I just found out I have genital herpes, and I am absolutely mortified-- I'm having a huge identity crisis, like my whole perception of myself and my future has changed, and I have no idea what to do
life has found you headed in a direction that needs to change... you don't see it now, but you will much later in your journey.
that being said, try to be positive and look forward with eyes wide open for a new found valuable lesson to be learned...
it's what happened to me 30 yrs ago... things happen for a reason... i am now married for 17 yrs w/HSV and still learning the ways of this life long journey...
and....
your feelings are normal at this stage of your journey... we've all been there... try to keep your head up (even though its hard ) and try to look forward to your next positive adventure.
it took me a few years although many here have advanced much faster.
Hang Tuff! it will turn... ya gotta just trust me here...
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Please relax. Genital Herpes is quite common and can be treated. Stressing out about it does not help. If you are in the middle of a breakout then the doctor should have prescribed you some medication. In the meantime, make a habit of taking zinc and lysine (both can be found at your local wal mart or walgreens) to strengthen your immune system. Get plenty of rest and stay away from eating too much sugar. Think of it as your usual canker sore that you can get from time to time in your mouth. Something usually triggers those as well (chewing gum, coffee, citrus) and you just learn to stay away from whatever it is that brings on an out break. Unfortunately, you will have to tell anyone you are sexually active with and yet you may never have another outbreak. So please don't let this trouble you. Get more details about genital herpes. You will soon learn that even though it is very uncomfortable, breakouts can be warded off just by altering your diet a bit and regularly consuming items like zinc and lysine to help keep your immune system strong. You are going to be just fine. Herpes does not have the stigma it once did. So please relax. You HAVE to in order to let yourself heal. Hugs
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@lauralaura_4 Thank you very much for your words. A big part of my fear comes from the fact that I suddenly feel very… strange about myself as a woman and a sexual being, like my confidence is gone. And of course I’m worried about being able to control outbreaks.
I got 2 pills of Valtrex 1 gram tablet.
Finish it all. Even if you start feeling better in the next 24-48 hours. You need to finish it all. Meanwhile, start taking zinc and lysine regularly and avoid consuming too much sugar. Sugar weakens your immune system. You will be feeling better in no time. If this was brought on by a casual encounter, rethink the consequences that comes with recreational sex. Sex while fun IS sacred. Do not be frivolous with it.
Please relax. Genital Herpes is quite common and can be treated. Stressing out about it does not help. If you are in the middle of a breakout then the doctor should have prescribed you some medication. In the meantime, make a habit of taking zinc and lysine (both can be found at your local wal mart or walgreens) to strengthen your immune system. Get plenty of rest and stay away from eating too much sugar. Think of it as your usual canker sore that you can get from time to time in your mouth. Something usually triggers those as well (chewing gum, coffee, citrus) and you just learn to stay away from whatever it is that brings on an out break. Unfortunately, you will have to tell anyone you are sexually active with and yet you may never have another outbreak. So please don't let this trouble you. Get more details about genital herpes. You will soon learn that even though it is very uncomfortable, breakouts can be warded off just by altering your diet a bit and regularly consuming items like zinc and lysine to help keep your immune system strong. You are going to be just fine. Herpes does not have the stigma it once did. So please relax. You HAVE to in order to let yourself heal. Hugs