3 year anniversary of contraction! a message of hope

[keepingthefaith]

For all of you still suffering out there, maybe new, maybe scared about your life, your future, love, etc. I just wanted to let you my little story.

I contracted herpes in Dec 07/Jan 08. I slept with somebody who I did not know, both protected and unprotected, and within 3 weeks, boom! I had it. I have never had cold sores/HSV1. He told me he didn't know. I believed him. We broke up after 3-4 months for unrelated reasons.

My first OB was bad, with all the flu symptoms. Very sick. After the initial OB, I had what seemed like a never ending supply of OBs. I would only get one tiny weeny little sore, but it would go away, then come back, sometimes every week. I kept increasing my valtrex up and up. From 500 mg/day to 1g to 2g. I think I was binge drinking so much that I was killing my immune system, triggering an OB.

This continued for 1.5 years. I dated, but did not sleep with anyone, as I knew I was most contagious during that first year. I did practice "talks" with people, just to see what people's reaction would be. I felt very bad every time I had an OB. I talked about herpes incessently, trying to prove that I wasn't a bad person, etc. Finally, I couldn't refill my prescription anymore, and it didn't seem to matter, because the valtrex was not stopping the OBs. They would get better faster, only to reappear.

About the same time I stopped the valtrex was the last time I remember getting an OB. I think I've been clear down there for 1.5 years. My boyfriend, who has oHSV1 has been blood tested and has not gotten HSV2 (we have had sex both with and without a condom). He's disappointed I haven't had an OB because he really wants to see what it looks like! I keep telling him "not much."

I still tear when I have sex, more with a condom than without. I have a positive diagnosis for lichen schlerosis (LS) which is not treatable. Just got that diagnosis a couple of months ago. But I think the herpes triggered the LS because I did not have this problem before. I do not treat it with medication. Now, I barely think about herpes. I used to think about it 100s of times a day...talk about it a lot. Now, it is like nothing to me. I go for days and weeks (maybe ?) without thinking about it. As far as I'm concerned, it has actually "saved" me out of sexual situations that I should not have been in.

I also quit drinking and smoking 6 months ago, and I religiously exercise 5-6 times per week for at least an hour. Working on my inner stuff too. All in all, this has really just been part of my life journey and I want people who feel like this is the end of the world to have some perspective and note on one person's journey. I am blessed to not suffer from OBs constantly like before. Herpes no longer owns me. I have turned to my recovery from alcoholism, working on my happiness, and reaching my full potential in this life!

Keep your chin up!

[norcallove]

Thank you for this post keepingthefaith! It is always so good to read inspiring stories. You made me smile. Even though I know there is hope, It is always great to hear it!! It really helps. So, again, thank you!

I am also so happy to hear that things are going so well for you!

[Sarahx]

Thanks for sharing your story, its definetly inspirational

[Forgiving1]

Thanks for the inspirational story. I do have hope things will get better but its always nice to hear from others and their situation. Great post!

[PeacefulClarity]

you are so right and inspiring. The ability to apply multiple perspectives to life's events is a powerful weapon. A celebration for the powers of perspective and self awareness!

[keepingthefaith]

Thanks everyone... you never know when something happens how your life will pan out afterwards. So far so good. I mean, I have a million issues, problems, etc. and herpes was quite devastating for me at the beginning, but almost from the get-go, I recognized that in the big scheme of things, there were much worse things out there... uncontrollable things, things that would make you want to die, and even THOSE people have hope and faith. I think a good attitude is really the most important thing you can have in this life (I should tell myself this more

[package deal]

ty for story but if you would not mind telling me what ls is exactly.

[LoveMay]

As somebody just diagnosed (yesterday), I am so glad you posted this. Thank you for sharing.

[Denise 07]

What a wonderful story Thanks for sharing.

[momoftwosons]

thanks for your story - you have a strong spirit!

[Sunshine2you]

Thank you and bless you, keepingthefaith. I really needed to hear your story tonight. You are so right that this is part of a "journey." I was completely devastated when I was diagnosed two months ago (still sad at times), but I had a wonderful therapist tell me, "You don't get to be almost 34 without some bumps in the road." I'm looking at my diagnosis not only as a bump, but as a wake-up call as well...a little message telling me to take better care of myself. It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself now, and I am so happy to hear that. Thank you again for your inspiring story!