Confused on my symptoms. any help is appreciated

That whole 7-14 days thing needs to be thrown out the door, w the the other alleged "text book herpes symptoms", because this thing does all sorts of things to different people.

I had symptoms immediately after sex w the person who lied to me. By night two after sleeping w him, I had swelling and fissures. By day 5, they ulcerated, by day 7, a whole bunch more would pop up w in hrs of laying down at night.

I've read girls who said sex burned when they had sex w the person who infected them and they immediately knew something was wrong. I think when we keep telling people on forums, as doctors, as any medical professional, that there's no way it's herpes, because herpes doesn't display like xyz, we are continuing to fill people w incorrect info, that makes them brush off their symptoms and not to be tested.

Now w that said.... She keeps posting a new post to get others to answer her, every few days w even more information, because of her anxiety and no I don't think you have herpes haras, before you read this and freak out.

refer to the word "usually" also, you are coming off a bit judgemental-I also never said "there is no way it is herpes" Secondly there are reason for text book symptoms. Thirdly as a medical perfessional I recommended a follow up for a proper diagnosis through a qualified Doctor. Reason for this was symptoms presented (as told by the poster) sounds like reasons for a follow up. It would be impossible to diagnosis through reading a post without a physical exam. Lastly a person with these symptoms as well as anxiety trying to voice concerns are what these forums are about-not about stalking them and posting negative comments. I properly tried to calm these anxieties and encourage medical follow up. Unless you want to argue with a trained medical professional when you clearly have experiences but little training then your points are nothing more than your unfounded opinion.

Judgmental on what? How could I possibly be judgemental, especially if I have it? There was nothing in your post for me to judge on, I apologize if that's how you read it. It wasn't just the "usually" part, it was giving any set days, which actually medical literature states it is 2 days to 21 typically. W that said you followed up w "The fact you had very quick symptoms suggest bacterial vaginosis". You reinforces the notion of having symptoms so quickly and outside the days you mentioned, would mean it is not likely to be herpes.

The reason I pay so close attention to this, is because the young girls that come on here desperate ans upset. When they know deep down they have herpes, but read stuff like that, it gives them false hope.

I guess you didn't read my first post, which I stated based on her symptoms she needed to go see someone. Just because I corrected you, does not mean you need to get defensive w me and make accusations about judgement, when there was nothing to actually judge!!! Ludacris! Don't look for things that don't exist, because you took my correcting on time line personal. Good day

You are correct, I did not read your first post. I am not going to argue with you about the days for a virus to replicate enough to produce symptoms-as it is a worthless cause to argue with you. You have your mind set and your own opinion. I wish you and all on this post blessings and health. In my experience arguments of this nature never resolve but instead end with animosity and insults. I will remove my self from this post. My only hope was to encourage some one to seek a professional diagnosis rather than rely on the opinions of those who have little or no education in the medical field.

Hi Sarah. Thanks for your input I really appreciate it. I have been posting and adding to it so I guess if someone is a regular on this site it would get annoying. I'm just very scared. I know I need to go to the doctor but there is literally nothing for them to swab and blood tests have to be done a certain amount of time later right? If herpes is what is going on I too would have received it from someone without symptoms. That's why I'm so upset. I was a virgin until this guy and always took care of myself. And not to be woe is me but things aren't working out so I'm sitting here thinking wow I might have got herpes, something I'd have for the rest of my life, from a guy who literally doesn't even care about me. That's why I am so upset. My anxiety has gotten the best of me I know that, and like I said my posts probably dis get annoying. I was just looking for people's opinions who were experienced to see if this sounded familiar at all. I'm sorry you got in the middle of an argument on my behalf, but like I said I really appreciate your feedback more than you know. Thanks again and best wishes.

Oh and Sarah if you're still reading this post, do you mind if I ask you a few questions? The first and second bump have been gone for over a week now. I truly believe they were shaving related. But you never know. If it was herpes shouldn't my symptoms be gone? I just have burning and the occasional leg pain. They've been going on for at least a week now and from what I read they seem to be more prodrome symptoms if I'm right. My skin doesn't hurt to the touch or anything just burns. And this burning is off and on. Like it comes and goes. As I said, being the worst when I think about it. After reading comments on this post I feel like such a bother so if you don't want to answer these then it is totally okay. Thanks again.

Honey, I will do circles around you on the virus. I have studied and researched this virus for years under virology. You don't even know what I do! You have no idea what I am studying for or anything! The point is anonymity on here, so people can never put two and two together, on who is posting.

