fanC

After being rejected by an old flame, I decided to try online dating. I was on one site and saw a profile of someone that intrigued me. I never sent a message or flirt or anything. I noticed that he had the same first name as my cousin, which is my grandfathers last name. No real bites on that site so I moved on. A co-worker suggested a site and I decided to give it a try. I posted a profile and guess who shows up in my matches??? That guy! The very next day, HE sent me a message. We chatted for about a week before deciding to meet. Well, needless to say, we've been together since then. This past week, I decided that it was time for "the talk". He was very calm when I told him, he asked some questions and said " Well, it's nothing we can't overcome. We'll take precautions and work around it." He could see that I was upset about having to tell him, but he assured me that everything was fine. Things are going well with us so far and he turned out to be a great guy, even though he's not my type.....

@Silliness, you can find Lauricidin at http://lauricidin.com/. Some people just use a generic monolaurin supplement. I get Melissa Balm from the local health food store.

Very recently....rekindled an old flame from 25 years past. Knew I was H+ then and did not disclose. After reconnecting, I had to disclose H and that I was dishonest back then. I thought he would walk or freak out, but he didn't. He was very understanding. We are not pursing anything further right now, for other reasons, but I'm glad I disclosed and he now knows the risks and can exercise his options. This was by far the most difficult disclosure for me but I feel much stronger for having done it and feel like the benefits of him knowing and being able to make a decision far outweigh the risks of fear and rejection. Best wishes to you....I'm sure it will go well.

According to the lab ranges for LabCorp (varies by labs): <0.91 = negative 0.91 - 1.09 = borderline >1.09 = positive However, as Dancer stated above, if you were recently exposed, you likely do not have sufficient antibodies to be detected. You will want to check again in some months down the road.

Well, once again, I ended a relationship with someone I really want to be with; however, after discussion with him I realized that he could never love me unconditionally. I almost forgot one of the most important aspects of the relationship...me and what I want! I made myself a priority and cut off communication. I realized it was time to move on and I deserve better...Herpes or not, I am worth so much more!

Well, once again, I ended a relationship with someone I really want to be with; however, after discussion with him I realized that he could never love me unconditionally. I almost forgot one of the most important aspects of the relationship...me and what I want! I made myself a priority and cut off communication. I realized it was time to move on and I deserve better...Herpes or not, I am worth so much more!

I am grateful that I have so many blessings in my life. My God, My children, My friends....and this wonderful site!

Dancer, Thank you for the kind words. I love your wisdom and encouragement.

@jeniviere In the past, I used Melissa Balm on the OB and it seemed to soothe itching. I only have 2-3 per year. As a supplement, I use Lauricidin brand monolaurin supplement. It's a natural anti-viral. I needed it during cold and flu season as everyone in my office was sick and I don't take flu shots. I can't really say that it works but I was one of the few that did not get the flu. I also noticed that if I have some tingling, I take an extra scoop and it stops later in the day. Again, I only have a few OBs a year so can;t really say if it helps for H.

@whatsallthehubbub - What a beautiful story!

Love this!

First let me say that I am glad this site exists. It has been a tremendous help. I was first diagnosed in 1988 at age 22, by visual and swab (I think...it was a long time ago). I got H from a boyfriend that says he did not know he had it. I was immature and irresponsible with the diagnosis and did not always disclose. Dated a couple of guys and disclosed to one and not the other. I was so afraid I would lose him. Fell in love with him but the relationship ended and we parted ways amicably. I did disclose when I met my husband later and he was fine with it. Had 3 children, all vaginal births with no problems. Divorced several years later. Back to the dating game, in which I am not very skilled. Dated a couple of guys, disclosed but parted ways for other reasons. Fast forward to 2013..."that guy" and I reconnected. We communicated for several months and he came to visit 2 weeks ago. Not only did I have to disclose, I had to admit that I was not honest with him all those years ago. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. He was very forgiving, understanding and patient. He admitted that he did not know much about the virus and wanted more information which I provided. After a long discussion about STI's in general I decided more testing was needed. I went to my doc today to be typed since those tests didn't exist back then and I really need to know in order to protect my future partner. I was very surprised that he was so knowledgeable about the virus testing and the process. "Oh...we do this all the time." Really??? Anyway, I credit the brave folks on this site for giving me the courage to even venture out to endure the process again. THANK YOU for the support and encouragement of so many of us!!