beBravebeBOLD

I appreciate everyone on this forum ❤️ I’m happy we have a community. @Grace78- acupunture ( TCM-traditional Chinese medicine) has a 90% success rate for healing. And TCM is very knowledgeable about herpes. The herbs and techniques saved me. This is also where I was introduced to the algae. I believe any metro city has reputable acupuncturist. Also, my tcm has never been anything other than knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. Each treatment I was met with new ideas and things to help me and also just tons of mental and emotional encouragement because they believe in healing the entire person. - the medical community has failed all of us!! They are no better than a webmd search that we can do on our own. They are stuck regurgitating outdated inaccurate information and it makes me sooo mad. @Ash or anyone else who can chime in. Idk how contagious we are I’m just paranoid all the time. I feel like I was paranoid even when I had no symptoms. I did have protected sex (during a point when I felt better than not) and my partner never got it. He and I also had an unprotected night. (Drunk accident).

Please chronic sufferers I was also on the same boat of having constant issues after 10 years this is a very common problem but it’s understudied and misunderstood by doctors grossly! They should be reprimanded for their lack of brains and thoughts past what a general google search will give you. So please ladies I ditched conventional meds because they are no use but I went with traditional chinois medicine. Look up the efficiency and help acupuncture and the chinoese medicine provide. I was 5 years of suffering until I started with TCM. I also found that I had a skin condition in conjunction with GHSV so that also needed to be addressed and that was done with my pcp ( there are vulvar conditions that mimick H to a T and most doctors over look them if you say herpes first) the skin conditions say they are rare but I have a suspicion that h triggers A LOT of other things and this could be one. (For instant lichen sclorosus= extrem itchiness, burning aching sensations, lesions, and also is triggered by period sex and alcohol) so please make doctors look beyond the HSV diagnosis ohh and also my God send was red marine algae( I want to mention this one pill because I’ve essentially dropped every for this. I’ve tried ozone thereapy (soo expensiv) perioxode protocol, bht protocol, and just about every vitamin so if this one stands out take my 5 years of suffering and researching for your advantage and get it. Also please find an acupuncturist and @grace78 this journey has made me count my blessings and appreciate when my H was just a after thought. The 5 years battle def took me to some really low lows but with God and a lot of research I feel like my old H life is on its return and I’m grateful for that.

Hey K. From reading your story it doesn’t sound like herpes. The biggest tell of herpes would be lesions at least and you haven’t even experienced this. All of your other issues can easily fall under the umbrella of diabetes complications (neuropathy) and maybe you over thinking this situation has just got your nerves fired up. I also think had you picked up the virus from you friend you would have experienced the cold sore before your husband. I say that because you have a weakened immune system so if the virus was going to be able to manifest I’d think you would have had a cold sore. Also, on your separation did your husband become involved with anyone else? If so, oral herpes is VERY common so this may not even be on you...

Hello @I hate first I want you to know that I too contracted hsv1 from my first boyfriend who I lost my virginity to @14. First you are going to be fine HERPES does not define you and I hope you learn sooner than I did that you don’t have to be ashamed or feel unloved because you will find a partner that accepts you and that means ALL of you. At your age I would recommend leaving this little boy. I had to leave my gifter because he TOO kept cheating even after we found out he gave me HERPES!! That was the last straw for me. I figured I’d stay after being diagnose (because I was so young and feared having to date) but after that pos had the nerve to cheat AGAIN I knew I deserved better and I left. The thing about relationships at your age is that they all (high majority) end. Relationships/love in high school seem very real at the time but you haven’t even developed into YOU at this age so giving yourself time to grow and socialize around is very important for many reasons. Don’t bogg yourself down With a boy who’s going to keep disrespecting you with females or any other disrespectful little games he wants to play. You know you were faithful and if he had doubt he should have spoke with you about that vs thinking he is getting even for you cheating?? Those are mind games and him trying to give excuse for him being a wandering dog so don’t fall for that.. You deserve better. I know leaving isnt easier either so If you stay that’s your decision but be mindful of other stds still out there (that he can bring back) and just try to let the relationship run it’s course not making staying dependent on this diagnosis.

Hey @Lilly82. Thanks for sharing your story. Have you heard from him?

Hey. I feel for you and encourage you to have your doctors test you for skin disorders such as lichen simplex chronicus, and lichen Planus because they are skin disorders that directly mimic herpes and when your lesions don’t respond to typical treatments MAKE THE DOCTORS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. They will pump you full of valtrex and if there’s something else going on valtrex won’t help. These doctors are very ignorant when it comes to hsv the linked disorders the virus causes you to have . Doctors are dropping the ball left and right with not helping patients at all

Ask your doctors to biopsy your lesions and insure it is herpes. I went several years with doctors being dumb af and not doing a biopsy and I just learned this week that my biopsy came back negative for hsv. I’m going to do another biopsy and blood work next week because they think I have some sort of autoimmune disorder that’s causing a rash NOT HERPES.

