Flowerteacher55

Hello! First, thank you for sharing your story. I'm sure it will help others who can relate to it. Second, please know that you can work through this. It is so amazing that you are already in therapy! That is a happy healthy sign that you and your husband want to work through everything. So, good for you! 🙂 I can't even imagine the emotions you have been feeling; betrayed, scared, sad, angry, etc. Your husband may have just assumed it was a common annoying thing that he had, and didn't feel the need to share it. Maybe he thought it wasn't contagious. You may be feeling that he was completely disregarding your health and well-being; maybe he didn't realize it was something to be worried about. The fact that he has been dealing with this for 15 years and never received treatment must have been really painful for him, and honestly I am surprised he didn't bring it up to his doctor! So many people are not aware of HSV, and how common it is, and how to ID it, etc, so it is possible he really didn't think there was anything wrong; maybe just a rash. It is scary to think about how you probably wouldn't even know about it unless you saw it, but don't let the hypothetical get in the way of what actually did happen (you saw it and now everything is out in the open). It is possible you never noticed the sores on him before. Sometimes outbreaks are small, some are larger. Sometimes they are in spots that are hard to see, other times they are on visible areas. Also, there are many couples who never pass HSV to their partner, even after years of being intimate with one another. I hope this helps! Therapy should also help. Really communicating without judgment is essential ❤️ Sending blessings and prayers your way! 🌻 grace

Hello! I hope you are well ❤️ I am so sorry that your outbreaks last so long. Do the sores last that long, or the symptoms (or both?). It seems like the suppressive medicine is not working for you. You could try taking another antiviral (sometimes trying Acyclovir or Famcyclovir when you are taking Valtrex helps, not all antivirals work as effectively for all people!) Have you noticed if anything triggers or worsens your outbreaks? In general lysine cream is helpful for healing the sores. Heat or ice packs can soothe the nerves. Preventative measures like reducing stress (both physical and emotional) can help as well. If you notice that your outbreaks are linked to hormonal changes, you could look into ways to help regulate hormones. I hope this helps! ❤️ Praying for you! 🙂 grace

Hello @Nevemind! Sorry for the late reply. I hope you are doing well. Please know that everything will work out. Yes, lysine can cause stomach pain and diarrhea when taken orally, among other side effects. If you aren't sure if it would be good for you, talk to your doctor. Here is an article about typical Lysine pills and natural food sources of lysine: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lysine @Dyna13 Hi! I'm sorry that you aren't feeling well. If you have GHSV, it is possible that lifting heavy things (if you bodybuild you may be putting stress on the spine and lower back/spine where the ganglia nerve bundle is; this is where GHSV lives). It's also possible that you are coming down with a cold or flu. In general, stress in any form (physical or emotional) can trigger outbreaks. I hope this helps! Blessings to you both! ☀️🌻 grace

Hi!! Sorry for the late response!! When you are distracted, do you still notice the discomfort? When you're happy do you notice it? Or do you notice it only when stressed? It may be eye strain and you're hyperfocused on the symptoms so they then feel worse. I think maybe the suppressive dose would be okay to go back to. I think you are safe ❤️. You could consult your regular doctor in case you can't reach the optometrist but need to reach him. Also I've been meaning to tell you that you have beautiful eyes!! ☺️ Stay well and be kind to yourself!! Blessings!! 🦋🌻☀️

Hi!! Great question. In general, for any given person who has a vagina, the average is rate of transmission of HSV-2 without the use of condoms or suppressive medication is 4% per year. This is the rate of transmission to a man (so the transmission rate of you passing it to a man). Of course, this number increases if the man has an autoimmune disease or weakened immune system due to illness or a medication that lowers their immune system. It is possible for the risk of transmission to decrease over time, since viral shedding loads may decrease over time. There are studies that track subjects and measure the viral load over time. However, all people are different. I'd say it's best to play it safe and always assume the 4% risk regardless of time that has passed. Also, the 4% decreases by 1/2 with the use of condoms or suppressive medication. When using both, the risk drops to about 1% I hope this helps!! Blessings to you 🌻☀️🍀 !!! grace

Hi!! I'm so sorry that you are under such stress. How did the contacts feel? Have your symptoms improved at all? I honestly don't know it eye HSV can present in only red lines. However, I feel like if this was HSV the Acyclovir would've helped, and if it was allergies the drops would've helped. It's possible it's neither, and perhaps it's a clogged duct or eye strain or some type of allergic reaction that isn't related to regular spring/summer allergies. I will keep researching for you!! ❤️ Stay strong and enjoy your vacation!! ☀️🦋 Blessings!!

