Flowerteacher55

Hi! No need to apologize! 🙂 I am happy the sore throat went away. It is always a good idea to get a COVID test just to be sure, especially if someone you've had contact with someone who tested positive or hang out with people who have contact with that person. It's great that the pap smear came back normal. Yes, going back to campus is honestly such a change! I've noticed my anxiety being a little better but also it's been weird because I feel so anxious around so many people and having so many things to do is overwhemling. Typically, prodrome symptoms occur anywhere between, "30 minutes to two days," before an outbreak shows up, according to University of Pennsylvania, however I am sure that some people have symptoms that last longer before their sores show. Here is the source for that data piece: https://shs.wellness.upenn.edu/hsv/ If anyone else can offer any advice or answer the question, please do! 🙂 I'm so sorry I am not of more help. Sending health and happiness your way! Blessings, Grace

Hello! It's great that the yeast infection symptoms have disappeared! ☺️ In regards to your new flu-like symptoms, that could be due to a number of things, even a cold or a flue virus (especially as the seasons are starting to change). However, yes, you are correct in that some people experience similar symptoms when they have their first and/or future outbreaks. If these symptoms are associated with herpes, it is possible to have symptoms without seeing visible sores. These symptoms could be prodrome symptoms, the body's warning that an outbreak is going to occur soon, and it can indicate that your body is virally shedding (the virus is active and multiplying, but there are no sores). Also, sometimes the body has sores we cannot see (internal), or they are in odd spots we don't notice. Sometimes we DO have a sore, but it's unnoticeable! In the meantime, monitor your symptoms and see if the symptoms worsen or get better, and see if any changes occur in terms of skin irritation or tingling or redness, etc. Getting tested for COVID-19 would be a great idea. I am not a medical professional, but the swollen lymph nodes and swallowing pain could indicate another type of infection, and it would be a good idea to get this checked out (especially for COVID-19). Your body has been under so much stress lately, so if you are sick with something, you deserve to be treated ASAP! ☺️ Stay well!! Sending blessings your way!! 🌄

Hello!! Okay, I can respond now!!! ☺️ So, that is a great question. There are a few factors that could affect the likely or infection, such as the healing stages the sore was in during the time of intimacy, if he touched the sore, and if you were experiencing any symptoms that would indicate more viral shedding (tingling or burning or itching, fever, etc). It is possible to pass HSV through fingering and licking a hand that touched a sore, since HSV passes through skin to skin contact. Also, I wanted to clarify that I am not a medical professional. However, I am going to tag one! @Ebelskiver If it helps you feel at ease, you could remind him about having herpes, and that you did have a sore last time you were intimate. It might be scary to bring it up to him, but I'm sure he cares about his health and would want to be aware in case symptoms arise for him. The fact that you were intimate while you had a sore means the likelihood of transmission is more than if you didn't have a sore, especially an open or unhealed one. Also, you mentioned he kept pressing for sex. No means no. He should have respected your answer the first time you declined. Remember that you are a blessing who deserves to be respected and valued! ❤️ Don't ever let someone pressure you into anything you aren't 100% okay with. Your opinion matters and your choices are YOURS to make!! 🌄 Stay strong!! Sending blessings and positive energy your way! -- Grace

Hello!! I am going to reply to you ASAP!! I just got done a college class.

Noo!! Just because someone doesn't see your greatness doesn't mean you don't have greatness!! It's like, when a tree falls in a forest, it still makes a sound. So, from an educational perspective... in the US, about 75% of students in the classroom are extroverted. 25% are introverted. Because introverts are in the minority here, they are often seen as oddballs and are pressured to conform to extrovertism. However, that isn't right! Introverts and those who are more reserved or quiet aren't wrong or bad for being the way they are, it's just in relativity to the rest of people they are seen as different, and sadly, some people associate different with 'bad'. Those aren't folks who you should be with, anyway!! Stay strong!! Blessings!

Hi again! Oh my gosh, no. Some women love shy men, because they are often more respectful than some sassy smooth talkers. Shyness is okay!! Embrace it! 🌄 Stay strong. The dating game is hard for everyone. Have self-respect and a kind confidence and all else will fall into place.

