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Diagnosed today with HSV1 & I feel like dying


Jess_

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Just diagnosed today with HSV1. I feel like my life is over and I feel alone. The doctor didn't tell me anything about the virus or how I can spread it or if I will have this forever. She just gave me a script and sent me on my way and acted like its no big deal a lot of people have it.  I mean can I never make out or give oral again and if I did do either of these things to my partner and they performed oral on me can I contract HSV2. How often will I have an outbreak ? What will it feel like or look like? I have a 4 year old niece can I spread  it to her or my family? Sorry for any typos I'm writing this as I'm balling my eyes out. I'm truly lost :(

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awww, hun sorry to hear that you've contracted this virus.The stigma is the worst part, people don't fully understand it so they hate and fear it..like me with maths! Have you been diagnosed with it orally? and not genitally? I have both-hsv1 genitally and orally. You can only contract HSV-2 if the person has it on there genitals, its extremely rare for someone to have hsv-2 orally- but anythings possible. If you have it orally( cold sores) then you can still give oral, kiss etc.You just have to inform your partner, and not perform anything while you have an outbreak.Seriously, no one blinks an eye if you have cold sores- so many people don't even think its a form of herpes. butt i havent had many cold sores, i got one when i was walking in the rain, and one when i was out in the sun for a long period of time. Outbreaks occur when your body is stressed. Hope this helps a little bit! 

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Jess,

Type 1 it's really nothing,Really.

common ulcers in mouth is could be herpes.

my Wife have uclers almost every month.

then after awhile we just know it's herpes 1.

The report came out the doctor told us it's soo common to have type 1.

just a lot people's didn't know.

 

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10 hours ago, Jess_ said:

Just diagnosed today with HSV1. I feel like my life is over and I feel alone. The doctor didn't tell me anything about the virus or how I can spread it or if I will have this forever. She just gave me a script and sent me on my way and acted like its no big deal a lot of people have it.  I mean can I never make out or give oral again and if I did do either of these things to my partner and they performed oral on me can I contract HSV2. How often will I have an outbreak ? What will it feel like or look like? I have a 4 year old niece can I spread  it to her or my family? Sorry for any typos I'm writing this as I'm balling my eyes out. I'm truly lost :(

Yeah, I felt the same way too when I first found out.  You will have this for a bare minimum of 10 years (I'm just basing that estimate on everything I've read as far as the advancement of cure research.  You should look up the name Cullen from Duke University, as well as the development of CRISPR / CAS9). 

Making out/giving oral is obviously a no-no during an outbreak, as transmission risk will be high.  Unfortunately, there is a slight risk of transmission when performing those activities even when you're not having an outbreak, due to "asymptomatic shedding".  That is why partners must be informed of your H diagnosis.  Dating does become more complicated now, although it's by no means impossible.  I've found someone who accepts my H diagnosis.  It happens.  They are out there.  When somebody sees the light in you, they are willing to accept all of you, H included.  The percentage of the population with HSV-1 is quite high, and many don't even know they have it because they don't have symptoms.  So you could actually ask you partner to get tested to see if they already have it. 

When performing oral, use saran wrap as a dental dam. 

In the scenario you described, you would not contract HSV-2 from your partner, it does not work like that.  For them to give you HSV-2 on your genitals via oral, they would have to have oral HSV-2, which they would not contract from you.  There are intricacies as far as HSV-1 vs HSV-2, transmission locations, antibodies providing some protection, etc.  I have only stated what I feel confident in stating.  Please research for yourself the intricacies, because there are quite a few. 

Very difficult to predict how often you will have an outbreak.  Just know the usual triggers to avoid them: Stress, sunlight (use sunscreen when outside), alcohol, reduced immune system due to a cold, etc.   Also, research what foods are helpful (lysine content vs arginine content).  Avoiding the triggers and being conscious of foods helps a lot. 

Yes, you can spread it to your niece and your family, try to avoid kissing her, and wash your hands often.  Avoid sharing eating utensils with people.

