Question:
Hi,

I'm new to this group, but not newly diagnosed. I was diagnosed with herpes simplex when I was 21 yrs old - kissed someone who had an OB that was not obvious at the time. When I became symptomatic at the time - I looked like a monster. When I found out what it was and that this was something that I would have to deal with for the rest of my life - I was devastated. I have been living with this plague ever since.

At first the OB's were very frequent - like atleast once a month for the first 6 months and then every 2-3 months for a couple years and the OB's have lessened. I think only because I have learned over the years what seems to cause outbreaks for me.

I did eventually meet someone special and understanding of this disease and have been married for the last 8 years or so. I have done everything possible to prevent him from becoming infected. I would not wish this on my worst enemy!!!

Anyways, even though I was diagnosed with this a long time ago - I still find it to be a traumatic experience when I get recurrent painful hideous OBs. I tried the Zovirax cream, and Zovirax pills and the Valtrex tablets too. They help some - but not much.

I am here hoping to give and receive guidance/support with other members out there. Also, open minded to any potential cures out there (of course).

If any of you have any suggestions/advice - I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,
Ginger

Answer:
do you kow that something like 80 or 90% of the adult population have hsv1? most of us got it when we were children. I have it and never thought twice about it. never even crossed my mind to tell a partner because it was just coldsores and I've only had like 3 outbreaks in my life. well having hsv2 made me learn alot more about these viruses. even though most people have the hsv1 virus many people never have coldsores. chances are your guy already has it. he should go get tested and when you find out that he has it too you can relax a little. unless he is in the 10% minority of the population, which is unlikely. as for the outbreaks you should get a perscription for valtrex and when you feel one comming on you should take it. I work with a woman who occasionally gets repeated bad out breaks. she got the valtrex for these emergencies and said it has helped alot.

Answer:
Chaos,

Thanks for the reply. I understand there is a possibility that I could have been carrying the virus - but I NEVER even had a cold sore until I met up with this person that had them. After just kissing him once, I had a terrible outbreak and have had cold sores ever since. OB's like your co-worker's. Good idea to keep the valtrex on hand for when the prodrom window starts and have husband tested. Luckily, he as never had to deal with what I/we have been going through.

Have you heard about anything promising other than Valtrex/Zovirax to maybe ever get rid of this? Clinical trial, herbals - anything?

Thanks again for the reply.
Ginger

Answer:
Ginger, what do you do to prevent your husband from catching the virus?

Also what are some of the things that causes you to get out breaks?

Lets say you had the HSV-1 virus already, why do you think kissing that person would of caused you to start having outbreaks? a different HSV-1 strain perhaps?

Answer:
I was just diagnosed with h1 in May but I think I may have had it since jan. I am not sure. Ginger - do you get tingling on your face ? If so do you think you are contagious at that point?