Incubation period from a virologist: "Primary symptomatic genital herpes, that occurs after an incubation of a period of 2–20 days, is usually important and prolonged (up to 21 days)".

I'm sorry, but the area and field of virology, is much more educated on the virus and how it behaves than a nurse is. Don't be passive aggressive w your post trying to argue it and then act like you're trying to take the higher road, when it is clear you're making a dig. You are the one who started making digs.

By the way, as soon as the virus makes contact. It starts working on infecting host cells. The sores, are a result of a healthy epithelial skin cells nuclei exploding upon entry of the virus. Not everyone's cells will react that way and is unknown, hence some being asymptomatic or having such minimal symptoms as paresthesia, it goes unnoticed or thought to be something else.

So the whole idea of incubation period as you try to apply here as if it behavis like a flu virus, goes out the window. They are learning so much, that they never knew before and I'm up to date on the latest and greatest. Don't come on here and basically call myself and others liars, who had immediate symptoms, because it didn't fall under your outdated "textbook" description" from the late 1990s schooling you had.

Many of us had a fissure at the bottom V opening a day after infection and that turned into our first ulcerated sore. So please spare me the jabs and baseless superiority you feel you have over me, because you're a nurse. There are doctors that still tell patients they're only contagious during obs. The amount of ignorance in the medical community that is the face of our patients is astounding and a huge participate in this virus being at epidemic proportions. So nurse, please run along. You made assumptions about what I do or know and were wrong.

Haras, it's not that it's annoying, it's that when someone takes the time to respond to you dillegently and in great detail and others for that matter, only to see you post new again, is a bit frustrating; as you still did not take any action a week or more later. I struggle w anxiety myself, so I hate watching someone go around in circles torturing themselves when they don't even have to.

You do not have herpes. It is not uncommon, especially when younger, to get frequent yeast or BV infections, due to hormones and how poor our diet is today. Our system isn't alkalined, we have too much bad bacteria, not enough good and too much yeast from the foods, especially processes foods we eat. 70% of our immune system is in our gut and if the pH balance gets thrown off, we are more prone to an over growth of bad bacteria and too much yeast in our vaginas. This is why I suggested taking a daily live culture probiotic. It really does make a difference.

The fact is, she more or less told you the same thing I've told you even before this post... Then you'll post again. You are only going to get relief from your anxiety, after you go to the doctor and get the clear. Reading comments will only give you temporary relief from the anxiety.

I also have had what you described more than once regarding bumps before ever having herpes and it is normal, especially if you shave.

Don't forget to add that this feeling of leg pain only came after you started obsessing and how it goes away when you forget about it.

This is what is insulting.. As you only want answers that you want to hear and if you don't hear what you want to hear, you post again and that's why people have nor responded to your posts, because they see what you keep doing.

She didn't get in an argument because of you. She got in an argument, because she chose to take a correction on a timeline personal and make digs. Has nothing to do w you.

These sites are supposed to be helpful. That is the only reason I came here. I'm sorry you got into an argument also. That isn't what the site is for so I just feel bad that you two make digs at each other when I am the one that started all this. I'm not trying to be rude and I hope you see that. I know I keep posting. Don't worry I am done posting on this site because although it has been helpful it's also sad that I am so scared and I'm just becoming a nuisance. I understand the frustration that I haven't gone to the doctor. I come from a very small town where we don't have a gyno or any clinics. We have regular doctors offices where everybody knows each other and even tho this stuff is supposed to be kept confidential, it NEVER is. It's sad really. I am not bashing anyone with herpes. If anything, my experience has taught me not to judge. I always had the typical if you have herpes you sleep around and are dirty mindset that people who don't deal with it usually have. This has taught me that that is in no way true. Anyone no matter how careful you are can get it. But as I stated before not many people think like this until they learn about it or are even scared about it as I am. If I go to the doctor which yes I am going to have to I know, word will get around and the judging in my small town will begin. But that is something I will have to deal with. I've been so nervous the past few weeks I'm honestly worried I'll need to start on my anxiety meds that I've been off of for a year now because I was doing so much better. I understand that herpes is livable and life goes on. I hope you know I was not trying to insult anyone but freaking out so bad. I don't judge anyone with herpes, if anything I respect them more because after everything I have learned you are a strong person to face it and live with it. So like I said I wasn't trying to bash anyone I just wanted to get that out there. I know my freaking out may have looked insulting. Overall, I just feel extremely crappy over all of this. I've made bad decisions and I knew better and I'm learning my lesson. Still hoping this was just a scare because I have honestly definitely learned my lesson. I am sorry for posting so much and frustrating you and others that have read my posts. Anxiety gets the best of me every time but that's no excuse. Thanks for taking the time to reply I do appreciate it.

