Introduction to the site

[MrsC]

Hi to my fellow survivors! I was just surfing the web for information for ideas on how to manage the pain during an outbreak, when I found this site, so I thought I would join. Especially since I'm already suffering in silence. Nobody except my dr's and my husband knows. When it all started I didn't even know. I have been in a monogamous relationship for 7 years when one day...Ouch! That hurts! Let me get a better look. I made an appointment and yup HSV1. I couldn't believe it! I haven't been with anyone, and I know my husband hasn't been with anyone. Even the doctor looked at me suspiciously when I assured him that neither one of us had been with anyone else. After doing some research I learned that it can lie dormant for years and just decide to come out to terrorize when it gets good and ready. I'm certain that is the case here. My husband hasn't been tested, but has had no issues. He has been very supportive and we even married in March when I just learned of it in Nov of 13. We were already resigned to being together forever.

I have been reading and reading and looking for relief. I found some good suggestions and have tried some of them. Pouring the water on myself while urinating is really great! I like that one a lot!

However, I must be the anomaly because my OB have gotten more severe...not less. Mine have scarred, and they ooze and bleed and I swell up. They also come with my cycle like others have said. It is so painful that I just hide in the house as much as I can because it is painful to walk or sit. I take Acyclovir, but it doesn't seem to help. The OB usually last 3 weeks from beginning to end. I'm just looking to try anything to lessen the discomfort!

Thanks, look forward to chatting with you all. MrsC

[whitedaisies]

Well, your husband could have hsv1 orally and passed it to you during oral sex and you got it genitally. So you should get your hubbie blood tested to make sure. He could have had asymptomatic hsv1 orally but the virus can shed and he passed it to your genitals. Either way, you got it now but if he has hsv1 orally, he already does have antibodies and it does protect him somewhat from getting it genitally.

 

Anyway, that wasn't your question, but epsom salt baths are good. There is a numbing cream the doctor can give you (forget what it's called...another member should post it shortly), of course advil or tylenol to help alleviate pain. Keep the sores dry to promote healing. Using a blowdryer on cool on the area can help.

 

I am one of the lucky ones that don't get sores but gets horrible nerve pain at times so there should be some members on here chiming in to give their opinion.

 

Cheers and hugs!

[MrsC]

Thanks whitedaisies! Man, you're a lucky one. I think I know the ointment you're talking about too. It doesn't help much! I'm gonna try the blow dryer trick tonight.

Yeah, I know it's possible he could have transmitted it to me, but not likely...statistically. I have had many more partners than he has. The guy I ran with before him was a merchant marine. It was a brief, passionate, and unfortunately unprotected fling! No telling where he's had his mouth...all over the world...literally. That's my best guess, but I know anything is possible.

Unfortunately, MrC doesn't have medical coverage, but I do. That's the only reason he hasn't been tested yet. At this point it doesn't much matter. We have just been trying to play it safe (sex).

[whitedaisies]

I see. Well, you could have got it by anyone really, it's quite common.

 

Good luck!

[Unbroken]

Welcome! Glad you came here to learn.

[WCSDancer2010]

Hello @MrsC ... and Welcome!

 

HSV1 genital doesn't usually cause this much grief.... it usually settles down pretty fast because it doesn't like the genital area. You should be getting better by now. Is your Dr a GP/PCP or an OBGYN? I'm thinking you have something else that is exacerbating your condition. GP's are usually not as up to date on Womens Care issues so if you have not been to an OBGYN, I hope you will get an appointment with one soon ... you could have something else like Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infection, or whatever.

 

@whitedaisies is right - its VERY possible that your hubby acquired the HSV1 virus as a child and didn't know it.... the fact that your Dr never suggested that makes me very suspicious that he/she is not properly informed about HSV ... a good reason to find another option.... if you don't have luck with the OBGYN, and Infectious Disease specialist may be in order.

 

As for the hints for relief:

 

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

 

If it hurts to pee, either pee in the shower or pour a cup of water over the area as you pee to dilute the urine…..

 

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 ;)

 

And these discussions:

 

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-treatment/#more-2122

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/1802/going-the-natural-route

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/1624/herpes-medication-genital-hsv-1-how-to-keep-herpes-outbreaks-clean-dry#Item_22 My discussion amonium Alum)

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/1496/bathroom-time-

 

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-forum/discussion/2576/i-need-personal-storieshelpadvice-from-women-on-the-itching

 

(((HUGS)))

[MrsC]

Thank you both for the warm welcome! Yes, my Dr. is an OBGYN and has a very good reputation from what I'm told. I'm thinking that because I was just diagnosed on Friday with a U.T.I. that, that may have caused the outbreak and is making this OB particularly nasty... IDK. Not to mention the headaches that come along with it! And this one the worst.

I have already seen the "hints for relief" that you have posted around the site. I've tried them all except the powder so far. I'll pick that up when I go out. I'm due for my annual PAP this Nov. I'll talk with him more about it then since I haven't seen him since the diagnosis last Nov. Thanks for your inputs. MrsC

P.S. I thought I had read somewhere that some H+ people take some type of medication on a daily basis to prevent outbreaks. You know, like you would your vitamins...every day for the rest of your life. Is this true, or am I misunderstanding?

[WCSDancer2010]

I think you are thinking about L-Lysine - 1000mg/day - works for some ... some people say it doesnt help them, but it won't hurt to try...

 

And get informed about the Argenine/Lysine balance ... you may find you are eating too many foods that are high in argenine and make adjustments there

 

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/