Hello! I hope you are doing well. Definitely, I know what you mean. Posting a picture of yourself on a herpes dating website or an STI website basically is saying "GREETINGS, I HAVE HERPES AND THIS IS MY IDENTITY." However, I don't know why someone without herpes would be on a herpes dating website to begin with, or why someone without an STI or someone who isn't accepting of an STI would be on the site in the first place either. I have never been on a dating website specific for those with HSV/another STI. I have tried online dating via PlentyofFish and some other site a few times... and it was just not my cup of tea. AT ALL. Remember that you can find love online AND in person, too! The right person won't be shyed away by your common virus. Have high hopes and hold your head high! ❤️ Don't sell yourself short. The right human is out there for you!! 🙂 Blessings, Grace

Hi! First, and most importantly: you are NOT stupid. At all! Getting herpes or having herpes doesn't make you a bad person. It's a common virus; a part of being human. It doesn't determine who you are or the success and happiness of your life. The right woman won't mind that you have HSV (if it turns out that you have it). Love means unconditional love that grows stronger when we see the struggles others have had to overcome. Love grows and true love means acceptance, respect, and understanding. And you deserve a love like that! Also, alcohol throw a monkey wrench into things and impair our ability to think logically and use judgement. Be kind and forgiving to yourself (even though you have no reason to be sorry). Now more than ever you need to be your own cheerleader. Keep your spirits high and affirm your wholesomeness, purity, and soul. The symptoms sound so painful. Yes, I understand what you mean in terms of frustrating medical care. Sadly, so many medical centers are for-profit institutions, and when money and profits are put before patient care quality, it's just not okay. Plus, often times it's the administration and the insurance companies that pressure doctors to not write scripts or referrals so the insurance company doesn't need to pay for it. It's just so terrible. Health care in America definitely needs to be reexamined, as the system is just a mess; the actual doctors and nurses are blessings! I'm sure healthcare elsewhere, such as in the UK, also need to be bettered for the benefits of patients. I think it was smart of you to ask for the Acyclovir to see if it would help. I would say monitor symptoms for any signs of improvement, especially in terms of the tingling and redness/skin irritations. Stay hydrated and nourished. Be kind to yourself! 🌄 Sending prayers of happiness and health your way!

Hello! I am so sorry to hear that you are not doing well. That all sounds absolutely terrible 😞💔 In regards to the Acyclovir, you have been taking them for three days, so hopefully in a few more days symptoms should get better, if this is indeed herpes. Have you had any other tests or possible hypotheses to a diagnosis? Has the doctor offered any other possible suggestions? The swollen lymph nodes indicate that the body is fighting an infection, whether bacterial or viral. The fact that you are feeling worse is not good. If you don't start feeling better after a week, than definitely I would say either: 1) you do not have herpes and this is something else, or 2) you have HSV and another illness that is causing the excessive pain and symptoms. Also, this is a space for all to vent and share their stories-- both successes and struggles! You are not a debbie downer at all! I am sending happy healing thought and prayers your way!! ❤️ Blessings, Grace

Hello! Hooray! That is happy news. Especially that 30 different tests all came back within normal ranges! 🙂 However, that still leaves the case unsolved of why you keep having these recurrent outbreaks. I am not a medical professional, however I did do some quick research for you! According to the USA's National Institute of Health, B12 works to helps keep nerve cells healthy, and since nerve cells play a part in HSV, especially HSV-2, perhaps this could be a potential trigger? Here is the website for more reading: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/ TSH relates to the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, however I honestly do not know how that would trigger HSV outbreaks. In terms of an immune condition, have you ever been tested for Lyme disease? It can cause such extreme and odd symptoms that vary for everyone. Everyone in my family actually has it, 😞 however it lays dormant for many years and can randomly pop up and trigger body responses (maybe even HSV outbreaks!) I hope this helps! I am sending prayers your way 🙂! Blessings!

Hi!! It's wonderful that you want to protect your partner. However, yes, when something sounds too good to be true, it often isn't true!!! There are many quacks (no offense to ducks🦆) in the world who prey off those in need of hope or medical help, and that is not okay. It is great that you asked around first to check the credibility and legitimacy of the company prior to starting anything with them. Such a lesson we all must be aware of, and enlighten others with. We all gotta look out for each other!! 🌄 May we all stay well, stay wise, and stay positive ☺️! Blessings, Grace

