Sunset

@mog Just get the vaccine - you are still young enough. You are an adult and can decide for yourself. I got the shingles vaccine when I got herpes - but then I have 4 incurables and was like, hell no, not even taking a chance if I can help slow or stop it! I talked to my gyn about the HPV vaccine at 53 - as why not? It is in trials now to see if it helps those already infected having a hard time fighting it. For now, I'll wait. If I were in my early 20's I'd be all over the vaccine with what I know now and the FACT my body cannot fight this benign HPV that Men are not even, can't even be tested for. I tested negative for HSV2, 1 and all other STD's, HIV, you name it in October and November of 2017. Hadn't had sex since June 2017. January 2017 I'm positive for HSV2 having what I'm told is a first BO that started in November even when testing negative and only other person that touched me was my gyn. So, who knows who or when or how or where as I too am very careful and the one guy I was dating is still clean per his blood work after I found out and we had a LOT of unprotected sex from March - late June 2017. You'll bounce back - this I know. Just do what YOU need for Peace of Mind. Can't hurt and may prevent you from spreading to your eventual condom free partner OR partner that has HSV2 but not HPV. You HAVE to be your own advocate and driver of your personal well being and health. Ask lots of questions and ask them to many different qualified docs, clinics, message / support boards, etc.

My BO is only on my vagina and according to most, pretty basic and not at all what one typically has on first BO. However!... I've been on antivirals at varying doses since 1st of November 2017. Acyclovir 3x 400mg for 10 days. 2x 400mg for suppression. H kept returning so I did this a few times. Finally went on Valtrex at 6x 500mg for 7 days and then down to 3x per day. I started over again and weaning my way down to 2 per day. Went from 6x per day, to 5x per day, now at 3x per day and Friday I will HOPEFULLY start 2x per day and keep it away! I have yet to have sex and the first two times I got myself off, it gave me a breakout on the surface as I was uncomfortable inside like you describe. No lesions, just "not right". Now I know it was not right due to H as I realize again what it means to feel more "normal" again. Going on 5 months of bodily hell and now I'm like yay! Fingers crossed as I'm hoping to get some action going soon... miss my feel good fun and a man for that matter... since last June.... lonely me lol.... ;)

Very true - herpes doesn't define us. We must keep in mind everyone's situation is different which also affects their emotional response to finding out. For some, like myself, I had 4 months straight BO and going on my 5th of just starting to feel like me again. Just Starting. It is very exciting for me and I think, wow, if felt this way 3 months ago, I'd have a whole different attitude going on. But for me, I couldn't even get off without giving myself a BO. Each body fights differently and only with high dose valtrex did I begin to get ahead of it. I do also know that not being single when it happens matters - as folks in relationships that share it or find out together and are ok with it - affects how most respond to getting herpes. As for my situation, I think it sux ass big time. However, what do you do?! lol it is what it is. It's very cool all is going well for you past and now forward - don't get to read many posts like yours for first timers.

Yes it was as such for me and now 4 months later I actually feel normal so I KNOW that my issue was H acting up, just in a tingly, itchy, burny, uncomfortable way. It took high dose of Valtrex (3,000 mg a day) to rid my body of the symptoms so I can wear jeans again.... and hopefully more soon ;)

Hey there! I ask as I can't afford to fight any other diseases... truly! I don't think most ask to see another's paperwork, but the fact is, most of us wouldn't be here chatting if folks tested more often and proved that they are clean. Too many are asymptomatic and just keep spreading it. It's an individual thing. I just err on the side of massive caution now :)

TKDmama - you are a rockstar and wishing you luck with your HPV issues. Mine comes back and I'm getting rid of my cervix! Folks have so many issues with the vaccines and you and I are the small few that are like, hell yes do it, as not everyone can fight the damn disease and folks do die from HPV if not caught in time or can't fight it proper.

As for the warts and HPV - they are easier to treat and low risk is good. Warts sound worse than they are as always... a wart on ones hand is socially acceptable. A wart on one's genitals... not so much. Get em' burned/frozen and move on. Many times they won't come back and if you are healthy, good chance you'll put your HPV into remission.

