AnnieO

I'd see a dermatologists in person. HSV likes moist areas..Lips/mouth, genitalia area, anal.

I am so sorry. I also contracted herpes at the age of 20ish. It's a freaking emotional roller-coaster for sure! 30+ years ago we didn't, or I didn't know about forums such as this one, so welcome to the "club". I just joined not too long ago, and it's been a comfort to know that we're not alone in this. I hadn't had an outbreak for many, many years. I divorced after 22 years and the stress of all that, plus the terrible weather brought on an OB. That sent my head spinning! As one part of my life comes to an end, I wonder if there will ever be a new beginning with someone else. Till then I stay as healthy as possible and try to exercise every chance I get. It's hard to share this kind of news with anyone,, let alone your parents. I think as time goes by and you're more comfortable with this new change in life, you'll be able to inform your folks and be armed with facts about Herpes and hopefully they will be understanding of the whole situation. Do not let this define who you are! You are beautiful, unique and a child of God. There is a reason for all things under the sun.( I think I'm just coming to grips with that term.) Please stay as positive as you can. Get medical help and counseling if you feel the need. There are suppressive meds that can help control the onset. Stay connected to this group. Take care of yourself. HUGS

YES! Happy New Year! And may it be better than the last. HUGS ALL AROUND!

I just wanted to change it up some. I know it's off topic, but I wanted to wish ALL of you a happy, healthy, and a better New Year to come. Merry Christmas!!

I'm not sure the incubation period for herpes is, but you might need to take a trip to the Docs and have that looked at. May just be a reaction to the material/lube. Doc may suggest some blood work too. Sorry you're having to deal with this. I pray it's nothing but a rash.

I contracted Herpes at a ripe old age of 19 also. I suffered the same worries and concerns. I'm now 56ish. I had two normal pregnancies, recently divorced after 22 years and I am a bit fearful of the future. BUT, I'm filling my life with hobbies that make ME happy and someday I may share those moments with a partner, but for now I have to focus on healing...mentally and physically. Stress and a bad diet are a horrible mix for bringing on an outbreak. This "Issue" doesn't define who we are, so dont let it get you down. People will have mixed feelings others will totally understand. I believe I heard the admin say "Love is acceptance without judgement" Please stay strong. You are not alone. Glad to have you reaching out. This wasn't available in my days, if it was I sure would have done things a lot differently.

I feel your pain. I just recently divorced after 22 years. The familiar chaos was hard to let go of, now the thought of disclosure to someone new scares me half-to-death. My fear is the "broken heart". I choose to fill my time with household projects. Learning new things all the time. I spend my spare time with good friends. We hike or bike ride. Some day someone will come along. I just dont know how I'll react when that happens. So, for the time being I try not to "future trip". I also fear the feeling of being alone, but I'm really not "alone". I have friends, family and co workers. I have a God that takes care of me and loves me despite my sin. Hang in there and just take care of yourself. I feel I'm preaching to the choir. Dont loose faith in humanity. Someday love will happen again for us and we wont be alone to face the future.

Lj-broken Unfortunately, rejection is now our 'reality' (but thats not always the case) We need to evolve into something a lot stronger than others make us out to be. There is so much to live for. Focus on things, places and people that make give you serenity and peace. (I like to hike) This new thing, It's not going to go away, but there are ways to manage the outbreaks. It's what we have, not what we are. You ARE stronger than you know. You've reached out to this group, which tells me you're looking for help. PLEASE stay connected. This is a safe place to voice your thoughts and emotions. Trust me, life will level out. BTW, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. You're not alone..

I contracted Herpes at the ripe old age of 20. Now I'm 55ish. I was married for 22 years, I have two beautiful daughters. Have had boyfriends and dates in-between. Some of them were understanding, some of them..not so much. Emotions come in waves. You'll need to ride them out and most days it wont be easy. This is not the end. You have to take care of you, before you can hope that someone else will. This shit is definitely life changing but it doesn't define who you are. I just found this site not to long ago and have struggled for many years with acceptance, rejection. This site will give you hope and courage to move forward. Life is too short as it is. Live it to the fullest now. We feel your pain.

OH my God, are these people 14 years old! For crissake! The problem with them mouthing off around the work place puts that person at a disadvantage for dating others. Those "others" may feel like he can have an "issue" too. Stay true to yourself. Stay strong and know that your Herpes does not define you. Those folks are obviously bored and anyone with any morals and respect for others privacy would not have done what they've done to you. So damn childish! I'm at a loss here, as you are as well. I'm so sorry for your betrayal.

Sorry to hear the meds back-fired on you. I was married 22 years... but he also had it. Not a good example. Sorry. Ok, lets try this one. Prior to that, I had a three year relationship back in the late 80s and one daughter from that boyfriend that was ok with the situation. Well, that also wasn't a great example..LOL.. dang! I did have a 9 year stent of dating. some ok with the issue, others not so much. I sure hope someone else chimes in. Now that i'm recently divorced, I'm starting to question any successful relationships, especially in my mid 50s. I just keep praying and keeping the faith. Best of luck.

Welcome! This is also the first I've found this group. I'm in my mid 50s and have been dealing with the Herpes issue since my early 20s. My brief history is that I haven't had a break out in over 30 years. ( Sorry that you're dealing with them more often than not.) have two wonderful grown children..Got divorced after 22 years, started a new relationship and then "Whamm!" I had a pretty good break-out. I had to then disclose to this person which about tore me apart. I left the ball in his court and it's been a slow-fade from there. I don't believe that we are built to be/live alone. I can do this for the most part, but I'd love to share my life with someone, as would you. I understand that this disclosure is terrifying for you, as it will be with me the next round of dating I dare to try. My heart breaks just running that scenario through my head.. I tend to "future trip". Bad habit. Mr_ hopp has wonderful advise and a great positive personality. Hang in there, don't loose hope, stay strong and healthy. Most of all, stay connected to the group. Read the other posts and grow from there. Message me if you'd like some personal connection. I sure could use some encouraging words from a fellow hopp.

Rock Lake off Hwy 4, California. Good luck researching recipes! Keep us posted.

STRESS!😬 It can be hard to avoid at times🙄. I really to roll with it and not stress out, especially over that little stuff.

Sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. Happy to hear that you'll still be doing what makes you happy and healthy. Have you checked with All Recipes? On line web site that you can plug in an ingredient and it will usually come up with some recipes. As for me,, I'm also HSV2 for 30+ years now. In my case I can eat anything, but choose to eat as healthy as possible. Good luck with that. Please keep us posted on your findings. I also like to hike and I try to load my pack with enough to get me through a night or two if I ended up getting stuck someplace.