Looking For Answers

[Flanders]

Hi Everybody...

I am new to this website and have been searching as many forums as possible to find others with symptoms similar to mine.

Let me apologize in advance for the epic length post. It's really the first time I've sat down to talk (or write?) about having Herpes with others going through the same experiences. Anyway, here goes...

Since my diagnosis in June of '06, I have had two outbreaks involving blisters. No pain, no itching, no discomfort, just blisters that burst, scabbed over and eventually healed. During each outbreak, I went through the standard Valtrex suppressive therapy. After my second blister based outbreak cleared up, I began to experience different symptons that have persisted on and off through today. The symptons involve a general discomfort in my urethra, specifically in the head of my penis. I get a slight burning sensation that is similar to an "icy-hot" type of feeling. Twice I woke in the middle of the night to intense discomfort and pain that lasted a few hours. In addition, I experience a sensation that I can only assume is similar to incontinence. This is the tough part. It feels like I have to keep everything clenched or urine is going to slip out. I've seen three doctors (two physicians, one urolgist), been poked and proded more times then I can remeber, been on meds for chlamydia, ghonorrhea and UTIs. I also had a cystoscopy to look for obstructions, strictures and tumors. (For those not familiar with cystoscopies, it's a wonderful procedure in which a doctor snakes a small camera into the end of your penis and up through your bladder to see what's going on. Thankfully, I was not awake for the procedure). The cystoscopy revealed no internal "damage", so my urologist suggested I start daily Valtrex therapy. The majority of my symptoms cleared up a few weeks after starting the daily Valtrex. Then last week, the incontinent felling came back with a vengence. I've taking two or three doses of Valtrex for the past week, but it has done little to help.

My question is...has anyone else experienced this incontinent-type symptom? If so, what (if any) steps have you taken to alleviate the problem?

Thanks in advance for your help....

[WaxedWrong]

when u dont take the valtrex does it happen more or less often? cause ""Acute and temporary incontinence are commonly caused by the following:

* Childbirth

* Limited mobility

* Medication side effect

* Urinary tract infection """

the valtrex might be the issue here.

maybe switch to a diffrent med, or use some vitamins ... see if there is any change.

[Flanders]

Hi Waxed,

Thanks for the repy.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how or when the incontinence sensation presents itself. It's pretty random. I was outbreak free for about two months before the latest occurrence. Where did you find the quote from your post? Does it pertain to Valtrex specifically?

Anyone else experience similar symptons?

Thanks....

[hopingseeking]

I have this feeling that someone's tickling my balls with a feather, but that's as similar as my symptoms get to yours. Good luck... I really feel for your pain.

[WaxedWrong]

its from here http://www.urologychannel.com/incontinence/

also says it here http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/urinaryincontinence.html 3rd link.

doesnt pertain to valtrex specifically, but there are numerous amounts of side effects you can have while on a drug- they dont even list them, they say any other side effects....

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, stomach pain, painful periods may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations), confusion, speech problems, shaky/unsteady movement, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, loss of consciousness, signs of other infections (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat). This medication may rarely cause a blood disorder (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) or a severe kidney problem (hemolytic uremic syndrome). These problems are more likely to occur if you have HIV disease or if you have had a bone marrow transplant or an organ transplant. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual fever. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist

[Flanders]

Waxed,

This is good stuff. I appreciate your help.

Thanks again!