I have 4 incurables: Rosacea HPV High Risk HSV2 PSC - which totally trumps all the others as it is autoimmune based, no cure and kills my bile ducts which will one day kill my liver if not me first I found out about the last 3 in the last 4 months - TOTAL BOMBSHELL and turned my life upside down and then some.... being very single and living alone. My HPV high risk is not the 16 or the 18 as they can test for those two, but another one that did cause pre-cancerous cells on my cervix last November. When I went in for my first of two procedures on my cervix I was told I have an HsV2 lesion and due to the small BO that it couldn't be my first. I freaked - as I just tested negative for both types of H and hadn't had sex but once in June with a person I have been with many times before. Definitely my first ever BO as it lasted 4 months after switching antivirals and take high doses. Still have yet to try out the goods as a wee paranoid doing so might give me another BO.... but met a man recently, so working on getting back on it... been too long for this girl :) The two types of HSV are so very different I would always request knowing which. As it is, no HSV1 for me and I don't want it - my body is struggling enough as it is. It's so true that HSV takes a back seat to HPV cervical issues and for me PSC. When put in that perspective, as much as I HATE having HSV2 as I am do damn careful too... right now, it's not going to kill me, just make life a bit more creative. The other bitch of it all is that when and if I go on immunosuppressants when I get a new liver one day, the drugs can allow HSV2 to mutate into a killer as my immune system won't be fighting it properly - I'm still in shock about it, but life goes on and so must I while I have it. HPV high risk acting out is another sign of compromised immune system and if it continues to attack me - I will get a hysterectomy and call it good.... as long as it does not then go for vaginal or anal cancer. HPV you'll never know. As it is will all incurables, it's all about managing the symptoms.

I met a nice guy on Positive Singles - I don't have much luck on dating sites even prior to H, so all sites are pretty well the same risk as far as what's available. The thing I did like about the Pos Singles site is that we all get what it means to live and deal with H and no one is freaked out by it. So, if there is a connection, 50% of the stress of it all is just Not There. And for a quick romp for connection and fun, it's just like dating without H. I am still asking them to verify what they have however on paper as I can't afford anymore incurable diseases! But,that's me - as I won't even date a person right now with HSV1. Again, that's me as I'm paranoid as nobody yet can explain my getting HSV2 after testing negative on my annual in 10/2017 and no sex 5 months prior.... but then positive in January 2018. Either the virus was dormant and didn't register in my blood all these years or I got it from my GYN in October as nobody touched me but me since my last sex act in Summer of 2017.

Love the statisticians here... thank you!

NothingGoodGetsAway - thank you!

Mil21 - you are a true goddess Rockstar. I have goosebumps reading your follow up. So damn proud of you! And what a cool dude..... look forward to updates. You made my day girl :)

PresentMoment - we all will join you in due time! Enjoy that sensitivity while it lasts hehe.... good on you!

Slowly paring down my daily dose... feeling less fuzzy. Alcohol definitely mattered, for me on high dose of valtrex. BUT I'm paring down....a FIRST in 4 months for sure - woop! Hesitant to masturbate still... patience patience patience... but paranoid of backward steps. The date went well.... I rarely go for #2 date, but plan to this Thursday. He just had his wisdom teeth out so it was kinda humorous in all ways actually. Looking forward to Thursday - as the kiss goodnight can only get better.... she hopes lol

My only answer was HIGH dose valtrex for almost 2 weeks. I'm just starting to pare it down very slowly. I have been trying to get well for 4 months. If the antiviral dose you are taking is not working - change it up or find a new doc or clinic that supports you doing so. Antivirals won't harm you or hurt your ability to build up antibodies. Be patient with yourself... as best you can. My friend she had it BAAAAAAD, like Everywhere!... but she didn't have it near as long as me and she never took one pill. All bodies are different. Hang in and ask questions to you doc. Stay on it - they don't care as it's not their crotch screaming at them. Drive - you got to. It's your body and your decisions.

I hear you to a point. Life is better, believe you me. I've been dealing with hardcore ugh for 4 months and finally went on very high dose of a different antiviral. GET SUPPORT from docs, clinic and counselor. It sucks to get HSV - but it certainly isn't worth a life. It is not life threatening to 99.9% of folks pretty much (give or take of course) so, give yourself time. Get support and back up. I was frustrated and angry as hell to be so miserable for so long. Still no sex since last June. By choice I wasn't having sex and tested negative for HSV in October and November (I test annually). However, in Jan I'm Blood positive Blood and in November Culture Positive (even though I just tested negative twice...) - talk about WTF. Not one doc can explain how this could be - but here I am! However, I'm finally starting to slowly feel better and reducing my dosage slowly. Find what works and get the support. It's worth it. On another note, there are dating sites specifically for those of us with HSV, HPV, HIV, etc - I joined one and actually met a super cool man the other night - my first date since last June. The cool thing is he "gets it" and thus we are already 100% ahead of the awkwardness. Just a thought but not necessary as many here have experienced. I also find its still best I only tell those that I know I can reach out to. Most times, it's only those that have the virus.... but slowly I'm letting some of my closer gf know for support if I needed it. I'm glad I waited. As time goes on and I start to finally feel better I don't feel a need for support outside of this site and those few that already know. One day at a time doll.... there is so much ahead of you - give it a chance.

Laughsalot81 - you got it... we just gotta be patient and loving and supportive of ourselves in the process.