Hello! It's totally wonderful to be on top of your health!! Wellbeing is definitely a priority ☺️ Age and changed that come with it can certainly impact HSV and time can impact medication. For example, some people have to change up the type of antiviral they take because their virus gets desensitized to it. Sending blessings of health and happiness to you!! ☀️🌻🦋 !!! grace

Hello Friend, First, I am so sorry that you are experiencing such pain. Please know you are not bad. You are not dirty. You are not worthless. You are not a danger to yourself or others. You are good. You are pure. You are clean. You are worthy of love and respect. You are safe. You are such a warrior. You are a survivor, and you have overcome SO much, you are truly inspirational! ❤️ You are living proof that tough times make for the strongest of people, and it's possible to make it through the seemingly impossible. You are not weak or broken. You are strong and put together. I also have OCD, which is exacerbated by my HSV. I already feel dirty and bad because of molestation as a child, and then abuse from an ex (the one who I contracted HSV from), and getting HSV was like putting salt in a wound. I completely understand the fear of passing it to others, and feeling the need to disinfect everything. Please know HSV doesn't spread through surfaces. It's spread via skin to skin contact with the infected area during an outbreak and/or viral shedding. There are many people who have been married happily for years and may have never known one of the partners has HSV. Since HSV can live for years without showing symptoms, many folks don't know they have it. It isn't your fault! This is a common virus that is just a part of being human. It doesn't have anything to do with your morals, ethics, standards, or success or worthiness. It is just a virus. The stima surrounding it is societally constructed, and societal stereotypes and judgements are based off misinformation, fear, and overall lies. The wonderful thing is, through platforms like this and with better education and awareness, we can all help to break that stigma! Of course, we also have to be the sitgma-shatterers for ourselves, reminding ourselves to not give in to the negative thoughts or stigmas about HSV, too! In regards to your husband, you have no reason to be ashamed. Love is the strongest force on this planet, and H does not have the power to break love. Your husband loves you so much that he want to have children with you; make mini humans with you! A virus wouldn't change that. Of course he still loves you. You may be feeling bad about yourself right now, and perhaps you are mortified that he would still want to be with you after this, but remember, that is how strong love is. Love is patient, kind, and unconditional. Instead of running from this love, use it to support you in this difficult time ❤️. You have been through so much physically. I am so sorry for the medical experiences you have had. However, you are still standing and you are sharing your story, which is so most likely inspiring others and helping others who can relate see they are not alone. So, thank you for sharing your story and proving surviving and overcoming adversity is 110% possible! 🌻☀️ If you need support, feel free to direct message me. I am praying for you ☀️🌻🦋! You are not alone and you are safe, beautiful, worthy, and loved. Be kinder to yourself ❤️ you deserve it!! 🌻🌻☀️ !!! Sending blessings of kindness and happiness and health your way, 🦋 grace

Hello! Welcome to the site!! That sounds like it's due to nerves which may be inflamed after the outbreak. I personally do not have this symptoms, however I have heard of others on the site speaking about the itchiness elsewhere on the body; I'm not sure if the people also had the itchiness after an outbreak or if it happened randomly, etc. Hopefully others respond to your question ☺️!! Sending blessings of happiness and health your way!! 🌻 grace

Hi @40sBritishMale, I'm sorry that you are frustrated with everything. Have you looked into it possibly being balanitis or pelvic floor issues? I'm praying for you!! 🌻🦋 grace

Hello, @monroe!! I am SO sorry for the late reply!! I hope you and your partner are doing well. Does your partner have type on genitally or orally? Also, do you have oral HSV-1 (cold sores)? It is possible you also have it. However, it is very low risk that genital HSV-1 passes from genitals to genitals. Often times genital HSV-1 is a result of receiving oral sex from someone with a cold sore/is orally virally shedding HSV-1. Have you been taking gapapentin prior to your symptoms? If so, that's interesting, since gapapentin should help stop or prevent the pain you are describing. If you were just prescribed it to help with your symptoms, have you noticed any difference? Also, is the pain constant or sudden? Sending blessings of health and happiness you and your partners way!! 🌻🍀🦋 grace

Hi!! The white bump is on the lacrimal caruncle. That part of the eye can become inflamed and masses can appear on it because it is very close to the tear duct, which can sometimes get clogged. Believe it or not, having white bumps in the caruncle is common, since there are oil glands in that part of the eye that can become clogged. Also, cysts can form here as well. Here are common examples of bumps such as yours form on the eye: https://healthfully.com/causes-brown-spots-eye-6381923.html It most likely is nothing to worry about. There are more common diagnoses to explain the bump besides HSV! Regardless, get check by an optometrist when you can 👓👁️ I hope this helps!! Stay calm and be kind to yourself 🍀💛 !!

