Question:
Three days ago I noticed small bumps around my vagina and immediately thought it was herpes. After pulling and prodding around far too much, I brushed it off and attributed the tender bumps to irritation from sex.
By the next morning, I was frantically calling planned parenthood and the ob/gyn I had seen once. Unable to get an appointment or more importantly peace of mind, I just broke down hysterically crying. I think I knew from that moment after reading webpage after webpage of sypmtoms that I had H. Today at planned parenthood, I had a culture taken from the NUMEROUS blisters but the nurse is practically certain I have H and perscribed me meds.
The pain is unbearable. I haven't broken a bone or had surgery...nothing. I am not used to enduring pain whatsoever because im usually a cautious person. But this is honestly soooo painful I cry if the blisters are even slightly grazed. If i think about it, it hurts. I am avoiding liquids because I am so afraid to pee. Initially peeing doesnt hurt but after patting dry the pain stings you for minutes that seem like hours. Walking to class (I go to University of FLorida) is a task and I am an avid walker and exercise regularly.
For me this whole episode has changed my lifestyle. I have to avoid my friend because I can't walk properly. I have to tell my workout buddy that Im sick because if i cant walk i sure as hell am not getting on an elliptical trainer for an hour and then hitting the free weights. I know that everyone says that you can still live with it but im not.
I feel depressed and I cant stop crying. Im not pitying myself, I know its my own fault that i have H now. But the emotional stress and physical pain is horribly overwhelming. With stress and lifestyle primarily causing breakouts Im afraid they will never go away. I cant seem to get it off my mind and I am embarrassed around my friends even though they have no idea. I feel like an outcast now.

I have some questions if anyone has answers! :)
Since this is my first outbreak I am on a therapeutic regimen of acyclovir.
I am terrified of another outbreak and i want suppresive medication immediately...i dont think I can deal with this kind of pain however many times it may reappear throughout the years. Will a doctor give me suppresive meds?

Ive been depressed before and I'm afraid that Im headed that way again. Have any of you experianced this and needed medication?

How do you cope with everyday obligations work/school/etc with this much pain???

why us?

Thanks all for reading and hopefully :) responding,
<3 Izzie

Answer:
I feel for you. I completely understand having had my primary outbreak in early January. Ok - first, how to take care of you. Take two warm 15 minute baths a day. Pee when you're in the tub. Yes, you can, and it won't hurt. Then, just shower off. Next, keep the lesions dry. Use your blow dryer on low. Alternate Advil with Ibuprofen or ask your doc to prescribe a few pain pills. It's going to get better on about day four. You can also spray Dermaplast (nurse's favorite) on your lesions which will numb them. Or, you can use Solarcaine (sunburn spray). Wear loose cotton panties. It will never be as bad as it is right now, even if you have recurrances.

Find out what kind of herpes you have: HSV-1 or HSV-2. If HSV-2, you can expect to have 5-6 recurrances the first year unless you are on suppression therapy. Acyclovir is cheapest and just as effective as Valtrex. With Acyclovir, you take 400 mg. 2 x daily for suppression. If you start to have another outbreak, at first symptoms you up your dose to 400 mg. 3x a day for 5 days.

Now, take a deep breath, because this ain't no big deal. Really. It's a very common virus. 25% of the people around you have genital herpes HSV-2. It's just that 90% of them don't have symptoms (yeah, lucky us) and don't know they carry it. So, you are NOT alone. Not by a longshot. Take this one day at a time. Get support. Get counselling. If you find yourself not getting better emotionally after doing this, you can ask your doctor for an antidepressant. For the first time in my life, I decided I needed a little help. I am taking Zoloft, and I am getting better, day by day.

Download or read online The Herpes Handbook at http://www.westoverheights.com. You'll be glad you took the time - very good information for you there.

You are not herpes. You are a special woman who has a common virus, and it is going to get better in time. If we can help or you just want to vent, please come back and ask to rage. Hugs.