Question:
First, I'm 47 with a 27 year old attitude. I love life and I love sex.

I've had herpes for 25 years. When I was first diagnosed I was devastated. They didn't even have meds then and I have a crappy immune system so had frequent outbreaks. Thank God for the meds.

I didn't let it change my life and it hasn't. . .

My husband of 25 years is fine. Before meds we didn't have intercourse during outbreaks. When meds came out I took them religiously and stayed ob free. I didn't take meds during my two pregancies and my two babies are fine. When I was pregnant and nursing I never had an outbreak.

I'm an open person and meet many people. I'm surprised by how many have herpes. Imagine how many people don't cop-to-it.

I know of two women who had to tell boyfriends they had herpes and one man who had to tell a woman.

1:
"A" told boyfriend (love of her life) "J" that she had herpes. "J" was taken aback and unsure; needed time to think. Discussed it with his best friend who revealed that he too got herpes - from someone who kept it hidden. J and A have had an incredibly happy marriage for 12 years. "J" is herpes free.

2:
"Z" (a woman in her 40's) told new boyfriend (in his 40's) that she had herpes. He said that he didn't care. She was as sexy as ever and he couldn't wait to make love with her. Unfortunately he got herpes and took it like a man. He is okay with it, not happy about it, but okay with it. Accepts that he took on the responsibility. They're still dating and she loves him even more for being so accepting of the situation. He's happier because she loves him more.

3: Boyfriend tells his girlfriend, who is a friend of mine, that he has herpes. She comes to me for counsel. I say she could get it, but she'll survive. Ironically she has Hepatitis C. Neither has passed their illness on to each other and they're happily married.

A huge amount of the population has herpes. Admitting it to someone makes you honest because it is extremely easy to lie about it.

There are great medications that keep outbreaks away and/or shorten outbreaks. I'd love a cure but think it's a money issue in the pharmaceutical industry.

Herpes might cause a minimal expense in your life (as does coffeee, movies, dinners out). It doesn't change you.

I think the medical sites often make it sound worse than it is. It's like a cold that you get sexually. In reality it's easier than a cold because there is no medication to shorten colds, to minimize transmission or to keep the colds dormant.

RELAX! I've learned through the years. . .

Answer:
i am glad to hear that there are success stories out there. hopefully, someday, i will have one to share also. i was just diagnosed the beginning of this month, met a guy a few weeks ago. we talk and meet once a week for drinks but that is it. i dread this going any further only because of the herpes and i cry inside because he seems like a great guy and i would like to see this go somewhere in the future.

Answer:
Have you been taking the suppressive meds for a long time? I have been taking them since January but am thinking about getting off of them because I don't want to take them for a long time.

Answer:
Ive just started taking em this week.

can they be taken for life? i dont fancy that either

Answer:
Ive just started taking em this week.

can they be taken for life? i dont fancy that either Herpes is for life so if you're taking them to avoid outbreaks....so are they. I've taken both Valtrex and Acyclovir on a daily basis and neither one has had any side effects.

No dates...but no side effects.

Answer:
Herpes is for life so if you're taking them to avoid outbreaks....so are they. I've taken both Valtrex and Acyclovir on a daily basis and neither one has had any side effects.

No dates...but no side effects.
I Know herpes is for life.

but i dont fany taking pills for life, as surely that cant be to clever on my internal organs.

Answer:
I Know herpes is for life.

but i dont fany taking pills for life, as surely that cant be to clever on my internal organs. Ongoing therapy (i.e. daily) is for those of us who seem to have outbreaks on a frequent basis. Taking them as needed just did not work for me. Any medication takes a toll but ion my case the doctor felt it was worth any possible risks.

I have not seen any problems so far.

Answer:
oldtimer - I thought that was a fantastic post. :-D

Answer:
old timer - I second that applause. I'm still figuring out how i feel about all of this being diagnosed stuff... thanks for sharing.