, it may be another dermatological condition. To help better decide if this is HSV, please answer any or all of these questions: What part(s) of the body are the spots/sores on? Do the spots/sores itch, leak fluid, burn, or have a dimple in the center? When did you notice these spots/sores? What happened before they appeared? Any changes in diet, skin products, or physical intimacy? Have the spots/sores changed at all since you first noticed them? Have you had this examined by a medical professional as of yet or do you plan on making an appointment? Stay well! Sending blessings of health your way, grace

@DeMar Hello, It's great to hear you and your partner are together and are making everything work. Thank you for sharing this positive hopeful story with us. It definitely helps us all see that love and togetherness IS possible. Stay well!

@Cem160 Hello, I am so sorry you have been struggling. Trust me, honesty is always the best policy. Ethics drive our actions, and when we make conscious, ethical choices we are being part of the positive change this world needs, and we are working to make HSV a stigma-free conservation topic and stigma-free virus! So, kudos to you for being an honest person. Disclosing may seem scary, but more often than not (at least in my experience) the person we disclose to is grateful for our honesty. I have had numerous people thank me for telling them, whether the relationship worked out or never went anywhere at all. Hold your head high. You live with honesty and integrity, and that is something to be proud of! The right person will appreciate your honesty and never ever make you feel bad or unworthy of love or acceptance just because of a common virus. Stay strong! We are all here for you. Sending positive and healing blessings your way 🦋 - grace

Hello, It's wonderful that the ultrasound came back negative. It's also great that the doctor said they would re-check next week. I am saying prayers for another negative ultrasound! I also am praying that you get a diagnosis. From everything, it sounds like this may not be HSV. I will keep researching what it could possibly be. If your doctor doesn't have any possible diagnoses, it may be best to ask for referrals to a urologist and a virologist. I am so sorry that you've been struggling with the physical and emotional stress. You don't deserve that at all. Please know that this is NOT a sign from the Universe saying you shouldn't date or be happy. You have every single right to be happy and find a relationship that is built on true love, respect, and unconditional support and love. Please know that it is 110% possible to find love, whether you have HSV, another condition, or anything at all! You are not defined by your symptoms or your struggles. You are strong, you are a survivor, and you will get through this. We are all here for you! You are a blessing 🌟🦋. The world needs you 🌎💛. Blessings, grace

Another note: it's really frustrating, because I keep researching and none of these sources mention internal 'pressure' after a herpes outbreak. This is annoying because obviously it's a thing since so many people mention it as a symptom!! I will keep researching, and I will call the University of Washington's HSV Virology clinic (the people who do Western Blot testing) and ask them about it! I'll let you @Km_girl @Stayingpositive3 know what they say! Sending happy healing prayers to you both 🌟🌈🦋!

Hello! I'm so sorry you're feeling that pressure and pain. Those two symptoms and the discharge do sound like it could be an outbreak, or the start of one. How long have these symptoms been going on? I hope you feel better! 🌈🦋!

Hello! I am so sorry you've been experiencing those pesky symptoms. Since you just had your first outbreak, and the first outbreak is usually the most severe, it is normal to have lingering itch, uncomfortable feelings, and painful urination since your body did experience a pretty intense and unfamiliar thing! The itch can be due to new skin growth, which happens after sores heal. Painful urination can be due to having internal sores (you can have sores in the urethral cavity and inside the vaginal cavity) which can cause urination discomfort. I had my frost outbreak a few years ago, and my ability to hold in my urine was impacted. It's like, I get this terrible pinch-like cramp when I have to hold in my urine for a little while. Overall, please know your post-first outbreak symptoms are normal. Something that might help soothe the skin is misting ice water on the area (buy a little spray bottle, wash it, and fill it with ice water and set it to the mist setting!) You could also try freezing washcloths, or sleeping with an ice pack. If symptoms continue or worsen, make sure to talk to a doctor. You could see a dermatologist or you can ask your primary doctor for referrals to a virologist or a dermatologist, etc. I hope this helps!! Stay strong. You are not alone. We are here to listen and offer advice any time! Sending blessings your way 🌻 -- grace

Hello, Take a breath. You are not bad you are not dirty you are not unworthy of love. ❤️ You are loved. 🕊️ You are a blessing. 🌻 You are pure. 🦋You are deserving of love and respect 💛. I am so sorry you are experiencing such sadness and confliction. Please know you are not alone. Everything will be okay. There is hope for you, your relationship, and for the future 💛🌟. Even though you feel dirty, ashamed, and like you aren't deserving of your partner, please know those thoughts are manifestations of fear; fear that is created by external societally-constructed pressures and stigmas surrounding H. The amazing wonderfully beautiful thing about true love, is that these fears and stigmas are no match for true unconditional love! Your partner seems to understands risks and how H Is sassy; sometimes we don't know when we are shedding. He doesn't blame you, and neither should you. You are a beautiful, safe person who has a common virus. It doesn't define who you are AT ALL! Your partner has freewill to choose, and he chooses you. He is modeling what you can feel for yourself, love and respect and acceptance and unconditional love, which you are so so deserving of ❤️. Be kind to yourself. Everything will be alright. H cannot break a true bond between two people! Feel free to reach out anytime. We are all here for you! Blessings, grace

Hi! I wanted to clarify-- the second study link speaks about the connection between GHSV-1 and cervicitis and having an internal birth control method. I would think it is possible to have cervicitis with either type, with or without an internal birth control method. I hope you are doing okay!

Hello! I hope you are well. I am so sorry to hear about all of the struggles you've been facing as you get used to HSV! It sounds like your body is working hard to build up antibodies and get used to the virus, too. It is great that you are aware of your prodrome symptoms, since you can take antivirals and help stop an outbreak in its tracks. The sore you noticed a few days ago could be a herpes sore, or if it looks like something else, it could be an ingrown hair. If it is a herpes sore, then it could be a new little outbreak. It is is normal for sores to appear anywhere in the general region where you have your HSV. For genital HSV it is normal to have outbreaks on the thighs, buttocks, or genitals, since all those are directly connected to the lower ganglia (ball of nerves herpes lives in at the base of the spine). In regards to the discharge, there are many people who have discharge changes when they have outbreaks, however I have never heard of someone having such large amounts of discharge that it soaks through their pants. It sounds like you could have sores/outbreaks internally, which is causing the excessive discharge. It is common for people to have internal outbreaks, and sadly they can be pretty painful. For my first outbreak, I had many internal sores inside the vaginal cavity, which made it hard to walk and sit. If you also had internal sores, or suspect you do now, this could be what's causing the discharge. I did some research, and I found some medical articles on herpes discharge and excessive discharge: https://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-discharge#types-of-discharge I also read that excessive discharge is a symptom of cervicitis, which is an infection of the cervix. If your sores became infected or you have a bacterial infection, it can cause this. There is a condition called herpes cervicitis, which you can read about here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345432/ The article talks about how the risks of this are higher in people who use an internal birth control method, but it talks about how HSV can shed internally and cause excessive discharge, however it is often unnoticed and unsymptomatic, so it gets diagnosed during pap smears. Maybe you could be tested for this or have an internal exam to see if there's something going on inside the vgainal canal and cervix that is causing the excesive discharge. I hope this helps! Hang in there. It will get better! ❤️ Blessings, grace