Hello! I hope you are well. Thank you for explaining arginine and lysine. Yes, it is very true that we cannot 100% eliminate arginine; we need it to live, since it's one of the four major amino acids that are the building blocks of our DNA helix! As @CSS1988 mentioned, while arginine-rich foods can potentially act as a trigger for outbreaks, remember that it may not be a cure-all and all bodies are different. For example, I literally eat a bunch of chocolate chips every night (I love chocolate) and have only had three HSV outbreaks (and I have had HSV since 2019!). Basically, every body is different, and everyone has a difference experience with their H. So, remember, if you choose to try modifying your diet, don't get discouraged if it doesn't provide the same effects as it did for someone else 🙂 !! There are many possible ways to help improve your H situations, don't give up hope! ❤️ Blessings to all! ❤️ 🙂 !!! grace

@Tiredmommaj Hello! I am so so so happy to hear you have healed so much ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story with us! Sending blessings of happiness and health to you! 🌻 grace

Hi @Gibouep! I hope you are well. Due to hormones and the anatomy of the vaginal genitalia, HSV tends to be more intense for those with vaginas. Because menstruation occurs monthly and the hormonal cycles are constantly changing, hormones can be a major trigger for many people with vaginal genital herpes. Also, stress can trigger outbreaks, and often times the hormonal changes that occur with menstruation or menopause give us stress, anger, or overall depression, which could trigger outbreaks as well. Read more about herpes and periods here! https://www.teenvogue.com/story/why-you-get-herpes-during-period#:~:text=Hilda Hutcherson%2C MD%2C assistant professor,to hormonal changes%2C she explains. I take birth control pills to regulate my emotions (I have PMDD) and I was thinking perhaps those with heavy periods or those who have outbreaks around their period would experience less outbreaks if they took birth control to regulate hormones. I am not a doctor, but perhaps consulting an OBGYN about it could give some answers for those who are interested! 🙂 However, the two articles I linked at the end of the end of this post actually contradict this! So, again, consulting an OBGYN would be best! ❤️ The anatomy of the vagina is what makes the outbreaks often much more painful, as the vaginal genitalia have much more surface area of exposed mucous membranes than penises. This is also why those with vaginas are much more likely to contract HSV. Sometimes outbreaks occur inside the vaginal canal, which is painful as well. Another odd concept that researchers have observed is that female sex hormones actually make us more susceptible to contracting herpes. Basically, researchers injected mice with the hormone Progesterone (pregnancy hormone) or the hormone Estradiol (primary form of Estrogen that maintains reproductive system during reproductive years). The article states: "The estradiol-treated mice were protected 100 percent, whereas the progesterone-treated mice and mice that didn’t receive any hormones, showed extensive infection, and additionally, the progesterone-treated mice had increased inflammation and were more susceptible to the virus. The mice treated with a combination of the two hormones, estradiol and progesterone, were protected, but only if the virus doses were weakened." Here are two articles that discuss this idea! https://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/02/21/7857.aspx and https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2378239 (this one is VERY science jargon-y, so just read the conclusion at the top as a good summary!) I hope these help!!! Blessings to you and @Bloomer!! 🙂❤️ grace

@Dinhall Hello! Good point. Yes, the tingling and symptoms are a sign that the virus is shedding, however it can also be from nerve damage as well. Sores may occur, but the human body is impacted differently by HSV for each person. They talk about asymptomatic HSV (no symptoms at all) and then symptomatic HSV, but rarely do we talk about those who may have neurological symptoms but no dermatological symptoms. Can anyone else who has HSV and symptoms except the sores speak more about this? Thank you! Blessings to you 🙂 !!

Hello! Thanks for the pictures and the updates! I am sorry that the Dr. was patronizing. The bumps on your fingers could be from an allergy as well. Please know that you are most likely okay! ❤️ All is well and you are safe. Another thing I have been thinking about... sometimes we become afraid and hyperfocused on things as an outlet for an underlying thing. For example, after I told my mom I have HSV, her reaction wasn't the best, and after that I became so hyper-focused and scared about passing it to my family by sharing a bathroom or doing laundry together (which doesn't happen of course!). So, sometimes if we connect our HSV with an event or feelings of guilt, shame, or sadness, then sometimes we hyperfocus on it and it stresses us out so much. Sending blessings of peace and happiness and health to you! ❤️

Hello @Dinhall! I hope you are well. Have you consulted with a doctor? If so, have they offered any suggestions as to what the diagnosis may be? Also, have you talked to the person you were intimate with; have they ever had symptoms or tested positive for anything? Sending happy healing prayers your way! 🙂 grace

