Just diagnosed

[Newme]

So I just found out I have herpes and I am devasted. I looked up the virus and found out that it is pretty common and also very stigmatized. I'm struggling with my diagnosis. I feel dirty. I can't even fathom what my future look like romantically. I forsee a lot of rejection. I told my most recent partner and he hasn't spoken to me since. I have a good friend who is also HSV+ and she's been carrying me through this. Since her diagnosis she has even had another baby. I'm struggling to accept what it is and not feel ugly about myself. I already suffered with self esteem issues and this is just another blow. I'm trying to push through. I have read a lot of info and know that this does not have to be the end of my life romantically. I just can't get that negative voice to stop. I know I have to work on loving me so that I can get past this low and realize that it doesn't have to make me. 

[Michgirl73]

Well I’m sorry this happened to you. It’s definitely really hard to accept and not feel the way you do. I hated myself so much for not protecting myself or questioning my partner.. I relive it almost every. I just want u to know it does get better. I decided to go to therapy and educate myself about this virus. I’m sadden that I’m stuck with this for the rest of my life. Just know u are still beautiful.. that hasn’t changed. This virus don’t define who U are. U need to realize there more to u then this virus. Try to learn to love yourself . Learn about this and stay healthy and be more aware. There are so many people that have this virus and don’t know it or do know it. You are not alone. Take care of yourself and know u got support here.

[Bootsychootsy]

Do you believe your recent partner was the one who gave it to you?

[Newme]

I think so but I know that it's hard to pinpoint if this was a new infection or if it had been dormant. I didn't have an OB as described in the threads. I had one pimple that I thought was a scratch. I do believe it was him though. 

[Bootsychootsy]

How were you tested?

[Newme]

Culture test. I've read that's the most accurate test. 

[Bootsychootsy]

Hi,

I believe if you have an IGG blood test if it returns negative that means either your culture was false or the infection is too new to be detected. If it’s positive it means the infection is atleast 4 months old.

[Newme]

I didn't know you could have a false culture test. 

[Bootsychootsy]

Not certain about culture. I believe with swabs though if it’s not done within 48hrs of the blister/legion appearing it can lead to false positive results. My swab came back hsv2 isolated, but I did a bloodtest to be absolutely 100% sure. No results yet.

[Ishmael]

2 hours ago, Bootsychootsy said:

 I believe with swabs though if it’s not done within 48hrs of the blister/legion appearing it can lead to false positive results. 

That can lead to a false negative. 

[Bootsychootsy]

7 hours ago, Ishmael said:

That can lead to a false negative. 

Dammit. I guess my bloodtest will confirm how long I’ve had it then.

[Amando]

Hi Newme

Sorry that you feel so devastated.

You are not dirty for having this virus, just unlucky like so many others before you.

With time you will start to feel better, what you are feeling right now is very normal.

I guarantee you still have a beautiful romantic future.

Keep your chin held high, good luck & be strong 🙂