I know you are bummed right now, I've certainly been there, up until very recently, in fact.  Trust that there is a special someone out there for you, and you will find that person.  The universe meets you half way.  If you do not give up on yourself, the universe will not give up on you either.  It will steer that special person into your life, and you will find happiness.  Please hang in there.  I am rooting for you.  **Sending warmth and positive energy your way**

 

Edited by fortunate111
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I'm really glad I have received some responses to my story I haven't been able to read any of them due to my busy work schedule . I have Oral HSV1  I think someone asked when I briefly read over some responses. I look forward to reading your responses, any input or hearing your stories will help me a lot. As I have been completely blindsided by this and seem to be freaking myself out by using Google to look for answers. Thank you to everyone who's responds !

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I was recently diagnosed with genital HSV-1, got it from my boyfriend giving me oral, but only because he had a cold sore on his lip when he went down in me. (we have been having sex for two years now and I just caught the virus) 

Its  a crappy feeling, but your life is far from over. 

On the positive side no one looks at cold sores as herpes although it very much is, so the stigma isn't as bad as genital Herpes. 

I've come to find out that doctors do not know much about the virus. 

This forum has helped me tremendously. it is  better to talk about it to someone who is experiencing it.

Good luck to you! 

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You are  in a forum where you can get knowledgeable advice from others who share your pain. Please know that just because one remedy was not exactly right for you there are so many options. L-Lysine has great results for some as well as many other benefits to your body. Folic Acid is recommended for HSV1. Manuka Honey has healing effects. Calendula cream works great for some. Lemon Balm, herb, ointment or tea. Oil of Oregano supports the immune system. Acidophilus and bifidus combo. Olive Leaf Extract has been recommended to stop replication at its initial stage. Vitamins E, C D. Licorice root.

 Your best defense is to be aware of what you eat, check out the Arginine to Lysine ratio of foods in relation to herpes. Note any signals from your body to go into action at first indication or if you are under stress add supplements as a preliminary strike. Keeping your immune system strong and your energies and attitude positive is your strongest ally. Find a Master Herbalist or Naturopathic doctor (ND) as they treat the whole person not just the symptoms. You are smarter and stronger than a virus!!!!!!!

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Thank you for all your responses I don't feel like my life is completely over its just unfortunate that this will be part of my life forever. Now this might sound stupid but can I pass it to someone if I touch them ? Example my niece I live with her and she's usually bugging me constantly lol so if I hug her or touch her can I pass this to her? I feel like I need to be in a bubble when Im home at work and with friends. I'm constantly worrying about infecting someone else . My doctor gave me a script for valcycovir she told me to take it for 10 days straight and she would re test me in 3 weeks. She's giving me false hope that if I take the pills and my body fights against it I could be clear of this but after reading the responses and looking around the forum at everyone else's stories I don't think there's any hope of that ever happeneding. I think I need a new doctor 

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19 hours ago, Jess_ said:

Just diagnosed today with HSV1. I feel like my life is over and I feel alone. The doctor didn't tell me anything about the virus or how I can spread it or if I will have this forever. She just gave me a script and sent me on my way and acted like its no big deal a lot of people have it.  I mean can I never make out or give oral again and if I did do either of these things to my partner and they performed oral on me can I contract HSV2. How often will I have an outbreak ? What will it feel like or look like? I have a 4 year old niece can I spread  it to her or my family? Sorry for any typos I'm writing this as I'm balling my eyes out. I'm truly lost :(

HSV 1. Is not to fear rather HSV 2 you are fortunate your outbreak would rate and mild your parent may have it clam down

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Hi Newbie. I was diagnosed in September. I think I just decided that I had to get used to the new normal for me. So I take care of my self, take my supplements, I just added anti vitals to the mix. We will all get through this. You will also find that there are very few nevers. People on this page can tell you, in a loving relationship, and even in one night stands and flings, people have normal sex lives while being responsible about their HSV status and do not spread it. My recommendation to you is what I am now doing for me. Make your self more aware of your body, and make sure partners are clear with you about what is going on with them. Disclosing your status is your choice (I disclose mine). 