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing your story. Hydrogen peroxide is really an amazing thing-- it disinfects and can kill bacteria and viruses and helps speed up the healing and scabbing of wounds/cuts. HO can cause burning and itching, so if you are applying it to the genital area, be aware of the pain it may cause! Also, do not place HO inside the vagina or urethra. It can cause major issues! HO is meant to be a solely EXTERNAL medical item. Also, make sure you pay attention to the percentage of HO in a bottle of HO. ** And of course, make sure to consult with your doctor before you use any home-remedy methods! Blessings to you!! 🙂 grace

Hello! Typically, ocular herpes infection occurs in childhood. It lays dormant and results in reoccurring outbreak issues throughout the person's life. It's a very misdiagnosed disease as it can mimic other infections. Read more here: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/demystifying-ocular-herpes-simplex-virus The bumps could also be clogged pores (especially under the ring). Do the bumps have a head or a center to them? Or are they just bumps? Stay calm and carry on!! 🦋🌻

Hi! Oh golly, don't go down the herpes reading rabbit hole!! There's so much information out there and it's hard to decipher fact from fiction, and remember, we can't be our own doctor, especially on solely internet research! Additional symptoms of ocular herpes can include sensitivity to light, decrease in eye sight, and general inflammation. Do you have any of those symptoms? You could do a telemed appointment, especially if it would soothe your nerves before you go on vacation. Stay kind to yourself and try and relax ☀️🦋 Blessings!! 🌻

Hello, Friend!! Please know that all is well and you are safe. You are especially safe in your own body. Take a moment to really let that idea in. Herpes can make us feel like our body is the enemy; like we are constantly afraid of our body just making things worse by spreading it to another area. However, please know that autoinoculation is rare and is more likely to occur in the pre-12+ week stage of having herpes, as your body hasn't made antibodies in high enough numbers to keep you safe from spreading it to yourself. Your finger spot could be a wart, a burn, an insect bite, or a cut. Finger and hand skin is thick and doesn't have mucous membranes (which is where HSV likes to enter the body through), and you said you wash your hands after touching a sore. You should be fine, let the worries fade away! In regards to your eye, it looks like eye strain or allergies. Ocular herpes is usually very painful and typically impacts the cornea. I think you are okay ❤️ Please know that worrying is so so so scary and draining, and sometimes when we are so hyperfocused on something we almost exacerbate or imagine our symptoms! I have very bad OCD and anxiety and herpes has really been something my OCD latches onto. However, reminding myself of the medical facts and statistics helps me stay calm. For right now, keep track of if the symptoms progress or worsen and if you are still in need of support, you could even call your doctor or OBGYN and speak to the on call nurse. Please know that you are most likely safe!! 🦋 Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. I am sending you prayers of happiness and health!! ☀️🦋🌻 Blessings, grace

Hello @Starting over!! I am SO sorry for the delayed response. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. It is definitely possible that stress can trigger outbreaks, since HSV is linked to the nervous system. Also, any type of stress on the body (such as the introduction of an infection or virus) can trigger outbreaks as well. Have the antivirals helped at all? Sending blessings of happiness and health your way 🦋🌻☀️ !!! grace

Hi, @Lynsi I hope you are well!! Please know that online dating isn't your only option! I have tried Positive Singles and honestly online dating is not for me. It can be awkward and yes... It seems so many folks are interested in hook ups, which, if you aren't looking for that, can be kind of disheartening. You don't need to disclose to anyone right away, especially if you are disclosing our of guilt or shame. I used to disclose right away because I felt ashamed and like I had to confess my H. Now, I have learned I have nothing to be ashamed of. I disclose when I build trust with someone, someone who I trust emotionally and may want to build a physical relationship with. You can do this! You are beautiful and have nothing to be ashamed of. H is something you have, it doesn't have you! Anyone would be blessed to have you in their life and the right person won't even think twice about it, trust me 😊🦋🌻!!! Sending happiness and blessings to you!! 🌼❤️💛 grace

Hello @NewToItAll!! I hope you are well. I am so sorry that you've experienced all these things!! Please know that you are not alone ❤️. in regards to the vaccine and really any other type of introduction of stress to the body's environment, it's normal for it to trigger an outbreak. When the body is stressed, it is possible for an outbreak to be triggered. The discharge you mention is also common! Many people with vaginas experience watery discharge with outbreaks, especially if the outbreaks are internal. The vagina is an amazing self-healing and self-cleaning microcosm of bacteria, and in response to an outbreak, the vagina may produce discharge. If the discharge becomes colored, bloody, or foul smelling (or anything unusual) head to the OBGYN or doctor. You may have an UTI, yeast infection, or other bacterial infection. I hope this helps! Blessings and happiness to you!! 🌼🦋🌻 And, if you're in the USA or are American, Happy Fourth of July!! 🎆🇺🇲❤️ grace