Question:
Today I have my first doctors appointment since I have been diagnosed.
I woke up with my heart racing and an upset stomache.

I feel embarrased and ashamed to face my doctor and I'm terrified of feeling judged.... I know how stupid that sounds...it's my doctor for God's sake.

When I hadd called for my test results my doctors nurse told me what it was. She was also kind enough to say that she herself has herpes. She told me that she is 61 years old, and has had it for 15 years.... and it wasn't the end of the world.

I really need to work on not being so down on myself with that inner voice telling me what a mess I've made of my life.

Answer:
If you don't feel comfortable with your dr you might want to find one that you do feel that way with.

My gyn is who I had my consult with after my diagnosis. Most of my friends prefer to have female obgyn's but I am quite happy with mine who happens to be male. He has been far more gentle and less judgemental than the female obgyn's I have visited and much more willing to be straight up with me. He was quite frank about the numbers of patients he is seeing with hsv. He assured me that he sees patients daily who are newly diagnosed and even though I was highly embarrased he made me feel like I was not alone and it wasn't something to be embarrased of. Heck if almost everyone has it why should I feel so alone.

You really aren't alone with this and it might help you to go and talk about it out loud with your dr. Be sure to ask lots of questions.

And you didn't make a mess out of your life you just are living with a few complications.

Answer:
Thanks Caliope!

The visit with my doctor went really well today...So, I had caused myself unnecesary anxiety. He was very kind, gave me a lot of information, answered all of my questions, didn't give me the bums rush, and sent me home with a presciption of Acyclovir to have on hand.
Now I feel I have a good medical base in place for me. That feels good.
But Damn...I hate these "first time" experiences with this.

Answer:
Same with meeee Shayna....I actually had to switch OBGYNs because mine was female and really judgemental! Even all her nurses were judgemental! So I switched Drs.. In fact switched clinics all together and things have been 100% better!

Answer:
Yep Kayla,
Don't you think with having something like this, that makes us feel so vulnerable, we've got to find doc's we feel completely safe with?!
I'm glad you changed clinics! How could they possibly help you if you had any feelings of being judged, Right?!
I guess we need to pony up and really advocate for ourselves here on, eh?

Answer:
I'm actually relieved to see that I am not the only one who had a problem with a female obgyn.

No matter if you have hsv, hpv etc. or nothing chronic at all you should feel comfortable with your dr. If you don't this could cause you to put off seeing your dr when something important or dangerous is happening with your health.

Shayna I am so glad your appointment went well and Kayla I'm glad you found a different clinic. Your health is important.

Answer:
Thank you! ....And you are so right!!
One of the most important parts of taking care of ourselves is having our health professionals lined up. I hope everyone keeps up with a doctor regarding their health care. If we don't like the one we have, We have to go to others til we find one we do like.

Answer:
i've lucked out with my doctor i've seen him since i was like 10 he delivered my daughter and has had a lot more experience with stds than most doctors. he worked in a free std clinic for a couple years before he started at the local family clinic. he will actually sit down and listen and talk with me during my appointments he isn't like a lot of doctors who get in there give the diagnosis and rush out to get to the next patient he will sit and chat for a least 10 minutes to make sure every question i have is answered.

Answer:
I got lucky with my male gyn too. He felt so bad for me, he hugged me. Made me cry when he said I had no reason to hold my head down in there, no one would judge me. I still felt (feel) deeply ashamed. Too new perhaps.