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Wait a second - is this post about HSV1 on the lips? Jess_, those are cold sores. NO ONE CARES about cold sores.

Seriously. My mom has cold sores. My best friend has cold sores. MY CRUSH has cold sores.

As many as 90% of the WORLD POPULATION may have cold sores (the number is around 70-90%. Americans are kind of germaphobic so the number of cold sores have been decreasing there, which is why genital HSV1 is on the rise).

I've got GHSV2. Wanna trade? :D

Edited by Mellisuga
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3 hours ago, Mellisuga said:

Wait a second - is this post about HSV1 on the lips? Jess_, those are cold sores. NO ONE CARES about cold sores.

Seriously. My mom has cold sores. My best friend has cold sores. MY CRUSH has cold sores.

As many as 90% of the WORLD POPULATION may have cold sores (the number is around 70-90%. Americans are kind of germaphobic so the number of cold sores have been decreasing there, which is why genital HSV1 is on the rise).

I've got GHSV2. Wanna trade? :D

No I would not like to trade lol. Exactly the whole idea of how I could get genital hsv1 scares the hell out of me !!see I have this whole idea in my head that I'm like the walking virus and I can infect anyone by touching or kissing them  because I have no clue about it!!! How do I avoid that genital hsv 1?

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You avoid getting genital HSV1 the same way you avoid every other STD - with a condom.

Or a dental damn for oral sex.

That being said, you are at an even LESS chance of catching Genital HSV1 than people WITHOUT HSV1 on their lips.

Herpes is a tough virus to control for, as it can be passed skin to skin. At the end of the day though, it doesn't leave you infertile, and it usually doesn't do much harm.

If you pay attention to your symptoms and don't kiss when you have an outbreak (and you are unlikely to anyway) then the odds of you passing it on to others are really slim. Right now, your fear is based on the idea that someone just told you that you have a yucky virus. It sounds scarier than it is - we are all walking around with hundreds of bacteria and viruses. You can't go through life and not catch a couple, and you can't let it stop you from living. You can't live in a bubble. If it REALLY bothers you, take antivirals.

I encourage you to read the posts and articles on this website, and they will pretty much tell you that your chances of HSV1 on your genitals are next to nothing.

Also, in the case where you catch herpes on your genitals (probably HSV2) - there are options, and life goes on.

Here are some data about herpes transmission:

https://herpesopportunity.com/downloads/herpes-opportunity-disclosure-handout.pdf

Edited by Mellisuga
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9 hours ago, ST said:

Hi Newbie. I was diagnosed in September. I think I just decided that I had to get used to the new normal for me. So I take care of my self, take my supplements, I just added anti vitals to the mix. We will all get through this. You will also find that there are very few nevers. People on this page can tell you, in a loving relationship, and even in one night stands and flings, people have normal sex lives while being responsible about their HSV status and do not spread it. My recommendation to you is what I am now doing for me. Make your self more aware of your body, and make sure partners are clear with you about what is going on with them. Disclosing your status is your choice (I disclose mine). 

Thanks for the feedback it helps a lot. Do you have 1 or 2? I still don't know a lot about the whole cold sore thing so I think by googling and reading of bunch of random shit I'm freaking myself out more than I should. It's still unclear about passing it to someone I know if I have an outbreak orally I would never kiss someone that's what I have always done when I was really sick with a cold and got a cold sore I wouldn't kiss anyone and always wash my hands I mean my parents taught me that but going to the doctors and her giving me a prescription and saying I'm positive for hsv 1 really freaked me out. Is it a stud or am I sick lol I have so many questions running thru my head and everyone seems to think hsv 1 isn't that much of a big deal it's just a cold sore. Someone told me i shouldn't kiss someone and let them perform oral on me after or I shouldn't have intercourse with someone rite after I gave them oral because my saliva in either situation can give me genital hsv1 

