Please tell me everything's going to be ok...

[Lozab87]

Hi guys I'm new to all this so please bare with me. I was diagnosed a week ago and have just recovered from my first outbreak which was the most horrendous experience of my life. My sores have cleared up and just have a mild itch down below now. But I am terrified to ever get intimate with my partner again. I really don't want to have to go through this again and I have no one to talk to as I am a very private person. I just need reassuring that things will get better. Thank you for reading. Lauren

[JohnJay]

Things will get better! I completely understand about being private, I haven't told anyone either.

 

How long was your first outbreak?

[Lozab87]

Hi. It's awful isn't it. I just feel so embarrassed. It was just over a week but the worst of it lasted around four days. How are you finding it?

[JohnJay]

Embarrassing more than anything. It also screwed up my relationship as she 1) figured everyone had it 2) didn't have sore, so figured she couldn't spread it 3) not pleased with my reaction over the whole thing.

 

Plus, all the fun details like the shedding I've learned about, etc, doesn't seem like fun.

[Lozab87]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that!! Do you know if you have type 1 or 2? I'm still waiting to find out... still doing my homework on the whole thing so not quite up to speed on how the whole process works. I was given a not very informative leaflet so having to research everything myself... it's grim

[JohnJay]

Yeah, I have type 1. Doc seemed to say it was not a big deal.

 

Well there are some good resources available. I have been using this and reddit, and been finding a ton of informative stuff.

[Lozab87]

Don't you find some of what you read contradictory though? This is why I wanted to find people who are going through the same thing. Instead of misleading information from "health professionals"

[JohnJay]

yes and no, in what regards do you mean misleading/contradictory?

[antibody6]

Even the doctors have crappy information sometimes. It depends on your doctor. Some are accurate some aren't. If you want to know the truth, the best way to go is to learn for yourself by doing your own research. My doctor insisted that I do a PCR test on my blood to detect HSV. Mmmm-kaaayyy....

[Lozab87]

So... just found out it's HSV1. Now to research the difference... urgh. I think im getting myself way to worked up over this than I need to...