Hello, this is a good question and I think your great for having an open mind and understanding for your partners H status but I’d be very cautious if I were you. Your immune system is compromised so it could allow the H virus to be a real nuisance to you. If your system can’t keep H at bay you can have constant recurrences that are nearly impossible to get in front of. There is only really one form of treatment (ie antivirals) and those are very toxic to your liver and kidneys so if you run into this complication it’s not going to be good. Also, I know ppl make Ghsv1 seem “better” than having Hsv2 but I don’t concur with that thought. I have gshv1 and in the last couple of years as a very healthy athletic person who has a restricted diet and works with a naturopathic doctor I’ve still had recurrences that are horrid and take A LOT to get under control. I think you two may want to stick with mutual mastubation or non vaginal sex for the sake of you. There’s a fellow H story on here where a man got hsv from his wife (she was no active etc.) but his body did not like her strain and he’s been battling a year long fight with the most viscous outbreaks he can imagine. I’ll try and find the link for you. And I’m not trying to scare you. But in your case you are at a higher risk for some serious complications.

Sounds like folliculities like the doctors have said. You seem hell bent on having herpes or something.. If 5 doctors said that and you haven’t had traditional herpes symptoms I would think folliculitis. Your swabs are coming back soon and that will give you a definite answer. So maybe relax and stop jinxing yourself for herpes. Also marriage is in sickness and health to death do we part so If your wife took her vows seriously A skin condition shouldn’t crumble a marriage.

Hey Shannon, I think if your body is handling the virus don’t do the antivirals. Use the antivirals to get ahead of bad outbreaks but using it as a daily can cause it to mutate. I’m not sure why drs aren’t preventing misuse of antivirals because they saw with over prescribing antibiotics just how over usage causes bacterial resistance but they are headed in the same direction. With the Absolute lack of information and accurate recording of all the mutations (because drs aren’t doing anything to help with the H battle) I believe herpes resistance will be wide spread. Mine mutated. And that’s because I abused antivirals and used them when I didn’t need to because I was just paranoid about having the diagnosis. No antiviral drugs work for me now and I’ve had the time of my life finding my herbal regimen that works for me. I Thank God I did. Psalms 103: 2-4

In theory the first one is the worst. But I know many people who have varying degrees of recurrences. Some are mild and then some people just have horrible outbreaks here and there.. my first one was the worst, I couldn’t walk for about 3 days. 16byears down the line Ive never had anything as bad, but def had some ob’s close to it. In general just know herpes acts different for everyone sometimes it won’t fall into the “herpes characteristics” so don’t stress if what you read isn’t exactly what you experience

Yes you are correct, in theory hsv1 is milder and less pesty than hsv2. But I’m a 16yr vet with hsv1 genitally and my H started out mild like one would imagine with hsv1 but in the last 5 years my hsv1 has been constantly active down low so in fact for ME. Hsv1 is just like hsv2 at this point...

Lol not dumb at all I’ve never used a dental damn either but I believe a dental damn with a condom will give you the “herpes condom” protection you were thinking about. A dental damn can be made out of a condom so it can be made as big as needed to cover whatever area you desire. And then yes the male could also wear a condom. I’ve never tried this but I think it could work right?

Yeah I think that’s were the use of the dental damn plus condom comes into play. That way you’ll have more coverage.

Hey Beckham i just wanted to chime in and ageee 1000% that hsv is definitely connected to neurological issues! The medical community lacks soo much information and they are spewing out rudimentary bs that has gone by the way side because herpes has evolved! I think it’s very simple to see that every other virus in the hsv family (zosters, Epstein Barr, CMV) causes serious neurological issues but hsv doesn’t?? It makes no sense and is horrible that medical ppl can’t think pass web md! I’ve had H for 16byears and have heard countless stories from vets with serious nerve issues and pains that have been constantly reported but never addressed properly because people with H are left to find our own answers.

Well your results are from labcorp so I don’t know there ranges. My igg test from my lab is 4.7 that’s quest lab. I’m sure the ranges are different so I can’t tell if that be high without a reference. But if it is high then yes it could have been because hsv1 was causing your symptoms. And I have hsv1 genital so it really no different than having hsv2 down there

Well if the doc said it was a reflex and it said negative then I’d believe it was a false positive. The 1.52 is really low to begin. But what’s up with your hsv1 being so high? Are you experiencing an outbreak or was that value also off?