Hello! I hope you are well 🌄. Yes, I have also read scientific journals discussing the impact of hypothetical HSV vaccines on mice (animal testing is so sad though 🥺 RIP, mice friends 🐁❤️🐀). The COVID vaccine was distributed to the public because of emergency approval by the FDA, however the Pfizer vaccine was just approved by the USA's FDA (yay!) I would imagine that the emergency distribution wouldn't occur again unless another pandemic or epidemic were to occur (God forbid), so I doubt they would release the possible trials of HSV vaccines to the public. COVID has definitely raised more awareness about the ability of viruses, such as HSV, to become resilient to drugs and vaccines. Perhaps with all of the scientific data obtained throughout the pandemic, doctors and scientists and virologist will examine not only the impacts of vaccines and medication on the awakening/worsening of dormant or active HSV, and the techniques that can be used to develop vaccines for viruses similar to COVID, and even vaccines for the herpesvirus family (such as HSV-1 AND 2!!) However, there may be clinical trials offered to people for some sort of compensation, however before engaging in that, a lawyer and your doctor should examine the contract and trial experiment paperwork prior to signing for anything. Always gotta be aware and on the lookout for quacks!! (Sad but true, and no offense to ducks 🦆). I hope this helps. Honestly,medical journals are so hard for non-medical folks to interpret. However, I will keep my eyes out for any scientific studies out there and share them with you!! Stay well ☺️ Blessings! 🌄

Oh gosh yes, ouch! And aw yay I'm glad it popped and is healing. The baths should help!! Salt baths are especially healing, as the salt draws out any inflammation and infection. Feel better! ☺️❤️

Hi! That is great news!! 😺 It's always great to get a second opinion, especially when it's from a specialist, such as an OBGYN. Ouch! I wonder what would cause the abscess. Is it similar to a cyst? Does it need to be removed or will it just go away on its own? I hope your HSV test comes back negative when you eventually take it in 12+ weeks. I will pray for you! ☺️ Sending blessings and healing thoughts! 🌄 -- Grace

Hello!! What amazing news!! ☺️☺️ It's amazing to hear you are feeling better. Thank you for giving us this update, I, and others I'm sure, were very worried about you!! I can't believe it was a staph infection! Sharing your story gives us all insight into possible diagnoses when someone is unsure if they have HSV. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Stay well and blessed! 🌄 -- Grace

@Aria_ Hi!! I hope you are feeling better. I am so sorry you had an outbreak after receiving the vaccine! I hope that you've healed since the outbreak. However, at least you know you have HSV so you can advise future partners. Yes, please let us know what the doctor says about the Valtrex, and what happens after the second shot. This data really can help others on the forum be prepared for the vaccine/potential side effects, so thank you SO much for sharing your experiences on here!! Sending blessings your way! 🌄🌻 -- Grace

Oh gosh I'm sorry I misunderstood!! Yes, that is a very difficult combination of events. I am so sorry. If you need any advice or support, or if your ex does, feel free to ask on here. Blessings 🌄

Hello! I am so sorry that you have been struggling with so much. Please know you are not alone. We are here for you! Yeast infections are so sassy! They literally spring up at worst times, and of course, in the worst places. An internal yeast infection must have been so painful. I am so sorry you had to experience that, and I hope since you posted this that the symptoms have ceased or have gotten better. In regards to the bump you noticed: how large was it? Were there any other bumps around it (like a cluster of small bumps that made up the large spot)? I am so sorry that the nurse did not want to ask the doctor for an OBGYN referral. And, I am sorry that the doctor refused to swab it again. If you need to see an OBGYN, heading to a sexual health clinic like Planned Parenthood would offer the medical, and emotional, support that is needed in such a situation. You deserve quality, kind care! A PCR swab always has the liklihood of providing a false negative, however, the fact that you did it within the 48 hour timeframe would reduce the risk of it being a false negative. Has the sore healed at all, or has it grown or shrank? Have you had any physical symptoms (fever, headache, tingling, itching, etc)? Also, have you asked the person you were intimate with if they have ever been tested for HSV or other STIs? I am sending you happy healthy vibes! Stay strong ❤️ Blessings, Grace

Hello! First, I am so sorry that your ex has herpes. If anything, she is struggling with the diagnosis, and feels just like we all have; like her life is over and she is dirty or bad. The good thing here is that can empathize with her pain and sadness. If you feel comfortable offering your shoulder for her to cry on, or if she has any questions about HSV, etc, then perhaps offering help if she needs it would be a kind thing to do. Second, yes, while it may have been hard to be honest about having the conversation three years ago, it is better than lying and have her live with the guilt of her having possibly passed it to you. While it did cause her to be upset with you, you did the right thing. We cannot control how other react, but we CAN control if we are honest or not. Similarly, she was honest with you about having possibly passed it to you, and told you right away when she found out she tested positive. Obviously, you both care about being honest with one another, and that is wonderful and respectful 🙂. If you have not been together in three years, and she just found out she had HSV, is it possible she may have gotten it from someone else? Or, has she been asymptomatic for three years? If she tested positive while having her primary outbreak, it seems like perhaps she got it from her current partner. If she tested positive via blood, she may have built up the antibodies since three years ago and has been asymptomatic or had sores but did not notice them, or thought they were pimples or ingrown hairs. I am so sorry you are both under such stress. Everything will be okay! ❤️ Sending blessings and positivity your way! 🙂 Grace