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On January 8, 2016 at 1:13 AM, blistering love said:

awww, hun sorry to hear that you've contracted this virus.The stigma is the worst part, people don't fully understand it so they hate and fear it..like me with maths! Have you been diagnosed with it orally? and not genitally? I have both-hsv1 genitally and orally. You can only contract HSV-2 if the person has it on there genitals, its extremely rare for someone to have hsv-2 orally- but anythings possible. If you have it orally( cold sores) then you can still give oral, kiss etc.You just have to inform your partner, and not perform anything while you have an outbreak.Seriously, no one blinks an eye if you have cold sores- so many people don't even think its a form of herpes. butt i havent had many cold sores, i got one when i was walking in the rain, and one when i was out in the sun for a long period of time. Outbreaks occur when your body is stressed. Hope this helps a little bit! 

Thanks  for the feedback. I'm sorry to hear that you have it orally and genitally. Since I have it orally and I gave oral sex or kissed someone (not during an outbreak of course) can I give them it orally or genitally how high are the chances of passing it when I'm not having an outbreak? I always use condoms when having intercourse but should I just start using a dental dam from now during oral to protect me from passing genital hsv 1 to myself and my partner ? Or is no condom with oral sex okay ? 

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23 minutes ago, Mellisuga said:

You avoid getting genital HSV1 the same way you avoid every other STD - with a condom.

Or a dental damn for oral sex.

That being said, you are at an even LESS chance of catching Genital HSV1 than people WITHOUT HSV1 on their lips.

Herpes is a tough virus to control for, as it can be passed skin to skin. At the end of the day though, it doesn't leave you infertile, and it usually doesn't do much harm.

If you pay attention to your symptoms and don't kiss when you have an outbreak (and you are unlikely to anyway) then the odds of you passing it on to others are really slim. Right now, your fear is based on the idea that someone just told you that you have a yucky virus. It sounds scarier than it is - we are all walking around with hundreds of bacteria and viruses. You can't go through life and not catch a couple, and you can't let it stop you from living. You can't live in a bubble. If it REALLY bothers you, take antivirals.

I encourage you to read the posts and articles on this website, and they will pretty much tell you that your chances of HSV1 on your genitals are next to nothing.

Also, in the case where you catch herpes on your genitals (probably HSV2) - there are options, and life goes on.

Here are some data about herpes transmission:

https://herpesopportunity.com/downloads/herpes-opportunity-disclosure-handout.pdf

Thank you for the feedback I really appreciate it. I know I don't have it as bad as others which is so sad when I read about people stories and hsv 2 it's so unfortunate! I'm sorry you have it too. How long have you had it for? I think they way my doctor left me in the dark about it freaked me out because I have no clue what it was so my mind was running wild and Google doesn't help lol. But when you say skin to skin transmission is it like living everywhere on my skin ? Should I not touch anyone on any part of there body? I know someone said to wash my hands all the time but I'm not feeling around on my lips  or putting me hands in my mouth so is that necessary ? (During an outbreak or course but what about when I don't have one )

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Herpes usually only infects areas where there is a break in the skin, or the skin is really thin - your lips and genitals. It is extremely rare for it to infect any other area, without some intense aggravation.

The way herpes works is that once it enters your body, it hides in the nerve cells in the location you were infected. Therefore, to answer your question, NO - your herpes only appears on your lips, and that's all. If you touch someone with your hand, you will never transfer herpes that way. The virus isn't in the nerve cells of your hand - its hiding in the nerve cells of your lips. When you don't have an outbreak, your immune system is busy fighting it to keep it inside. PLEASE do yourself a favor and read on our website how this virus actually works. Also, never trust cursory Google searches. A lot of stuff that people put on the internet for herpes is fear mongering and exaggerated.

Other good websites:

Westover Heights: https://www.westoverheights.com/

American Sexual Health Association: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/default.htm

Also, this article for worried parents might actually help assuage some fears:

http://www.herpes.org.nz/patient-info/all-facts/

 

You've had cold sores for years, correct? Are you able to tell when you are going to get a coldsore? All you really have to do is pay attention to that feeling. If your lip gets a bit tingly and you feel a cold sore coming, just take a break from kissing, saying that you might be getting a bit sick (no one likes to kiss people with colds anyway, right).

