Diagnosed yesterday, please help! need answers!

[CHIK8]

Hello,

I was diagnosed yesterday with genital herpes. It sounds weird and I guess I'm still in shock. Finally I found a man worth getting intimate with and this is what happens. I started noticing itching last week and starting turning into the WORST pain! I got one large bump that obviously broke a few days ago, and spread, now I have 1 large one, and many small ones. It has been very painful. I am on Valtrex and the Dr. gave me Lidocane, which helps but only for an hour or so. Taking a lot of Advil!!

I guess my question here is....WHEN ARE THE SORES GOING TO GO AWAY?? It is really affecting my life, it hurts to sit, walk, etc. Im trying not to wear anything tight fitting. It hurts to urinate, only since the sore broke and now it is open. I've been freaking out and need some help!!

I appreciate any advice or help or suggestions on how to deal with this!!

[WaxedWrong]

first, relax. they will go away, and everything will look normal again. it does take some time though, give it a few weeks, my first ob lasted a month (now that was some bullshit)

like u said try to keep the clothing lose, if u can dont wear any (like at home/ sleeping etc..) if u dont have to walk, dont.

for peeing> oh i know... the only thing i found helpfull was to pee in a bathtub.

fill it up w/ warm water, sit, strech ur legs as far as u can, and go.. it is prob the 1 thing that kept me from going insane.

tips, try and take a few baths if u could, add some epsom salt, or oatmeal bath, to help calm u down/ clean up etc..

keep on those meds, it takes a few days for them to really kick in, so dont stop them cause u see no improvment.

and its ok, if that guy wants to be with u, for who u are- he will accept all of u (herpes included) then u know u found a good one.

[serendip]

I know how you feel. I was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago and the guy who gave it to me is the first guy I've liked in a long time. It's really difficult. I keep hearing it's not the end of the world, I really believe that too, but it's hard when you see yourself in such a state. Yes, it's not cancer or life threatening but it can be devastating to one's moral about her body!

Your symptoms should subside within the first week or 2 of taking your meds. I'm going on 16 days on Valtrex and I've still got one or 2 little stubborn bumps that just won't go away. From what I understand the first outbreak is always the worst. And yes, keep the area clean and dry as much as possible. I went out and bought bigger white cotton undies just for my outbreak. It was really uncomfortable but it helps not to focus so much on it. I know it's hard not to. I am obsessive/compulsive so it was a big challenge for me.

As for the emotional factor, I don't know what to tell you. I'm still really upset about all of this and cry at the drop of a hat. I'm considering seeking some therapy about this myself. The best thing for you to do is get informed as much as possible about it so you know what to do moving forward. Knowledge is power. You have it, now it's time to deal with it. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but it's the only choice we have, isn't it?

[Citygal24]

Hiya! I just found out yesterday my confirmed HVS-2 diagnosis. I had sores for about a week and all the pains- hurt to walk, pee...everything. I had about 4-5 sores (it was my first outbreak) and I got Valtrex last week Sunday. As of yesterday, my sores are all gone and I am feeling much better. My partner is still in denial and he doesn't think there is anyway it could be from him... he did get tested and gets his results on Monday. Hang in there! I can now deal with the fact that I will always have it but with the out breaks it was a constant reminder. Now that it has cleared up I am able to move on and deal with it a lot better.

[ouch]

for the pee thing...you can do a "sitz bath" where you get a little water bottle, fill it with warm water, then while peeing, squirt the water on your vagina at the same time. it takes some of the sting out of peeing, plus it is nice and clean feeling. This is what docs have you do after you have a baby, to soothe the perenium (sp?) region...especially if there is tearing or an episiotomy. But believe me, it helps.

Also try to stay calm, and relax. Tough I know, but it will help in the long run. Stress can totally aggravate and perpetuate the outbreak. Bulk up on some vitamin C, and Vitamin b. C is good for your immune system and the virus seems to HATE it....and b is good for your central nervous system and maybe a pro-active way to hinder future outbreaks. Lysine is another vitamin to look into. With all, do in moderation and be careful.