I haven't been on this site in 2 years. No outbreaks that entire time. I forget I have it until I feel it. So, here I am having an outbreak. It's in a different spot and I woke up this morning with tenderness and swelling in my groin area on the same side as the outbreak. I have a lot of muscular problems unrelated and at first I thought what is this new hell. Then I pieced it together. Swelling, redness, infection, lymph node, herpes!!! That's what led me back here and apparently this is normal. I've been on Valtrex and decided to take a break. I'm under a lot of stress with a cross country move, quitting my job, my boyfriend already moved, I've been getting other viruses like bronchitis for 2 months. It's a wonder I'm mentally and emotionally sane but my body is taking a hit. Not even 24 hours off Valtrex and I felt the outbreak. Did I mention I'm also starting my menstrual cycle, another outbreak trigger. Makes me wonder if I would have had an outbreak regardless of stopping the Valtrex. Thanks for reading. I needed to share. I love this site so much. It has helped me tremendously on this journey. ❤