Oh and something else that's been bothering me. I'm not sure how other school systems are but I feel like kids are poorly educated on stds. The school says abstinence but teenagers don't follow this. So then in every health class I've been in, it's always wear a condom every time and you'll be fine. I can honestly say until I started researching I never knew herpes could be passed even with condom use or even orally or even if the carrier has no symptoms. I feel like this is something that needs taught. I never knew any of this from my health classes and that's also why I'm so scared. I thought I was safe! But even condoms don't protect you from everything. After all this I just think it's sad how uninformed people are about herpes. And in no way do I know everything, obviously because I've been panicking, but I truly feel alot more educated now and will definitely be safer in the future. It's just crazy how so few people know the truth about this until they have to experience it.

Don't feel bad haras, we are grown women and completely responsible for our own actions. So do not worry about us.

Haras, please don't feel that way. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. My heart just breaks watching you do that to yourself, because I used to do that when I was your age too. In fact, I'd LOOK for things to be anxious about. I would have panic attacks over stuff, that was irrelevant and all hypothetical stuff I made up in my head. So I can relate to you and I know from experience, you are making it worse reading stuff on the internet and you truly will not have relief until you get cleared by a doctor.

That really is a shame that medical stuff is not kept private there and that is against the law. You can report that. How do you know that things are spread around? Hearing what your circumstances are where you live, I now can understand more why you are posting the way you are.

You have got to quit beating yourself up. I know easier said than done. I didn't have sex for two years and then a day before my birthday I do and get this. I feel like an idiot, my friends who have it and don't, were shocked that me, of all people w my education on STDs would be the last for this to happen to.

I better understand your situation now and I'm sorry if I came off harsh. I promised myself after getting this and how I was made to feel by some, especially do to my "not text book standard" symptoms and severe reaction to the disease, I would always respond to people on here. The feeling I had of feeling so alone and being looked at crazy, because I had neuropathy so severe, that it usually is only seen in patients w herpes zoster, influenced me, to help break the stigmatization of the disease, but the old held on to beliefs, surrounding the behavior of this virus.

Dont stop posting. Listen, those bumps are not herpes. I've had that happen w bumps, after going a week w out shaving or more since the last time I shaved. You also woulntefind a hair growing up in the middle of it like that.

Last time I asked you said the burning was fine, but you are saying it ia now back, correct? Are you seeing anyone die your anxiety or getting on meds for it to help you cope?

Feelbroken, I am sorry for all the confusion. It makes me feel so much better now that someone is actually trying to understand my situation. I feel very bad going into such detail because no one wants to hear this. I don't even want to say it but I've got to explain. The burning is back but not terribly. Thursday I saw my boyfriend I felt better and had myself convinced it wasn't herpes anyway if it was he had to be the one to give it to me. No leg pain no nothing, imagine that. We had sex three times. We hadn't seen each other in a while. It was fairly rough. At first the sex kind of hurt but I just figured it was because we hadn't in a while. After the first time that night it didn't hurt. The next day I sorta started burning again. And from there to now is when I've been burning. I even got worried about maybe having internal herpes and got a mirror and pulled stuff apart and looked inside and there is a decent amount of white liquid it's not thick or anything. I seem to be a little red and maybe even a tiny bit swollen in between the lips. I used desitin for the burn and it helped some and took away some redness. The other night I even woke up from a dead sleep into a full blown out panic attack, dizzy, couldn't breathe, just shear panic. I even had to wake my mom it was that bad. During and after this is when my actual vagina burned unbearably. So it is quite possible it is my anxiety. I feel it to be worse when I am laying or sitting down especially at night when I have time to really think about it. And you suffering from anxiety probably understand that no matter how hard you try not to think about it, you just do. And even tho you're fairly sure it's just your anxiety causing you to feel this way you aren't comforted because what if you're just using anxiety as an excuse? If that makes any sense at all. As for the confidentiality issue in my town, my family is even friends with hospital workers who do billing and know every detail that goes on. Everytime a high school student gets pregnant we know because the ladies in billing see what their blood test was for and tell. And this is just an example. There's many more instances with not just the ladies in billing that we know. It's very sad and very wrong but I've learned that's how it is in a small town. Everyone knows everyone's business. Two years ago I began having a fear of public speaking. I had a class where I had to stand up and speak a part fairly often. I can remember running to the bathroom and having panic attacks and calling my mom to calm me down. It's just got progressively worse from there on out. My mom took me to the doctor and he prescribed me a low dose anti anxiety medicine that I took religiously for over a year. It was a low dose because alot of my fear was in my head but it honestly helped alot. I still get nervous to speak in front of crowds but nothing like I used to. I've actually had to do some Public speaking and been fine. So my mom was proud and talked to my doctor about weaning me off of it which we did, and I had been fine. Until all of this. It's like it all came crashing down. And anxiety honestly makes me feel crazy just because the irrational thoughts and fears it causes. And as I said knowing my anxiety could be causing this doesn't even make me feel any better about herpes. Thanks for your kindness and understanding. When you're as scared as I am it just helps to know someone is at least trying.

