1shy

Hello everyone, My name is Shy. Today I found that I have HSV-2 (Genital Herpes). I had an outbreak before and it healed up very fast. So fast that the student health center couldn't get a culture on it to confirm HSV2. Well last week I had another outbreak and this time it was fresh enough to send to the lab. I have gone through a lot of emotions since Friday, the doctor knew what it was before she sent it to the lab. At first I beat myself up, I really thought life was over and that no one would want me (I still think that). I know overtime my feelings will pass. At the end of the day I still have life and that is good enough to look forward to. My questions don't concern a cure. I'm 25 years old and I would assume at some point in my life time (with advancements in technology) that a cure or a stronger vaccination will be created. Until then I have been prescribed valacyclovir (500 M). I was told to take two a day for a three day period to see if my sores would heal up. Unfortunately that have not, not sure how this stuff works! Lol She gave me six extra to keep on hand for when I broke out again. Should I go ahead and take the other six? My sores don't hurt that much except when they rub up against my boxers. I've been cleaning them with dove sensitive body wash and warm water when I take my morning showers. Any advice on how to clean them? How can I manage outbreaks? I've read that stress is the #1 cause of outbreaks and right now I'm under a lot of stress between school & work. Are there any remedies to help sores heal faster outside of antiviral drugs? As far as dating is concerned I think I'm going to remain off the market for a while. I'm was already afraid of rejection as it was. Now I have to add "that talk" into the mix. I've read that dating sites for HSV+ singles aren't that great. I'm better off trying it in the real world and just having a mature adult conversation. Any tips on how I can get over this insecurity? I think that does it. I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on. I would just like my sores to heal up so I can work on improving my penile skin and maybe it will take a level of stress off once they are gone. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Take Care, Shy