[10 Years of herpes Chats! (Male experience!)]

This was an awesome read! Thanks for sharing :)

[Has anyone been on suppressive herpes therapy and then stopped?]

I have been on meds for the past 6 months. About 2 weeks ago, I started breaking pills in half to avoid going cold turkey. I can definitely tell a difference, and have had a few issues. But I also feel like they are mild enough to let my body handle (partially).

[first day back to work]

I found out that I was positive for HSV2 30 minutes before walking into the first afternoon of a class I taught last semester! Ugh, nothing like having 35 students stare you down as you give them a pile of work for the coming months, while mentally processing that you've just been diagnosed with an incurable virus. BUT - they can't tell, and if you aren't quite yourself, hey we all feel rundown or sick at times. Be yourself, as much as you can. As one of my prior coworkers used to tell me - fake it until you make it! Today is a tough day, but you got it!!! And each day that passes will be a bit easier :)

[Not so bad ...]

So I'm easing myself off of suppressive meds. I was constantly tired and was concerned that it was a side effect of the valtrex. I did really well for about a week. Then some intense itching on Tuesday and a little spot popped up yesterday. Plus a bit of a cold today. Took one full dose last night and it was gone this morning. I definitely still feel some discomfort but right now I think it's worth it to not have the constant fatigue! I was also able to start running again. Been feeling much more like myself! I'm going to stick with a half dose for a while and eventually go every other day. I think my body might be getting the hang of this. Oh jeez sure hope I didn't just jinx myself :)

[I CANNOT friggin believe it!!]

A few months in I had an outbreak in a whole new area. Guess it's not that unusual.

[According to CDC 8 out of 10 are infected with cold sore virus - how accurate is this ?]

Here is a relatively recent report from NHANES data, compiled by the CDC about prevalence rates of both type 1 and 2. They are surprisingly common. My favorite part is where they talk about it remaining a "common and serious health threat in the United States." Which leads me to wonder why they recommend against routine testing for those requesting an STI screen. Especially because they believe it is a significant contributing factor to the high rate of HIV transmission in general, but specifically in the African American community. Do the people at the CDC even talk to each other? Do they realize that statements like the above makes them look like effing idiots??? Anyway, enough of my semi-regular CDC and STI testing rant. Here's the link. And FYI, this data is updated regularly and available through NHANES.

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2010/hsv2pressrelease.html

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm

[Tesla High Frequency possible relief of herpes]

@Libragirl43 totally unrelated to h but does this work for Rosacea? I have mild troubles with this when I run.

[my epiphany..... herpes is, in fact, a joke]

I love that Dane Cook skit - I've watched it a few times since you posted it. I'm a big fan of gallows humor. I'm a social worker and you see a lot of the shittiness that goes on in the world. I've learned over the years that humor keeps things in perspective. Igenerally avoid laughing at other people's pain, but man oh man, I'm willing to laugh at my own.

[Sciatic nerve pain? Herpes related?]

I had some sciatic pain for a bit, but I think mine was related to a shift in my exercise routine. I needed to stretch more. I was able to ease back in to yoga and have been okay. But I wouldn't be surprised if the H didn't play some role in it too!

[Disclosure/Rejection Updated]

Ha ha. Magical male intention deciding powers. If only such a thing existed :) It Sounds like your a little unsure. Nothing wrong with giving it sometime to see how things shake out.

[My vagina is still miserable after last herpes outbreak ...]

Thanks @WCSDancer2010. I was thinking it may be the combo. I am considering cutting my daily intake to half and seeing how I do. I'm currently at 500 mg of valcyclovir.

[My vagina is still miserable after last herpes outbreak ...]

Similar question re Valtrex - has anyone had fatigue as a side effect?

[Waiting for herpes test results but I'm in so much pain]

After going to the bathroom I rinse with baking soda and water. Then cool blow dry followed by coconut oil with a drop of tea tree. That seems to do the trick for me. Good luck.

