Feeling down

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! 

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.

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... 

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.

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? 

Usually they're just referred to as lesions, sores (no 'cold', 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.

Huh? Where did that emoji come from?? Lol

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! 

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.

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? 

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.

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.  

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!

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...

Other people's**