Post 1st Herpes Outbreak

[gatorphan]

Hi all,

I'm new to this and it's a bit scary but thought this looked like a great place for emotional support and advice so here it goes.

 

I was diagnosed a few weeks back when I went to the doctor amid my first outbreak. He prescribed me to 1000mg of Valtrex twice a day for 10 days and he told me that it was a particularly bad outbreak. (I have skin sensitivity issues if that plays any role) Anyways after the 10 days, the lesions went away(!!) but I was still feeling very funny. Sore in lymph nodes all over my body, headaches, and a general discomfort.

 

Its been about 2 weeks with no lesions but i've been very itchy in the pubic region. Looking in the mirror, it's red, irritated and very tender. Is this normal for the beginning? I just feel like I am on the verge of another full on outbreak and that would not be nice. Is my body "shedding" or does it take my body time to adjust to the virus? And if this is a thing, how long typically until it subsides?

 

For these reasons. I was contemplating trying the suppressive therapy if anyone has any advice. I was considering avoiding this though so my body can try to fight it and build antibodies naturally. Let me know thoughts. I am otherwise a healthy male in my 20s and thankful for that!

 

Thanks all

[WCSDancer2010]

@gatorphan

 

Hello and Welcome! I used to live near Gainesville :)

 

Yes, you are having a typical (if somewhat rough) first OB... and yes, your skin sensitivity likely isn't helping. And the swollen glands, body symptoms, and itching are normal. And it's very possible you are shedding. It can take 6 months, sometimes a year for the body to get control of the virus. If you can control your stress, look at dietary changes that you can make to support your immunity, and other triggers that you can avoid.

 

If the OB's are causing you that much discomfort to where you cannot function or if you are in a relationship then Suppressive therapy is a good thing for you. It's a very individual decision tho.... but I'm a non-pill person and I stand by the drugs especially for partner protection.

 

These tips may help the OB's - and check the links for trigger info/ etc

 

Go Commando as much as possible - getting air to the area can help to dry it out more quickly

 

Reduce stress as much as possible - Herpes feeds off stress!!! It can become a good barometer for you that your body needs attention in some form or other

 

Look up Trigger Foods/triggers on here in the FAQ and search bar - lots of topics on them ... the main foods are chocolate and nuts but you want to learn about the Lysine/Argenine balance that can help keep Herpes under control

 

Epsom Salts baths can do wonders for some. Sit in the bath and dump a few handfuls of the salts right between your legs. Relax and let the salts do their thing then get out and dry off, finishing with a blow drier set on low heat to really get the area dry.

 

These 4 things seem to do the most help for the most people. Aloe Vera CREAM (make sure ALOE is one of the first ingredients and there isn't a bunch of other crap like petroleum and if it has glycerine, it's AFTER the Aloe in the ingredients .. go to a Health food store for your best chance of getting a good product) or Zinc cream may help during the day to keep it from sticking and help relieve the pain ..

 

Also: Gold Bond Spray powder - right after exercising/hot showers/etc. Supposedly really cools the area ;)

 

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/1821/food-drinks-that-causeprolong-herpes-outbreaks/p1

 

http://regannaturopathic.com/2013/04/the-truth-about-arginine-lysine-and-herpes-simplex-virus/

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-prodrome-symptoms

http://herpeslife.com/what-is-herpes-asymptomatic-viral-shedding/

 

FAQs:

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/1758/frequently-asked-questions-on-herpes-and-popular-conversations/p1

 

Handouts + disclosure e-book:

http://eepurl.com/b4IPP

 

Herpes facts video

[Tallboy38]

Hey Man,

 

I am a male in my 20s, had my first out break 3 months ago and was prescribed the exact dosage of valtrex you had for 10 days as well.

 

Im sure you already know this, but the first out break is typically the worst because your body has not build up any antibodies to help control the virus. I personally think your body is still building its resistance to the Herpes. For me, my first outbreak was mild in physical sores but serious with flu and fever like symptoms. After I finished my 10 days of valtrex, all sores were gone but I still was dealing with swollen lymph nodes and off and on flu symptoms. Ironically, I had a "second" outbreak of sores a week after I finished taking my medication. However, I believe this to be a continuation of my first outbreak. (First outbreaks can last up to 4 weeks in some cases).

 

Just stay strong buddy, it gets easier. Since my initial outbreak, I have not had another nor experienced any symptoms. I'm hoping the best for you.

 

 

[gatorphan]

@WCSDancer2010 - Thanks for all the info, it was extremely insightful. Go Gators!

 

@Tallboy38 - Appreciate it man. Thanks for the male insight, not many of us on here. Hoping for the best for sure! Good luck