[Strange Doctors Experiences Regarding Herpes]

That was pretty similar to my experience. Of course I was freaking out. And my doctor couldn't quite understand why. She didn't even give me the use protection lecture. And generally my doctor is very empathic and a great listener. This was totally a nonissue for her.

[my epiphany..... herpes is, in fact, a joke]

That was pretty funny. And also I'm pretty sure that's how I got herpes :)

[Cleaning during "weeping stage" of herpes outbreak?]

Actually, it's very possible that Summer's Eve, etc, are at the root of your yeast infections. A sitz bath here and there has been enough for me. A few years ago, I took too much acidopholous when I was worried about a yeast infection and ended up with the opposite of a yeast infection - too much lactobacillious. Very similar symptoms as a yeast infection, just without the discharge. I had to do regular sitz baths and avoid tampons for 6 months.

 

BUT I am glad to hear that you're getting some relief!!!

[I just want help...]

Tea tree is my go to but make sure you dilute it. It can be very strong and further irritate if you use too much. My favorite is tea tree and coconut oiL. Hope you feel better soon!!!

[Seriously! one thing after another]

Oh, fingers crossed that pregnancy isn't the case! I will tell you my period has been a bit wonky since I picked up H. It actually comes more often than before. I think it's just stress. That could be what's going on with you too.

[Cleaning during "weeping stage" of herpes outbreak?]

I always do baking soda and water rinses. Then coat with a tiny bit of tea tree diluted n coconut oil. This seems to give me the most relief and quick healing.

[Only women are worried about herpes disclosure?]

The reason why the 10% who do know about their status don't go on like we don't know is because of that 10%. The others don't have symptoms. Then you have people like me who go from being energetic, healthy, and confident to rundown, uncomfortable, and confused. Everyday I have some physical and psychological reminder of this virus. And I know that at some point I'll get better. But right now I consistenly feel like crap and can't figure out how to explain it to the people around me. I know I'm responsible for my own sexual health, but I played by all the rules. And my partner didn't. At the end of the day it's your choice, but are you okay with taking that choice away from someone else?

[I passed herpes on to someone else. Advice?]

Cold sores = HSV. If she has had them before, it's possible she gave it to you.

[Only women are worried about herpes disclosure?]

I previously posted on another thread about this. Many years ago, I had a boyfriend who tested positive for HSV2 (before I contracted it). He was honest and upfront, and it really didn't hinder our sex life. We sporadically used condoms, and he was not denied oral sex, by any stretch of the imagination. And we never used condoms for that. We later found out through a Western Blot test that his positive results for actually a false positive, but not until after we parted ways. If you are upfront, good things will come. And sure, the chances of passing it on are low . But as evidenced by the number of people with HSV, and the number of people here on this site, you can pass it on!

[Does working out cause herpes outbreaks?]

I haven't altered my workouts since my first ob in August. But it's such a stress reliever for me. I also wasn't running at the time as I was healing from issues with my Achilles. I have started back to running without issue though. I think it's all about balance. Consider the harm and the good. Then go from there.

[Lack of Success Stories of Men Disclosing= Greater Difficulty in Finding Partners?]

Several years ago (before I picked up hsv) an ex partner was diagnosed with hsv2. We dealt with it as a couple and it really didn't hinder our relationship. We saw an infectious disease specialist together and researched the best ways to keep me safe. After we parted ways he had the western blot and it turned out he had two false positive tests. But either way, he was open with me and I didn't see hsv as a big deal. I cared too much for him as a person. And a lot of other women would for the right guy :)

[My giver finally reached out to me..]

Yeah my giver texted to try to get a little loving two weeks ago. When I said no, I still don't feel ready, he mentioned that I must have gotten hsv from a cheating ex because he never had any problems and I did. Similar scenario. - I had negative blood tests and his were positive. My ob started within three weeks of first unprotected encounter. And his gp found a small paper cut like lesion on his penis. She needed a black light to even see it. And told him she'd be really surprised if this was an initial outbreak. But you know, it must've been someone else that gave it to me. Guess who DIDN'T get laid???