Yep, you are correct. In the states, we are better educated in school on STDs than what it appears takes place in Europe, as only 30% of new genital herpes cases is from oral to genital sex and in the UK, hsv 1 to genital transmission, is 70% of their new genital herpes cases. We were told in middle school about cold sores and not sharing stuff. Also, heating the things doctors say, do and react to herpes across the ocean is shocking and disturbing.

I feel there are several factors that come into play, on why herpes hasn't been the focus of much research, educating on kt and why it is not included in full STD panels.

1. I think the monetary value in antivirals is too great. Most funding on education, research, clinical studies and trials, is by big pharma. They previously have looked at herpes, well the alpha group of herpes (i.e. HSV 1 & 2 & herpes zoster) to be relatively harmless, so there wasn't much harm in not coning up w a cure or vaccine.

2. These days political correctness plays a big part. Some parents are open about sex Ed and others are not. Many parents will complain about things their children are taught.

3. If explaining that you can still get herpes even w using a condom, the fear is that youngsters will forgo cobdom use altogether and not see any purpose in it. Insulting that they think citizens are that ignorant.

4. With the integration of different cultural backgrounds mixing and going to school together, w different and some w strict religious beliefs comes into play as well.

It's really sad that the wducationtin STDs is lacking so much and alls it dies is contribute to the epidemic of STDs.

I know hun, it's a shame. I've had conversations about sex so many times and STDs and grown men in their 20s, 30s and 40s always say, "so, use a condom". It is so baffling that we continue to let this myth precede us and the same rings true for HPV regarding condoms.

Just so you know the likely hood even w condom use that you got herpes from him, is extremely low. Here are the statistics on male to female transmission, always abstaining from any sexual intercourse during signs and symptoms a year.

- no condom use or daily meds for suppressive therapy: 10%

- condoms or daily meds: 5%

- both condoms and daily meds: 2.5%

So you had a 90% or more chance you did NOT get herpes from him.

What is absolutely great, is how informed you are now, which is going to help keep you safer and ahead of the game, than your peers. Remember, there are times the virus sheds and the person can have no symptoms and be contagious as well. Just skin to skin touching of genitals is enough to transmit the virus. It if a shame, but I'm very happy you have strapped yourself w this knowledge.

Now, I do think you need to go to the doctors and just have a culture at least to see I'd you have a yeast or BV infection, or possibly both. That's such a shame that you can't feel like your privacy would be protected where you live either. Is there a way for you to travel to another town to be tested?

Hahaha... No I'm sorry for not being more patient, that is one of my weaknesses. I'm also laughing because I was so much like you, especially in my work emails, where I work in a field dominated by men. They are more to the point and I was sending out novels. A boss I had some years back pulled me aside and explained how people wouldn't read my emails or take them serious, if I wrote novels, so I can relate. Some people get tired of listening to me talk a story, because I always put in so much detail.

I haven't or don't recall burning being a symptom during sex from a BV infection (been a decade since I had a BV infection), but I know that burning w a yeast infection most certainly does happen. I've had it be unbearable and unable to do it, from a residual yeast infection I thought I treated and got rid of, but didn't. This is why I am insistent on people using 7 day treatment. My friends will only use 7 day treatment for the same reason. The one or 3 day will minimize your symptoms temporarily, only for it to flare back up a week later.

You also might have a latex allergy. I learned this the hard way and doctors never asked me if I was using condoms, because they assumed I wasn't, because I was married and on birth control. This resulted in constant yeast and BV infections and it was like it never went away. I was messed up for awhile even after stopping the use of

latex. This is why the probiotic is a must. Use polyurethane condoms from here on out.

