Question:
What is bothering me is not having anything solid to follow as far as what to expect for myself with this virus. Experiences are so different for each individual that we have to draw our own conclusions after gathering piece-meal information. The doctor handed me a dandy little pamphlet containing sad faced cartoon caricatures depicting those who have herpes. It gave no solid advice on living with herpes or how to understand what we may physically/emotionally experience.
I feel dependent on this site to educate myself by gleaning from others.
So, as much as I am grateful this site is here, I also feel I've lost a great deal of independence.
I wish I had a text book where I could go look up my symptoms because I have felt tired and low for the last few days. I woke up with a pounding headache, My tailbone feels like a burning stump, and my neck aches.
Did I mention I feel emotional too?
So, while I don't want to feel like a whiney baby, I feel like shit and I don't know wtf is going on. In the past I would have just though maybe I was fighting a bug. Now I think it's this virus.
I'm Not a happy friken camper today.

Answer:
This is all one great adventure into understanding the human body and its ability to fight the enemy within.

I didn't know hsv was what I had for 10 or more years and thought for the longest time I was crazy. No dr could tell me what was going on or responsible for my symptoms. They are so bizarre that unless you know you would never connect the dots.

I slowly learned to identify patterns and once I did get a diagnosis it was like someone turned on the light and all my attentive ponderings began to form a clear picture.

If if feels like the flu and it feels like someone kicked the crap out of you and you have a headache all at the same time it's probably this virus but don't forget to throw in some itching and maybe some horrible little blisters.

What helps me the most now that I know. The antivirals and my vitamins, my cases of water and being really disciplined about my diet. Yes I still need some tylenol for the headaches but as time goes the symptoms become less frequent and more predictable until you know from that twinge or that ache that it's hsv or something else.

I wish this made it easier but - truly time is on your side. There is no better time to start putting yourself and your health first above all else. Demand your beauty sleep, demand your breaks, get out and take a walk or exercise, eat those healthy, crunchy, yummy salads and think about how happy your body will be. If you can afford it go get a massage, or get yourself a pedicure or something physically luxurious and you'll be thanking yourself later cause it helps you to be calm and clear minded and this will help your immune system fight off the hsv.

Answer:
Caliope,

i always feel better after i read your posts, even when they are not in response to mine. I agree, you feel like a train ran you over at times. I get myself a manicure and pedicure every two weeks now, rest as much as i can and started taking vitamins, so here's hoping....

Answer:
Shayna,

Your situation sounds just like mine. Believe me, when I was initially diagnosed, I felt like a ton of bricks had hit and landed on me. My back hurt so badly, it made my stomach hurt and as a result, I had bowel movements very frequently. My legs and knees were in so much pain; I could hardly walk up the stairs. I had to literally hold on to the rail, while I placed one foot at a time on a step (I looked more like a person recovering from an accident oppose to someone diagnosed with herpes). I had weird head pain and Tylenol or Midol wouldn't help. I really don't know what body did not hurt, in addition to the emotional roller coaster that I was on. I never felt so much pain before in my life. All of these symptoms lasted for about 3-4 months, and then all of a sudden, I started to feel better and better as time progressed. I get some pain and I experience issues, but not as bad as before. So, just try to find those things that keep you happy and in a positive state of mind. I know right now that may seem hard, but no matter how small, it can help you. In regards to the pain, try and find whatever meds or vitamins will help you. Also exercise/stretching/massages/warm showers/packs help subside the pain. The most important thing is to have a positive outlook because the more stressed you are, more than likely you will experience an ob, which will result in physical and emotional pain. Take care of yourself and stay positive as possible.

Answer:
Hi, Shayna,
Some days you're just sick and tired of being sick and tired!! Others it seems almost doable. The physical maintenance and pampering will DEFINATELY have a positive effect on your ability to cope and be positive. You know, the more stress, the more difficult the outbreak...but I'm with you all the way,girl. It gets old some days. I'm feeling a little frustrated myself. Good that you're here getting it out. Hoping the best for you SOON, ms.;)