ladybug5

HI Wednesday I'm new here also and recently diagnosed, like one week ago. I'm dealing with some of the same emotions you talked about above myself. My first outbreak was fairly "mild" and I recovered very quickly. My doctor was please, so I guess I should be also. I'm worried about my future, and as you I don't sleep around but at 51 I feel like I'd just got my second wind back, feeling very sexy, outgoing and ready to live my life. Now I feel like that part of my life is over and I'll be alone for the rest of my life. I keep asking myself, "how did I let this happen"?

@cheezit I hope you are feeling better! I finally had a chance to see my OB/GYN (I love her) we had a very long talk. She said I'm all healed up from my first out break and she did loads of reassuring. Although I'm still somewhat anxious, I grab the mirror at every twinge, I will hopefully settle down and start accepting this "new life". One good thing is that I did talk to the two people I've been with in the past 3 years and they were very supportive and understanding.

Hi Cheezit, I don't have much advice to offer you as I've only been diagnosed for 1 week. I have a boatload of anxiety over this as well, have been washing my hand constantly, feel as though I am spreading it to everyone I walk past, as well as my own eyes, mouth, face, and whatever I touch! I understand to feeling of being out of control and the stress is unbelievable. You are not alone!

I started Valcyclovir last Tuesday. I now have one swollen eye lid. I also have been having this weird itching, kind of crawly feeling on my face, arms, legs and back for the past two days. I don't know if it's the medicine or an outbreak.

Thank you Cookielive. I feel like my life has been turned up side down. First 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Suddenly I went from totally normal and healthy to having a pill box! My immune system is in the dumps and I'm fatigued all the time. It's been one thing after another since then. I'm always in pain, I haven't felt "good" in 2 years and now this. I'm feeling pretty darn hopeless and constantly on the verge of tears. I haven't been sexually active in 3 years, when did this happen???? This is just a mess!

MMissouri, Thank you - I've been trying not to worry, but I'm a mess right now.

I am 51 years old, never had an STD and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 2 years ago. I've been on medications that compromise my immune system and my physician believes that I was infected with HSV-2 at some point probably years ago but it was latent all this time. Being on the immunosuppresants drugs for RA caused the HSV to become active. So here I am :( My worries - I have 5 precious grandchildren and as we all know they are all over me. Although my HSV is genital, what if by some chance I have it in my mouth also but don't know it yet. I feed them little bites from my mouth all the time. Have I infected them? I've been on Valcyclovir for 7 days now and for the past 3 days I've had a all over itching and slight tingling. Face, arms,back, legs. Does this mean I'll have an outbreak soon? This morning I woke up with what I think is a stye on my left eye, could that be a herpe on my eye? I'm a basket case!!!