Hi!! 🙂 I hope you are well. This is a great question, and honestly having to deal with prescription changes can be so frustrating and inconvenient! In terms of getting an annual script written via telemedicine... I did some research for places, and honestly, a lot of these websites seem really shady and just not legit 😂. If you are in an area where there are Planned Parenthoods, you could try there, or another reproductive/sexual health clinic. Explain your situation and inability to access regular doctors appointments or make regular copays, if those are issues. Also, if you have already been on them for years, it seems you are able to take them, they work for you, etc, however many doctors like updates to see how you are doing when they prescribe you medicine. If they require updates, then you can do the telemedicine and they can digitally send the script to the pharmacy of your choice 🙂 Also, if copays are an issue, try GoodRx-- they have helped so many people! 🙂 Blessings! Grace

@livingbeyond Hi!! 🙂 I love this song so much!! It makes me cry every time. Thank you for sharing this with everyone! Your posts are so kind and genuine. Thank you for being you! ❤️ Blessings! 🙂

Hello!! I am so sorry you've been suffering. You don't deserve this at all!! Please know that you aren't alone. We are here for you ❤️. From what you explained, it doesn't sound like you may be experiencing resistance to the antivirals. Have you had any other health issues since the beginning of this year? Perhaps something happened that affected your immune response to healing the virus. Otherwise, it could viral resistance. In this case, you may need a stronger and/or more direct dose of antivirals to the spot, typically given intravenously. It is possible to have an IV dose of antivirals to help heal the outbreak completely. It isn't good that the spot never fully heals. I'm sure that is not only physically painful, but emotionally painful as you mentioned. It is great that your partner is understanding and kind, that is what you need during this hard time. I reccomend reaching out to a virologist or getting a referral from your doctor for a dermatologist and/or virologist so they can provide better treatment and examine the issue from a different perspective that the regular doctor perhaps didn't think of. I am sending prayers of healing and hope your way ❤️ Stay strong!! 🌄🌻 Blessings, Grace

@livingbeyond Hi!! ☺️ I hope you are doing a little better today. Remember that you are clean. You are wanted. You are a blessing worthy of the best of love! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story. Others can definitely relate, and you sharing definitely helps others feel less alone in their struggles. I am a 22 year old white female, however I wanted to say thank you for wanting to continue this thread and outreach to black women, and make this forum more inclusive and break the silence and stigma of HSV in the black community. Stay strong! A beautiful, healthy, respectful relationship will come your way 🌄 Sending blessings your way🌻! Blessings, Grace

Hello @timmy!! It is SO great that the specialist is actually listening and trying to help you!! ☺️ Remember to advocate for yourself and demand excellence! I hope you've been feeling better. I'm so sorry that the new outbreaks cause pain and annoyance! it will get better 🌄. Stay strong. We are here for you. sending prayers and blessings your way! 🌻

Of course! Happy to help ☺️ Oh gosh that really seems like strong doses of antibiotics. Having such strong antibiotics at one time could definitely throw a monkey wrench into the normal functions of the body and maintaining our vaginal bacteria. I totally understand the anxiety. I also take medication for anxiety and OCD (I take Zoloft and recently started birth control to help regulate my emotions linked to what I think is PMDD) and my OCD latched onto my herpes. It's like, extreme paranoia about having it, someone passing it on by just touching something, etc. Every little mosquito bite I get I sometimes think, "COULD IT BE A HERPES OUTBREAK" and I have to calm myself and be rational. Basically, the brain is so complex. I think of the analogy... Have you ever thought there was a bug crawling on you but there wasn't, but it "felt" like it? Sometimes we do the same with psychosomatic symptoms. Stress and fear of being sick can bring these psychosomatic symptoms on sometimes. Obviously, not all our symptoms are psychosomatic, and we should always be aware of if we aren't feeling well or notice changes in health. But, there are times when panic and anxiety triggers physicals responses that create cycles that play off each other (notices slight itch, gets anxiety about it, hyperfocus and touch area which increases irritation, get more anxious, panic attack causes more physical symptoms, etc). It's great you are going to call the doctor in the morning. It will be okay. Hang in there!! Sending blessings your way! 🌄