The depression, My questions. Medication?

[notmyrealalias]

I don't know if i should post my story, but here it goes anyway, then ill go to my questions.

've had acne for a long time (Approx 2-3 years), until about 2 months ago. Basically it started when a doctor wanted me to try different forms of treatment for my acne before moving to Accutane, a drug with life destroying side effects.I tried many Over the counter drugs, and lots of lotions and stuff he advised, they helped, but not enough. My original had to leave the state for whatever reason, a new was his replacement. The new immediately put me on Accutane, She said all her patients have only had the side effect of chapped lips and dry skin and that I didn�t have to worry about any of the other side effects. Chapped lips were something I was ready to deal with to get rid of embarrassing acne. Before putting me on accutane, she didn�t give my mother a call to sit down and talk to her about the side effects.

In order to use Accutane you need your blood tested every month. So she had been monitoring my blood. 2months into the treatment my acne was gone, 3rd month, she doubled my dosage. Into the 3rd month, i noticed back pains, but I figured since i'm an active boy. (I do Jiu Jit su and Muay thai, both very active forms of Martial Arts) I figured I hurt my back picking someone up, or lifting weights.

These pains continued for a 1-2months getting bad, It hurt to shiver from cold, it hurt to sneeze, it hurt to sit down, it hurt to stand up, it hurt to bend over, it hurt to get into bed, it hurt to get out of bed. - I figured i pulled a muscle, so i started sleeping on the floor and using Icey/Hot packs.

4th month comes around - I get back from a camping trip, A week later blisters form on my skin, I go to the dermatologist thinking I contacted some type of Poison Oak, She immediately assumes Herpes, HERPES i went crazy - The STD they scare the crap out of you in Middle school - How could a 17 year old virgin get an STD? The last time I kissed A girl was in 8th grade. How did I get herpes?

-- END STORY --

Basicly the drug weaked my immune system so much - I must have contracted it from someone in Jiu Jit Su.

Its on my hands.

...The drug also causes severe depression.. I never felt that till now.

i went to different doctors to get piece of mind..

They tell me i can touch myself. i dont have to worry about spreading it..

Since then ive spread it to my elbows (the way i sleep)

Ive been SUPER paranoid about my penis...

I go to the bathroom with no hands, the shower i dont touch myself, i get the shower head put it on 'jet' and wash that way.

But there is one small bump there. Which is now covered with a bandaid so it doesnt rub around other parts

If its spreading to other parts of my body from hands, is that normal?

Im on Acyclovir, this is my first outbreak and my hands are BAD. I probably have anywhere from 30-50 blisters on each hands.

Ive been on Acyclovir for maybe 3-4 days.

Since then i've been taking 400mg 3 times a day

and ive been also taking L-Lysine and Echinacea

Should the Acyclovir be working? when i started it, I only had like 3 BIG blisters on my knuckles.... 2 days later BOOM like 30-50 each.

I HATE looking at my hands, at night I sleep in all long sleeve and gloves.

When my outbreak is gone, Do i have to worry about touching my genitals and other people for the rest of my life?

[Caliope]

OMG what a terrible thing to have happen. I can't imagine what you are going through.

With the Acyclovir you should be able to start seeing results within about a week and it gets better with more time. Your ob's were in the process of erupting and that is why it is seeming to not be helping yet but you should see results soon.

Yes this stuff is contagious and can spread easily if you are having active ob's. The gloves are a good idea. I would think that some lightweight cotton ones would probably be the most comfortable.

Try Domeboro it is a powder you mix with water and you apply it topically. It is available over the counter without a prescription. It is for poison oak etc but it should dry up the blisters right away.

I don't know if you've had a chance to check out the information here but here are some starter links.

http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/immune-system.htm

http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/amino-acid-lysine-for-herpes.html

Best wishes,

[hopingseeking]

Buddy... so sorry to hear what happened to you. I did some BJJ back in the day - it's fun huh? Glad you're on drugs. It shouldn't be too contagious being that it's at a place that it's not used to, but you should get your immune system back up to full power. Take supplements, get off that acne med (have you tried Proactiv? It worked wonders for my bro), and take care of your body. You should be able to avoid future OBs, esp with acyclovir.

[gutted.]

I do feel for you mate, i thort having it down thier was bad, but all over your hands?

i dont know how id cope!

i do hope the pills work and it gets better for you, so unfair to get it like this, i look at sorting your doctor out - i bet he/she didnt inform you of the side effects and weakened immune system.

[notmyrealalias]

I do feel for you mate, i thort having it down thier was bad, but all over your hands?

i dont know how id cope!

i do hope the pills work and it gets better for you, so unfair to get it like this, i look at sorting your doctor out - i bet he/she didnt inform you of the side effects and weakened immune system.

Thanks I appreciate it...yeah it sucks ive been sleeping everynight in gloves.. I didn't for once night when i first got it, and it spread to my elbows from the way i sleep.

The pills have been working good. My doctor prescribed 400mg but ive been taking 800mg every 8 hours.... I dont know if thats dangerous though.

[Caliope]

I have read that high doses can cause seizures. You should check it out. My dr recommended the Acyclovir 400 mg. to be taken twice daily or three times if an active ob. But lately I've been taking it three times a day because I think I do better that way but that is less than what you are taking. So daily I take 1200 mg. total.

Did you happen to try the Domeboro powder? The reason I recommended it is that it is okay for use with hsv and it helps the blisters to heal faster so that there is less chance for spreading it. I was hoping you'd get enough relief to not need the gloves any more.