Question:
I'm in hell. I've just started workign out again after a fairly long stretch being sedentary. I got a bike trailer to pul my kid in and we've been riding a half hour every other day. I'm having outbreaks like mad. Now, not all of them have corresponded with the bike riding, but enough that I'm worried that I won't be able to ride anymore.

I can't run or do the treadmill, because I have a broken toe that causes me to limp. I felt like the bike was my last chance at fitness.

Has this happened to anyone before? Should I give up the bike and just lift weights in a circuit instead?

Answer:
Damn ,that sucks :(
I myself had just been getting into probally the best shape I've ever been
in(i'mm 44) and now this. I'm just going through my first OB,and it's the whole enjhillada,and it's been tough going to the gym.I have not ridden bikes so I can't relate/comment there,but I'm doing curcuit/weights and so far the OB has not gone ballistic.If I find that later on that triggers OB's
I just as well will probally become a big fat couch potato/start smoking again/drink heavyly and most likly if I'm lucky I'll die a year or 2 later.
And so will the virus..teach that bastard who's boss :lol:

Answer:
Is the bicycle seat irritating you? Friction can definitely trigger an OB in females, and likely males...

Answer:
I just had my first outbreak directly after going for a bike ride. I put up a post on another website and didn't get any replies. But I think the friction did cause it. It's little things like this that make you realize it isn't just a little annoying "skin condition". If you have to give up things you love, then it suck! Not to be pessimistic, but let's be honest!

Answer:
wow, I never thought of this....I use to love bike riding and want to get back into it...(I ride motorcycles, no problem...but a bit different, right!?) :wink:

This might sound crazy, but what about wearing a big soft maxi pad when riding your bike? Maybe that would help??? With comfy panties or something???? worth a shot.....

And Swizzle is SO right...this is NOT merely a skin condition!!! I have HAD a skin condition since childhood! It is called ECZEMA...true blue eczema...not the bullshit doctors quickly call eczema today (because they are clueless and do not know WHAT to call a rash, they head it all under the generic term eczema. ) Eczema is a disease of the central nervous system. It is horrifically painful and itchy. It can affect most of the body, but usually only affects the arms, legs and trunk) HOWEVER, it is NOT contagious. One with it might look funny at times, but no one will catch it from you....it is contained only to the person who suffers it. Over the years, I have learned how to keep it at bay, with minimal or minor flare ups.

Herpes is HIGHLY contagious and exceedingly painful . so it is not just a "skin condition". You can give this to other people as well as spread it around on yourself. fun fun fun. I get very angry when folks take a lackadaisical approach to this disease. While I think it is unhealthy to perpetually dwell on it (which I do...but that is just me....I am ALWAYS worrying about it...I have kids, so I HAVE to be careful!) I also think it is good to be aware and conscious of what is going on with your body. Realistic in what we have.

And what we have is a damn disease that makes it hard for a lady to ride her bike. And that sucks. Like I said...maybe try the extra padding in the pants...it might help with the friction...thus, less outbreaks. Good luck to you and don't give up on staying healthy!

Answer:
Ouch, I second everything you say! I can't stand the feeling that I'm over-reacting to this because it's "just" some minor discomfort. One of the thiings that I most love to do is go running; it keeps me both fit and sane. But with the outbreaks, it's hard to go for a run.

First of all there's the discomfort while running -- though I do love running, it's hard hard hard on some days, when I spend the whole run just waiting for it to be over (this doesn't happen every day of course!), so adding yet another pain to my burning legs and heaving lungs and sticky sweat is a real downer.

Second of all, I think that running exacerbates the OBs -- makes them longer and/or more frequent.

My relationship with this virus is still relatively new, so I'm still hoping that we can strike a deal with regard to my physical activity. If I have to give up running, my enjoyment of my life will be seriously diminished. It's NOT a small impact on me at all!

Answer:
See this is what I mean. Here we have Heidi, a woman who loves to run/jog, and stupid herpes makes it difficult for her to do something she loves and enjoys and is GOOD for her! (my hats off to ya lady, I have been LAGGING in the exercise department for ohhhhh, two years!!! And I FEEL it, believe me.)

hopefully, as time goes on and the outbreaks lessen, the physical activity will actually act as a defense mechanism AGAINST further outbreaks. Do not give up hope. Run like the wind when not in outbreak mode, and maybe opt for a different, lighter form of exercise DURING outbreak mode. Swimming maybe?

Also, sometimes herpes is a way of telling us we are lacking something in our system....like REST...so if you are overdoing it, relax and do stretches, swim, go to a SPA!!! get a back/neck massage!!! something to make you feel fabulous! :D

Answer:
WOW. I've had herpes for 16 years and cycling doesn't affect if I get an o/b...
IF i HAD one at the time..NO I wouldn't go cycling.but never has it brought one on for me.

Answer:
WOW. I've had herpes for 16 years and cycling doesn't affect if I get an o/b...
IF i HAD one at the time..NO I wouldn't go cycling.but never has it brought one on for me. Friction does seem to be a trigger for outbreaks so it makes sense. Also, I have recently had to curtail my spinning classes b/c of my OB. Lesions and mounting a bike are not particularly comfy. BUT, I believe exercise plays an major role in controlling OB's. Lift weights or if you do ride, spend lots of time "out of the saddle"