Feeling down

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi guys 

I am new here and was wondering if you could help. 

I had a cold sore (couldn't really see anything but I could feel it under the skin on my vagina lip) I went to the doctors and was diagnosed with hsv2. I was told not to panic as there was no guarantee I would ever get a cold sore again but hsv2 is more likely to cause outbreaks and I would know within 6 monthes if it will bother me a lot. 12 weeks later I get another cold sore on my opposite vagina lip, again it is not very clear to see but I can feel it. Does this mean I will probably be getting them every few monthes from now on? 

I was trying to do some research tonight and reading this article (https://www.thehairpin.com/2013/11/how-i-found-out-i-didnt-have-the-herpes-id-been-living-with-for-four-years/) has left me feeling very down as it states people with hsv2 are likely to get outbreaks 4-8 times a year and they shed constantly with no symptoms so are more likely to pass it on at any point, it says 70 percent of people pass it on with no symptoms present... is this true? This article has just got me feeling so upset! 

I have read that avoiding chocolate, oats and nuts can help and taking l lysine tablets... will these really make any difference? 

0 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    How were you diagnosed? By swab, blood or visual? Always the first thing I ask, as there is a lot of room for error when it comes to diagnosing genital herpes.
    • Posted

      I was diagnosed by swab of the lump(coldsore) that I had, I feel it is probably correct as I now have another 12 weeks later which would be fitting for hsv2? Im just hoping this doesn't mean I will now get them every 12 weeks... I was hoping to be one of those people that has one once and never gets one again (I'm sure everyone does)  no such luck! 

    • Posted

      Ah, then that is accurate. The swab test, when positive, is unlikely to be wrong. gHSV1 can be once a year, if that, but not usually gHSV2, at least not during the first year. Recurrences are mild and become less over time for most people. One every 3 months isn't so bad, by the way. Some unlucky women get a recurrence with every period.

    • Posted

      I have read a few people on here saying at first they didn't get outbreaks much but now they get them every month so I may still have that to look forward to... it's so unpredictable isn't it. 

      How long do cold sores usually last? I have read 7-10 days online but I have had a coldsore which doesn't hurt but I can still feel it (it hasn't got smaller) and I'm on day 10 now... 

    • Posted

      Generally speaking, herpes outbreaks become less over time. I guess there are always exceptions, plus good years, bad years, etc. Don't forget, this forum attracts the panicked, the newly infected, and those with atypical or particularly bad cases. Most people with milder/normal cases don't bother posting here, because they're generally fine. Cold sores (you mean oral, right?) can take 1-2 weeks to heal. If a first outbreak, closer to two weeks.

    • Posted

      I never thought about that, you make a good point! Sorry no I meant vaginal.... I thought wherever you get them they're cold sores... are they something different? It feels like a little ulcer on my vagina lip I'm not sure what to call it? 

    • Posted

      Usually they're just referred to as lesions, sores (no 'cold'wink, ulcers, blisters, etc. Cold sores are specifically oral. First outbreaks of genital herpes typically last 3 weeks on average, from first symptoms (which may not necessarily be lesions) to complete healing.

    • Posted

      Huh? Where did that emoji come from?? Lol
    • Posted

      It's been two weeks today and it's pretty much gone now so I'm taking this as a good sign! I don't want to take any prescribed medications I just want to kind of see how my body reacts to it naturally. Hoping it will be more than 12 weeks this time! 

    • Posted

      That's what I did, too, and still do. Basically, if you're not having sex with a negative partner and you can handle the recurrences, then you don't need the meds. If I were with a negative partner, I'd take the daily meds.

    • Posted

      Yes I'm single so not going to worry about that part yet. 

      How often do you have breakouts and how severe are they? Have they gotten better or worse over time? 

    • Posted

      They are mostly very mild, completely bearable, and have (touch wood!) become less frequent after the first year. Even during the first year, I was getting them maybe every 3 months on average. Not too bad, imo. Recurrences also heal much faster, within a week.
    • Posted

      That's good! Do you tend to get outbreaks as in multiple sores or just the one? Sorry for all the questions I'm thinking I might have a similar experience to you with this being the first year mine seem bearableble and it has been 3 monthes between this first reacurrence.  

    • Posted

      I usually get only one lesion, or if more, maybe two very close together, so they seem like one. They are usually tiny. The main giveaway is the swelling and slight soreness when touched. Even my first outbreak was only 3-4 lesions and not unbearable. The stress I gave myself and the burning urination were worse!
    • Posted

      I find it really interesting hearing our people's experiences with this! My very last question I promise is how many outbreaks do you get per year now? I'm not sure how many years you have had the herpes virus for...

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.