 

One word of caution - do not kiss newborn babies with cold sores. Just had to throw it out there. Hug them and all, but wait until their immune system is stronger. I'm sorry to share this bad news, as it really stinks, but with knowledge, its better, right?

Neonatal herpes infections on the whole, are very rare.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287767/Two-month-old-baby-boy-killed-cold-sore-virus-loving-kiss-father.html

Edited by Mellisuga
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10 hours ago, Jess_ said:

Thanks  for the feedback. I'm sorry to hear that you have it orally and genitally. Since I have it orally and I gave oral sex or kissed someone (not during an outbreak of course) can I give them it orally or genitally how high are the chances of passing it when I'm not having an outbreak? I always use condoms when having intercourse but should I just start using a dental dam from now during oral to protect me from passing genital hsv 1 to myself and my partner ? Or is no condom with oral sex okay ? 

In oral (mouth) infections:

HSV Type 1 = 18% (of days evaluated)
HSV Type 2 = 1 % (of days evaluated)

Note that the rates of shedding tend to be higher when the Herpes simplex virus type occurs in its “typical” or preferred location of infection, such as HSV-1 cold sores or HSV-2 genital herpes.

I've heard that the longer you have it, the less you'll shed. The best thing to do is to just disclose that you have this, and let the guy decide on whether you should use dental dams and condoms.It's impossible to know when you are shedding the virus.As someone mentioned above, you probably wont have to deal with this for the rest of your life, vaccines and hopefully cures will be found soon.

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Maybe for peace of mind see if you can get suppressive meds for it? They can help with lowering viral shedding and transmission. 

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3 hours ago, Mellisuga said:

Herpes usually only infects areas where there is a break in the skin, or the skin is really thin - your lips and genitals. It is extremely rare for it to infect any other area, without some intense aggravation.

The way herpes works is that once it enters your body, it hides in the nerve cells in the location you were infected. Therefore, to answer your question, NO - your herpes only appears on your lips, and that's all. If you touch someone with your hand, you will never transfer herpes that way. The virus isn't in the nerve cells of your hand - its hiding in the nerve cells of your lips. When you don't have an outbreak, your immune system is busy fighting it to keep it inside. PLEASE do yourself a favor and read on our website how this virus actually works. Also, never trust cursory Google searches. A lot of stuff that people put on the internet for herpes is fear mongering and exaggerated.

Other good websites:

Westover Heights: https://www.westoverheights.com/

American Sexual Health Association: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/default.htm

Also, this article for worried parents might actually help assuage some fears:

http://www.herpes.org.nz/patient-info/all-facts/

 

You've had cold sores for years, correct? Are you able to tell when you are going to get a coldsore? All you really have to do is pay attention to that feeling. If your lip gets a bit tingly and you feel a cold sore coming, just take a break from kissing, saying that you might be getting a bit sick (no one likes to kiss people with colds anyway, right).

 

One word of caution - do not kiss newborn babies with cold sores. Just had to throw it out there. Hug them and all, but wait until their immune system is stronger. I'm sorry to share this bad news, as it really stinks, but with knowledge, its better, right?

Neonatal herpes infections on the whole, are very rare.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287767/Two-month-old-baby-boy-killed-cold-sore-virus-loving-kiss-father.html

Thank you for all the feedback mellisuga. 

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3 hours ago, blistering love said:

Maybe for peace of mind see if you can get suppressive meds for it? They can help with lowering viral shedding and transmission. 

My doctor has me taking valacyclovir for 10 days. Have you ever head of it ? 

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Yep i have a prescription for it atm.I just use it if i feel like an outbreak is coming on. but after my first cold sore i didnt have another one. Those compeed patches are amazing, just pop it on and it helps to speed up healing+infecting another part of your lip.Lots of youtube videos about how to blend it into your makeup.

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