Question:
I really need someone to talk to. I was diagnosed last year with gential herpes. Doctor gave me Valtrex told me to take it for three days and that was it. I have no support groups, therapist cost too much money and I need advice. I dont know if I am showing signs-Outbreaks or not but I due feel irratination. I am ashamed and extremely depressed about this. Ihave mentioned that I haven't told anyone The stress and anxiety alone is killing me. Will this get worse?

Posted by the forum member "kim"

Answer:
It's the shame that I find to be worst of all. I feel like if I had just about any other disease, I could be open with what I was experiencing, the pain and frustration and discomfort, and in doing so would somehow let loose all of the badness of the infection. Instead of being able to release it, though, it all stays concentrated inside of my mind and body.

At first I consoled myself by thinking, Well, it's on a private part of the body that no one talks about in polite company. But that's not quite accurate ... at work, we women will whisper to each other and roll our eyes about having a yeast infection or cramps whatnot, but I would never THINK of whispering "Sorry if I'm a bitch today, it's just my HERPES acting up"!!

That's what makes this so awful, to me anyway. I hate secrets.