Oh, I completely get it. My mom would say to me when I was your age: "I swear, you're not happy unless you are worrying about something!" I would find anything to worry about. Medicine really did help me w my anxiety. I still take meds for my anxiety now.

Wow, that is completely inappropriate and unethical personally and professionally, for those ladies to do that! Do you know of a free government funded clinic maybe? I would Google it, as most countries have those and then you can stay anonymous. Example, in the states we have planned parenthood and they aren't even allowed to contact a parent to a teen that comes in pregnant. That is horrible and needs to be reported that they do that. Those ladies should be ashamed of themselves ans fired from their jobs.

Oh I know it! I still get told I'm paranoid at times, especially w male coworkers! Hahaha.. I am not as bad as I was when I was your age, because after you go through life experiences, you learn that there's so much worse to deal w and could happen yo you, that the small things are easy to let roll off your back. Listen, I haven't even applied to this job that keeps asking for my resume, because I know it will require me to give presentations and I do not like public speaking either and I'm 33!

I'm utterly disgusted w the behavior of people in the medical community where you live. Do me a favor, Google free health clinic or sexual heath clinic w the the zip code of your area and let me know what turns up, so we can see if we can find something for you. Also to keep it more private, just share that info in a personal message. This way yiu can avoid the clinic where you live and keep your confidentiality.

It's totally okay. My weakness is being overly emotional... if you haven't picked up on that hahaha. I am paranoid with everything I totally understand. I will say this discussion has made me feel somewhat better. My burning didn't start until after sex. I've thought about latex allergies maybe being the cause. Oh wouldn't it be nice if there were black and white symptoms of what stuff was! Haha. I'll definitely look up a clinic and let you know what I find. Thanks again so much

Hahaha, well that's another one of mine too! You're like a mini-me!

You'd be surprised at the number of people who are latex intolerant, when it comes to a sensitive spot such as the vagina. Also I don't know if you looked or paid attention, hut some condoms have spermicide on them and that is known to cause some serious irritation to the vagina.

For me, sex has felt like someone had sandpaper on their oenia, if I have sex w an underlying yeast infection.

Haha we do sound very much alike! Okay so I'm going to try and brave up and make the Dr's appointment. I'm officially freaking out again. I was just in the shower and felt a slight twitch idk where the first bump was. So you know me begins examining and the spot where the bump was looks like it is filling up. It's not a lesion by any means it's Almost just a puss looking line under the skin but it looks like it could have two heads so it could be two hair follicles side by side. I squeezed it (I just can't listen to the don't squeeze) and white thicker stuff came out of one of the heads. This bump originally came to a head and popped itself and went away all except it felt a little harder under the skin where it had been. It looks to be under the skin again. Most likely the hair follicle thing again. But I'm freaking out due to the fact it's In the same exact spot and that's how outbreaks tend to be. Oh my gosh this has got to stop. I just want to return to my normal life of not constantly checking myself especially in this area. Haha. I've calmed down a bit but this is all too much. I looked up clinics in my area and all I could find is the ones I was aware of, unfortunately run by people I know. I will just have to make an appointment at my usual doctors and request the female doctor. Sigh. I was really hoping this would all just go away on its own but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Question, when you squeeze, are you getting that hard pod thing out? If you don't get something hard out, it will keep filling back up like that.

That too is not true for herpes about being in the same spot. I've had one OE two recurrences every month since having this and there are only 3 spots that it has at times, not all the time, recurred in the same spot. Other than that, every ob I have, as new bumps that pop up on places I didn't have before. I remember, cause I was confused, as friends have told me theirs pops up in the same places. I guess it can, but it's an exception, not the rule. The location I have had an ingrown hair w a hard thing and pus inside, will occasionally pop back up and it is in the same place and that was before herpes. You have to get the hard thing out and make sure you get everything out . I really think you are just freaking yourself out. I was the same way at your age and obsessively checking myself.

Really glad you're making the decision to get checked out. I don't think you have herpes, but I am no expert. What you have just described is exactly what I suffer with, that's problems with ingrown hairs but they can turn into abscesses, usually when I am stressed. It's really not a good idea to pop them, because of infection and frim my experience they tend to reappear more. My GP usually just prescribes me antibiotics, try not to shave too much. I only shave now when I go swimming. I do have genital herpes too , but that is another issue and looking at your posts, I agree with feel broken and I don't think you have. Best of luck with seeing answers and make sure you get the answers you want. I saw 3 different people until I was completely satisfied with my results. Professional and peoples experiences are both valuable to our well being.