Question:
I just found out that I have contracted the hpv2 from a recent partner. Prior to this partner I did not have sex for about 3 years.....I know, that's a long time but I am not one to sleep around and I was afraid of what was out there...i.e. std's. Since I found out I am infected I have been crying uncontrollable for 3 days. My doctor told me not to worry about it because it is common for people to have this and I am not alone, but that didn't make me feel better. I was in a stable relationship and the doctor said I contracted it innocently, but again, I didn't feel any better.

If you have some suggestions on how I can get over this depressive state I would greatly appreciate it. All I want to do now is lay around, have no appetite and am afraid to touch anything for fear of getting or spreading it.

My doctor has put me on Valtrex 2x/day for 10 days then will be on suppressive 1x/day for the rest of my life...how depressing is that! I am 40 some years old, have gotten this far in life and end up with this!

Where did I go wrong??:confused::-(

Answer:
Hi, downandout. It sounds like you're having a really hard time right now...and a lot of the ideas you have about who gets herpes are getting shaken up.

Herpes isn't about sleeping around or being punished for something. Herpes does not discriminate against who it chooses as a host. It is an extraordinarily common virus that most infected individuals don't even know they have. You are the same person you were before you discovered your infection.

Hang in there. Keep writing to us.

Answer:
Thank you. But I feel really dirty and I am not a bad person! I am amazed at how a few words, "You have herpes" can change your entire outlook on things.

Answer:
You certainly are among friends and I think you'll find that there is plenty of support here for what you are feeling right now.

Surprisingly the statistics are 1 in 4 so you are really not alone and those horrible feelings will get better. Mostly it is completely shocking when you get the diagnosis and over time, with a little education, you'll learn that it isn't about constant outbreaks and pain and there really is life after herpes.

I'm in a similar position to you I am also in my 40's and thought I was always very careful. I think I got this from my ex husband, who I was with for over 10 years and it was only after we'd been divorced for 8 years that I learned that the nagging, annoying itch I experienced was hsv. Unfortunately for me it was after I found the love of my life and it almost ended our budding romance.

In the beginning I think it is important to find emotional support wherever you can. I found it here as I don't have people I trust in my circle of friends and family. It is also important to give yourself a little time to adjust to the psychological impact but keep working on maintaining a normal life. Spend time with people you love, have fun, pursue your dreams and know that this current upset will pass and soon you will be enjoying life again.

Is your current partner able to provide you the support you need?

Answer:
You are 40! I wish I made it that far try being 21!!!!!!!! I havent experienced boyfriends, marriage or kids!!!! Now I have to hope someone will want me without running away, like the one I have now...the one that I thought could be the one! HURTS LIKE HELL. I feel your pain. I wish I could have got to 40 and said for the rest of my life...

Answer:
You did not go wrong anywhere along your life. You were living life the way you wanted it to be. There is nothing wrong with that. Don't think otherwise. This virus infected you by chance.

Yes, your outlook is changed, maybe the "Why me?" question. However, there are at least hundreds of active members in this forum, and still thousands more in and around where you live, and millions worldwide. They have all wondered the same thing. You are not alone in this. The outlook will change as you experience life just the same as if you did not have it.

You will still have it of course, but viewing the situation differently is everything.

It is hard, so hard, but that is why we are here, in this forum. Give and receive here, so that it makes every aspect of your life a little better.

Best Regards, and Feel Better, downandoutinnc.

Answer:
Keep in mind the 1 in 4 statistic is just for genital herpes. If you consider all herpes carriers, the statistics are closer to 3 in 4.

Answer:
I know exactly how you feel but you haven't done anything wrong. I cried harder than I have ever cried before when I got the call, I mean instant puffy eyes ugly crying. Slowly my life is getting back to normal or at least as normal as its going to get to where I don't think about it every minute. I don't know what I would have done without this forum. Aside from my bf I haven't told anyone, still dealing with the shame, feeling "dirty" emotions. But it really does help having people here that understand. So just keep reading, posting, and crying when you need to. We're all here to help each other and you will eventually feel better about yourself and the situation. :)

Answer:
It's really hard to accept the unexpected things. This is really a difficult situation. I have cried alot before but later I have learned that there's still a good life out there. I tried a lot creams and medications but I still had outbreaks once a month before. Then I tried using vygone and I never had an outbreak. So for those who has been newly diagnosed, please keep in mind and in heart that it not the end of the world. There are solutions and as I said there's still life ahead worthy for us to enjoy.