50andsad - Hi from 53 and working on not being sad. :) We are here with you lady and happy to hear about the cream - it changed my world and even my new gyn is like, your vaginal walls look great for 53 and that Yes that cream has made all the difference based on her experiences. I do a higher dose than some, And I think what is Most Important is Not what the doc thinks but how you feel. I also take testosterone and progesterone and my new PC doc is like, why? And so the battle begins, but I will win. It's my body. Rule of thumb, give it 6-12 weeks and see how you feel. Then I would test your hormone levels again. I did every 3 months for a couple of years as it took that long to find a balance for my poor body... now I test every 6 months. Going in next week - can't wait to see how things are with all my other health issues kicking in, HSV included, to see if it matters. Hugs ladies.... and get on that back in the saddle 50's dating thread, I have my first date tonight since last June! Wow.... lol

PresentMoment - oh good! And today is a better day again... hesitantly hopeful.... and I have my first date since last June - so that should be good for the soul in and of itself! Thank you for all the wonderful support! Muah!

Blueberry08 - I feel your struggle. I'm a shy 4 months in and now taking a diff antiviral, valtrex at 3,000mg a day. High dose per my doc. And I'm hesitantly hopeful as I head into week 2. I plan to continue through Monday and then go to two in AM and 1 each at 8 hour intervals for 7 days, then work down to 3 a day (standard) and then down to two and then hopefully just one... my doc is ok with me being creative on how I medicate since I've had so many issues. Valtrex is different for me for sure and that itchy / burning is starting to go buh bye as I rarely get lesions and so far, never beyond my vagina. Even a standard GYN appt gave me a BO too... boo! So, keep at it and we gotta keep our chin up girl.... all in due time we'll be back in the saddle :) Keep us posted and today I feel "hope" so I know you got it coming your way soon - just might have to change it up.

Thought I'd start one for us ladies 50 and up! I divorced at 50 and started dating about a year later... online and otherwise. So, here at 53 and just finding out I'm HSV2 positive I was like, who is gonna want me now?! lol Well, I left my age range 30-55 and there are plenty of men out there that are interested. I'm not so interested in 30-45ish as I can't relate, but for possible fun and young energy about Life, of course. I like 40's for their energy and zest for life. Sometimes their focus on career and family gets in the way, but this is a good thing if it works with my schedule and they can handle dating and family and career. I was the same in my 40's. I have yet to date anyone in their 50's beyond a couple of dates. Just how it works for me now. There are also sites out there for folks that are H etc positive - and I have my first date tomorrow.... no talk needed. And no stigma And no judgement And in some way, folks that are positive, "get" life more than most due to having H. It's kinda cool because if you have H, I do believe we become much less judgmental. So my thought is, put out age range that works for you and check out online sites, like Positive Singles if you want to avoid the "talk" and all that comes with. Life is definitely not over at 50 with H!

Yes, it is a high dose and I've read that sometimes it's what has to be done. I think my autoimmune issues do not help! I also find that if I don't drink it matters. Alcohol is pure poison.... but damn, sometimes a couple drinks and dancing is worth it! I just blot dry... working my way up to wiping... so sad and hilarious we talk of such things, but grateful I can :) I have read many times to avoid such things as summer' eve - but if it's working for you, awesome. Don't fix what ain't broke! My girl likes to just be left alone beyond estrogen cream for HRT and lube if needed for when, well, I get to get back on that cowboy and save a horse?! lol....

It can really vary - women however have it waaaaaaaaaay worse than men and HSV2 can be more resistant as it is the alpha H... lol. I have dealt with BO after BO after BO and a very uncomfortable 4 months - and just now I think I'm getting ahead of it by taking large dose of antiviral support. Will see how it goes when I slowly back down to suppressive dosage. I only have had the more "mild" BO and only on vagina and not really inside beyond uncomfortable, no lesions. So, maybe it's taking my body longer to fight back as my infection has been slow and moving versus hit me super hard and go away. I am also as I slowly feel better touching myself more to get me use to it again. Sometimes nerves and bodies need to be reminded of what "normal" is through gentle and slow re-introduction. Had to do it once with a shoulder / back issue. Hang in there - too many stories that it gets better and our sex lives will return. Gotta believe it!

You've done all you can do. Give him the time and space he needs to figure out what's next for him. As for that vaginal dryness, yes, that too can be a trigger. Natural Rx estrogen cream is what I have used for years and it made all the difference as H tingling / burn feels very much the same as that dryness even when not dry at all. Just thinning vaginal walls. And you are much more susceptible to BO and yeasts, etc. So, get on some cream if you can. When it happened to me, if I fucked I felt sunburned for a week. So, once a week with a condom I did (which was even worse) but over time I healed, but I think I slowed the healing due to my romp time... :)

I'm on 500mg at 6 per day (2 every 8 hours). Crazy tired and fuzzy but I think its working... I can't wait to not tingle and feel weird everytime I wipe, put on underwear, wash and test the waters for play time.... going on 4 months now. I don't think antivirals cause weight gain. I think the stress of having HsV2 and having to take pills multiple times a day as a reminder can be a bit depressing especially if symptoms do not go away and sex is not an option months on end. Eating is comfort as is not exercising when in reality, we all know it's the opposite lol