So I believe you are positive for hsv1 for sure. Which could be oral herpes or genital. Your igg for hsv2 is low but the value still registered. I know depending on which kind of test you took Determines if your 1.52 is considered like a false positive or a real positive. I know I found a site that stated IGg testing of a .90-1.09 is required more testing in 10-14 days because that inconclusive. 1.10 and higher means it was detected and considered as current or previous infections. Review your labs and look at the ranges the sheet provide. I did a general search for “HSV igg testing ranges” and found that info

Thanks for your story. I am happy for you to be breaking the chains of bondage that our little friend H has had for you, and I can relate too because after 16 years of being bogged down by this virus I’m not doing it anymore! I say that knowing I have good days and bad, but my good is getting very good and my bad ehh is something I try and shrug off.. my situation is a little different for the past 5 years I’ve refrained from dating but within the last year I’ve maintained a connection and have avoided sex and I disclosed because I just wanted to know if I should keep this up. Anyways my friend has t left and wants to stick it out, but I haven’t been able to tell him that I don’t think I’d be able to engage in sex ever again without a high risk (which I don’t want to take). I’m afraid to pass this virus because I’d feel awful even though o know it wasn’t meant. I think that’s such a sucky thing for H+ tonhave to deal with. It’s like we never asked for it but then again we feel so bad to ever pass it that we would take ourselves out of the field completely. I don’t even know if I could engage even if he said he didn’t care about the risk,because I know just how pesty and bad this virus can be. I imagine a perfect relationship without sex. But then thinkbto myeslf what man would want to be ina relationship were sex wasn’t on the table!?? Men cheat for not getting enough sex and here I am (seemingly the full package) and can’t even satisfy my man. Am I supposed to be with someone and allow them to cheat? Idk idk.

Hello I understand this diagnosis sucks and it super sucks when you get it and you were cautious and not engaging in any risky activities (I got this from the person I lost my virginity too 😒)so I get how you feel. So back to your story. Do you know if you tested positive for hsv1 or hsv2? If you are positive for hsv1 it’s very possible that it’s just for cold sores (on the lips) and I know that’s not the best thing but it doesn’t have to be genital. The fact that you haven’t had an outbreak is also awesome and for that reason I’d relax (you don’t want to trigger your first ob).

I have heard of people suing before but I think that’s total bs and I hate how society has made this a damned exiled sentence if you get this virus but then you also are the sole responsible person for reporting it to everyone moving forward! Like really wtf! The CDC and doctors neglect to even test for this virus when you specifically ask for a std checkup before sex. So should everyone then be able to sue the health care system because THATS who and what’s letting this virus be spread. I got this virus from the first person I shared my body with and I went to the clinic to get a pre sex check up because I thought that was the right thing to do and THEY let me down in the biggest way ever. As for this guy, he is a pos I mean really mr force myself on you how could you be throwing such a hissy fit! Tell him if he takes you to court thats fine because you have to be able to prove that you were the only person he was sexually active with (highly doubt that) and then also you have a great track record of disclosing and you can prove that your intent was to tell but things got pushed forward in a manner that you were not expecting. Also state that as an adult sex comes with risk and if he didn’t ask then he didn’t even take the first step to protect himself so wth.... I’m so sorry you have to even think about this...

And you are not a messed up person! Your a human being who wants and deserves love just like everyone else in this world and you had a monkey wrench thrown in your plans so learning to deal and cope is part of the process..

Hello lovechild! My heart goes out to you because I have been in your exact situation and position. Disclosing when your new at this is SOO very hard and it comes with so much weight and stress. I don’t believe the burden should be all ours though! It’s like no one prepped us or gave us a hand book and or disclaimer for our ride on the roller coaster so ppl need to chill with the self righteous bs. Also did this guy (or any guy) even ask about your status? If not where is his responsibility for having jumped in bed not protecting himself. Ppl all know there’s a risk involved with sex and people ignore that risk all day everyday. Moving forward having the talk prior to sexy is the goal. For me I’ve always been a more monogamous dater so my disclosure comes with the intent I’ll be with that person and I’ll try to give that person the best chance at a low transmission rate as possible. This gives the relationship a different sense of trust and understanding. So it is empowering for me to disclose. For ppl in more hook up situations I know some who just disclose and have had very great responses and the people aren’t afraid it’s casul and I do know people who don’t disclose at all and feel as long as they aren’t lesional or active that they don’t have too. Now that’s a philosophy that you’ll have to determine on your own but It’s accompanied by the notion that people with cold sores don’t go around announcing they had them as children or occasionally so why should they. Idk I know H makes me not want to have sex casually anyways. Your more susceptible to things because of this so I don’t want ANYTHING else for myself lol. But all in all this is just a learning experience. The guy is fine (as fine as anyone who takes a risk in life and should be) and move forward.

Aww I love this post !! Thank you for your words and your courage to fight the stigma and represent Some of the amazing new attributes we (H+) group have! And like you said there are good days and bad BUT my good are getting so much more solid. Coming here has really began to empower me about this virus and I think it makes me SEXIER too! Lol.. *we will rebound*

From my knowledge the igg should be higher for an intial infection. This is because your body is freaking/freaked out and battling a new invader so it’s working hard. Once your body has become familiar with the virus over time the numbers decrease and level off