Question:
I am new to this sight and feel a bit lost. I was diagnosed with the Herpes virus a month ago. I am not quite sure which type it is b/c my doctor told me that it was not of importance. I have spent my whole life doing what was expected of me. I have kept my sexual experiences to minimum. I do not want to ridicule the person who gave this to me (or who I unknowingly took it from) I just have a favor to ask those who were once where I am now. Please read this . . . please help me figure out what is going on with me and my body. I don't go out anymore. I sleep all day long to avoid any thought of this issue. My family has always been very supportive of me, but I am afraid to tell them. I don't feel I did anything wrong, sex is natural, but I feel dirty, scarred, branded. I am to scared to research anything b/c I am afraid of what I will find out. All my doctor was give me a prescription for whenever or if I ever have an outbreak. Then he handed me a packet on how to prevent STD transmission . . . it's a little late for that.
I feel I am worth something, but I am scared others will think I am not b/c I have this. How do I deal with this? How did you deal with this? I want to love and be loved, but I am afraid this will stop me from doing it? So, I ask again for your help. I just neet hope that everything will be ok. Please respond . . . anyone.
bittersweet

Answer:
dear bittersweet,
oh my darling, this letter makes me sad, as it reminds of feelings i go through :( i just have abit if advice, information is power, don't be afraid to find out more about this virus, despite what your doctor said it does matter what type it is, type 1's site of preference is the mouth region which means genitally the virus should be less servere as it is away from it's site of preference, type 2 is surposely more servere in reoccurences but everyone is different and looking after yourself is important in reducing outbreaks. secondly, herpes can inflict any sexually active person, two partners or ten, it doesn't make you a dirty person, just unlucky, and you are worthy of a loving relationship and love and understanding, everyone on this site is trying to cope with herpes too, were here for you if you need us, love jan

Answer:
Go to a different doc....and make sure you get a type specific test...What made you go get checked? Have you ever gotten a cold sore on your lip?? or what you thought might be a fever blister? I contracted simplex 1 when i was very young i mean a baby....someone must have kissed me when i was a child and gave it to me. If it is simplex 1 its very common 80% of the population has it.
I think that reading information on this topic can leave you more confused then you were in the beginning. I think maybe you should wait, get re-tested by someone who will give you accurate results and tell you which type you have....then once you receive that you can do research.....because who knows if you even have it....tests that are not type specific are not always accurate...sh$t not even the herpeselect is accurate.....and thats one of the best tests.....

So go get retested and good luck :) dont stress out and dont do to much research, that was my mistake, i made myself sick from reading everything and i just confused myself even more.... I was told i had hsv2 and it turned out that i was never positive for it....

Answer:
I went in b/c i noticed a blister, I was given a blood test and it confirmed that i had it. My doctor said that the test could not differentiate between the two types b/c the virus was active during the blood screening. Does that make sense? I have never had any kind of cold sore on my lip. I am almost positive I have it just b/c I have read up on the symptoms and they matched mine exactly -- fever-burning- my lower back was really tender and sore (flu synptoms) I guess in my stupor I did not think to go to a specialized clinic instead of the family doctor's office (don't I feel foolish) I do want to find out what type I have, but I am sure that I have it. Do you know if you need to treat thep types differently. I know you have type I, but you have had this for a while and I was wondering if you picked any other information on the way. I really appreciate the advice . . . and though I may be emotional right now, I am glad that I was able to be lead in the right direction on how to tackle taking care of myself from now on.

Answer:
Hi Bittersweet -

My girlfriend has HSV2 and has had it for many years. I do not have it (yet) but the more I learn about it the less of a big deal it is.

When she first told me she had it I freaked out. I joined this site, I spent all day researching it and was totally obsessed. It almost caused me to break up with her. The stress that I showed over it actually caused her more stress and, I am convinced, triggered back to back outbreaks for her.

The fact is that it does not diminish you as a person. It will influence your future relationships, that cannot be denied. However, you will come to understand that wouldn't want to be with someone who wouldn't want to be with you because you have HSV.

Two things gave me tremendous perspective and peace in coming to grips with this as a person in a relationship with some in your position. First, I asked myself if I would stay with her in the absence of HSV - the answer is "yes", so that said I will not be dictated to by a stupid virus. Second, I am a firm believer in the notion that you don't make decisions based upon fear but rather based on love. That made the decision to stay an easy one.

Start paying close attention to your physical and mental well being. Good diet, plenty of exercise, plenty of rest, avoid stress whenever possible. Take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of your life. There's a lot more living to do and a lot of bright days ahead.

Take care and God bless.