Sil88

It's likely to just be orally, in which case, 4 out of 5 people would test exactly the same. Dont get worked up about it.

I guess he's concerned that if you see a negative result, it could be like pouring cold water on this hot new relationship you've got. Btw, if he's scared of needles, what about tests for HIV or syphilis? Some testing would be as much for your own benefit as his. Hope he comes around.

Let me in on the bear hugs, your misfit group just got bigger. I have the same fatigue, neuropathy and whacky immune system (usually my armpits and neck swell and ache for long periods of time without a clear reason). I get on and off lower back pain which is muscular apparently, though I wondered if it was my kidney for a while. I kept track of every symptom since diagnosis, and made it into an organised timeline for the benefit of the doctor. (as soon as they hear me listing off random symptoms , they just stamp me with anxiety)

Why is Europe a great place to be with h? It has a reputation here too. I wish I could get a few blisters again so I could try to believe it's just our mutual friend.

Why don't you find someone to talk to on the buddies thread? http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/223/need-someone-to-talk-to-herpes-buddies#latest You might be putting yourself in the nasty pit, but get to know someone who's over it and is back to normality or better. Two OBs in six months isn't bad going, did you feel as nasty before the 2nd one struck? What to do.. try not to behave differently. Do your hobby, eat some fruit or take some meds (eg. acyclovir/l-lysine), block it out by chatting with friends. And remember there are much worse situations you could find yourself in. The OB will be gone in no time, and you'll have to wait even longer next time.

Speaking of those rings, it gives a little peace of mind to those of us with OBs in the pubic area too. Sort've like a protective bumper in case that exact spot is more likely to shed :p

I've HAD the lower back pain, I still have pains around my armpits, and I NOW have the pain on right side of neck. I can't tell you if it's herpes or anxiety, but two doctors here believe it's the latter. I'm on a waiting list for therapy, and have some 40mg propranalol for times like now when my body is shaking and sweating in the middle of the night, stopping me from sleeping.

Ignore stigma. Every illness had stigma once. Stigma is what happens when ignorance meets realities that need an open mind.

Just wanted to add.. A specific point on my left elbow stings like hell if I touch or lean on it. I read this can be related to the ulnar nerve. I haven't damaged it in any way that I can remember. Seems like another hsv-neuropathy link in my particular case.

Happy anniversary kiwiguy! One thing is clear, we're lucky to have this resource which can easily be taken for granted. In that way, I'm glad to be a modern day herpy. Was a nice read, thanks for sharing.

Luckily I didn't have to take any days off work so far, just a couple of hours here and there for doctor appointments to check out aching glands and neuropathy sort've stuff. No clear explanation yet, but I'm waiting in line for 1 to 1 CBT on the off-chance that it's all anxiety. But my mood has definitely been noticeable. Herpes doesn't really bother me, but its triggered this way of thinking that I'm gonna die tomorrow from an undiagnosed condition. Failed to hide tears a few times, but people put it down to other circumstances. Actually I have more pressure applied at work, but it seems like less of an issue.. so long as I'm breathing.

Are you sure it's that? Sometimes it's more obvious when you get a few together, otherwise it could easily be confused. How far away has it moved? Sorry though, at least it sounds like the OBs are becoming much less regular if you thought they were over for good.

I suspect I had whitlow at the same time as initial exposure if that makes any difference to which nerve groups would be affected. Otherwise it's anxiety. Interested to hear their opinions though, thanks.

I always wonder the same thing. I also get pins and needles in my arms mostly, and a few other signs of peripheral neuropathy. I guess the virus is irritating or inflaming some nerves, but it seems like Google says everything I feel can be linked to HIV, but not HSV. They both affect the CNS though, I'm going with the lack of research explanation.

I'm think the mental side is causing the physical side, so don't wait for the physical to fade. I'm trying to solve the same problem. Could you open up to the friends you say you've lost? Tell them youre facing some issues that are trying to make you a different person. And spend some time on a hobby, or teaching your kid a hobby if its not too early? You probably can't enjoy things as much anymore but maybe with some perseverance it'll change. Keep going forward!

I believe the updated PC term is 'don't be a pussy'. Hate to quote Spider-Man, but with great power comes great responsibility. We have the power to affect a lot of people's lives in a bad way. I'm pissed because my chances were minimal, but a single player in the sex tree above me was acting selfishly keeping his mouth shut. He happened to be a model, but not much of a person. Is it so bad to make something worthwhile with one chosen person? It might push you to be more selective (even though you might expect to have to compromise). Anyway the way I see it: have a good/impressive personality with depth of character... then happen to be handsome as well. That's a temporary bonus in the grand scheme of things.

Do you live in the UK too? If so, it's not that they can't, just that they won't.

Even in the UK, they will tell you which type from a blister swab. Those are dark times, but don't let it defeat you - treat yourself mentally and physically, keep calm and relax however you can. Summer's almost here so you picked a good time. It's fine after a while, at least most of the time..

Good that she's reconsidered, I guess she feels worse than you at this point. It's probably killed her libido for the time being - maybe another time you can set things right without the whiskey! I had the same feelings, thinking that in a year my body would have pinned it down, so I would be less contagious and in a better position to move on. It does sound a bit shallow but it's also a bit like survival instinct - same reason I've heard 'fight or flight' mentioned so many times in the last 6 months.

Thanks for the novel! Hope it helped you to write it as much as it did for me reading it. We have quite a lot in common in terms of recent long term breakup, 2 partners, unfortunate window of activity and the thing about std-free promiscuous friends. Although you've got 5 years on me and I've got type 2. I think you've got a lot else going for you so it won't be the end of the line for your dick. Are you gonna make anything from the situation with this girl? It'll be hard to prove who gave who, but my finger's leaning towards her. Not that it really matters, but she was a bit quick to blame you. Anyway, in a year the virus should be way less active, you'll have got over the emotional toll and become a stronger person. That's just the minimum, who knows what else might happen.

I'm trying to account a lot of symptoms (along with back pain) to anxiety and depression. That's what my doctor says and although I'm dubious, ill go with it and see if therapy eases the symptoms at all. I'd say you're in a worse place than me, so it's not out of the question. Actually my back pain stayed for a few weeks but has gone now, I'm sure it'll be back though.

Haven't been in that situation, but: http://www.brocode.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/brofist-brocode.jpg

@whitedaisies @fitgirl thanks for the explanation, I am constantly told by one friend that I should see a professional therapist but I usually have an objective mind anyway, it's just the occasional freak-out from self diagnosing medical conditions. Before h I was very logical and never questioned my sanity, so much so that I accidentally changed a few skeptics' opinions on mental health. I was just curious what exercises there would be if I took that route. The fruitless doctor appointments sounds similar to me daisies.. I usually have pain in my underarms, lower back, pins and needles all the time (especially whilst sleeping), fatigue, episodes of fear with constant shaking and some others, but the only thing to show up is a slightly over the limit thyroid result.

@whitedaisies serious question, what exactly do the professionals teach you?

Me too man, feels like the bad place is a chemical symptom, comes and goes. I can list off about 10 things like your eye twitch (but not that), which *could* be herpes but probably not. Can you try not to dwell on the bad shit you might deserve and instead think about the reasons your wife loves you, the good things you've done and why life gave you a healthy child? You're probably still making first impressions on him, they count for a lot so lift your head up, keep breathing and force a smile until it sticks! Speaking of which, I find if you literally point your head slightly upwards, it gives you a slight pick-up.