Blindsided

Thank you!! I know everyone's different but you've all provided good information to start with. It's still really new to me so I'm just trying to get a handle on everything. The hardest effect this had on me was that when it started, it crippled the very activity i use to use to "get away" and reflect on life. I was so worried I couldn't even be myself but I know this will get better and I just have to adapt. Thanks again everyone.

I've had trouble finding any information on this. I was just recently diagnosed, a couple months ago or so. Everyone here was extremely helpful. Can any distance runners comment on how this affects the activity? I'm at the point now where I'm mostly through the first OB but the my skin is still sensitive. I'm able to push through most of the pain but I don't want to aggravate anything again either. I've cut my runs in half because I'm cautious and the sensitivity is still there. Any experience on this or tips from someone that's had this longer? I know it's not the same for everyone but I thought I'd ask. Thank you!

Thank you, that really is good to hear. I think I'm going to start and see about getting on suppressive medicine for at least the first year. Emotionally I've come a long way just in the last two weeks thanks to this forum.

I'm 29, very recently diagnosed, in North Carolina. Going through a rough time with it. I guess a woman would be preferred. Even if nothing else then to still feel like I can communicate with the opposite sex. Doesn't matter the distance. This really does take away any self esteem you had...at least at first. Message me anytime, I'm a good listener, and could use an ear myself. Take care.

Thank you, you three. I know I have to be stronger and realize that H doesn't define who I am. I know I can accept and deal with this. I think the biggest issue I'm having right now is reading all the female stories on here. I'm in pain, in some very embarrassing places, but I'm still able to function. This go's far beyond half of what I'm reading women go through. I can't even fathom putting a girl at that risk, whether she thinks she understands or not. The thought of being responsible for someone's debilitating pain is mind numbing. How easy is it to get a doctor to prescribe suppressive therapy treatment? What are anyone's thoughts on it? If I do find the right one, and she understands, I want to be as low of a risk as possible. Thank you all again for helping me through this. Reading these stories I really do believe this community has saved a few lives.

It might've been a good thing it took so long to get registered on here. If I was able to post a few days ago I'd be much more grim. I just don't know what to do. I believe my ex of two years had given it to me before we broke up a month ago. I'm a 29 year old guy that just wanted to find "the one" and have children, now I fear the odds are even more against me. It started with flu like symptoms and then the small outbreaks on my legs. I have ALOT of tingling / burning all over my legs, more outside the outbreak for sure. I've been on anti-viral medicine for almost a full week and the physical pain is getting better but the physiological....god...it's brutal. I'm trying to look at the silver lining but it's so hard. I really am, what most would consider, a very attractive person. I'm in shape, I eat right, I have a good heart. Now I feel so disgusting and dirty. Every girl that ever see's me again will think I'm just a man whore. I can count the number of partners in my life on one hand. The social stigma around this disease is unbearable. Thank you for this community. Thank you to the moderators here whose kind words to others has helped me already. If there is any words of encouragement or advice please give them to me. If there's anyone out there that was recently diagnosed and feels as helpless and alone as I do, contact me. I feel like I'm the only one going through this. I read the statistics but it doesn't help, I still feel like a leper. I've spent countless hours researching and reading this forum and it really has helped but I have such a long way to go. Does it ever get better?