Question:
Ok, I know I am very new to this..but I just cannot help but be so angry with the clueless medical professionals regarding HSV....testing...transmission..etc....

I have never in my life felt so strongly about being uneducated/uninformed..and feel that WE can do something together to try to educate the rest of the world! Is there any type of advocacy groups for HSV?? Can we start a petition of some sort?

I have been to my ob/gyn for the past 19 years every year..and had the normal STD tests.........ASSUMING that HSV was part of the test!!!!! IF it was part of the normal STD tests, can you imagine how different the statistics would be of people who have it/or transmit it!!!!! It is disgusting that the medical field has chosen to NOT EDUCATE us about this rampant and HIGHLY SNEAKY CONTAGIOUS disease!!!!!!! :mad:

When the nurse called to give me my results she said that no, it was not possible for me to transmit my (oral)HSV-1 to my partner causing him to have genital herpes!!!!! I had to tell her otherwise bc of all of the information I had been reading on this site and other sources...she put me on HOLD to go ask the DR. if in fact, it was possible!!!!!!! And he told her that yes, it was possible for me to have given my partner HSV-1 via oral sex causing him to have HSV-1 genitally...........

The more I think about the medical field's lack of knowledge on this matter, the more it infuriates me!

Ok- that is my 2 cents worth for Monday!!! :D

Answer:
I hear you loud and clear! I was misdiagnosed for over 3 months and saw 5 different doctors!! I went to a clinic and asked to be tested for Hepres myself and sure enough!!! I too am blown away on how uneducated the medical field is when it come to GH. I suffered for a long time being treated for different things that probably made my condition worse and last longer. I am seeing an infectious disease doctor next week to try and understand why this happened and get a little more info as I have yet to have a day where I feel normal. My gyno told me that herpes don't burn. BULLSHIT!! Boy does he need more medical training. I was so sick - I just don't understand - and yes, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - IT JUST TAKES PEOPLE LIKE ME AND YOU - NEED TO START SOMEWHERE AND WHERE ELSE BETTER TO START THAN HERE - I'd really like to hear some other stories where folks were misdiagnosed before taking action themselves - we can start there...hope everyone is doing well - Brooke

Answer:
I agree with education. I think it's a horrible disservice that the medical population doesn't know enough about HSV to properly diagnose it, or give accurate information about transmission. I think it's also a horrible disservice to future generations that HSV is basically left out of STD discussions/teaching.

I know Angel_Eyes will be speaking to her congressman at some point in the future. Perhaps we could begin by writing letters? At least to inform our congressperson that this is a REAL and MISUNDERSTOOD virus that needs more research.

Answer:
I love to read posts like this. It is best for you to start at the local level. Request a meeting with you local state senator. At that meeting, you need to be prepared with stats, expert opinion (whether it be a doctor and or lawyer). Ask for him / her to draft something into legislature....such as mandatory herpes tests at EVERY gyno visit (right now this IS NOT done b/c of the cost of the tests. Insurance companies don't like to pay for them unless there are symptoms....well, duh most people don't even show symptoms, and are unaware they have HSV ---as we ALL know).

I work for a local publication where I live, and I am fortunate that my boss is able to get me a meeting directly with our state senator.... It CAN be done. We vote for them, they are serving us.