So depressed! Recurring outbreaks!

Posted , 7 users are following.

I was first diagnosed with HSV (genital) in my mid 20's. I am now 33. In the first year, I initially got a couple of really bad outbreaks that included my mouth and genital ... always at the same time. The outbreaks stopped for a couple of years which was great. However, in the past 3 months I've had recurring outbreaks .... almost 1 every 2-3 weeks. This has me worried overthinking there might be something else wrong with me. Is this normal? I have been so depressed and stressed because of this condition. I feel as if I will never find anyone to marry or have children with. I dont share this with anyone not even family as I feel they will judge me and thats the last thing I need. I've noticed I don't even feel like interacting with anyone anymore. Everytime I get an outbreak I feel so dirty and worthless. I am not even sure what to think or how to proceed or how to make myself feel better about myself. I am just so sad! sad and of course since i already have this std I am all worried about how it could be something else now ( god for bid) and just overthinking. Please help!

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Which type do you have? It is not abnormal to go through a phase of increased outbreaks. Other people seem to get that, too. Even so, I understand how horrible it must make you feel, and from just having it generally.
  • Posted

    I'd check in with your doctor. Are you on valtrex? You might need it. I don't know yet whether I have type 1 or 2, my symptoms are atypical, not severe and culture negative. More like bacterial vaginosis which isn't serious but might warrant antibiotic. 100% cotton underwear and baths morning and evening with non-irritating soap has helped me recently. Hormonal changes could be making a difference. You should rule out any other STI's if you've had sex. As for feeling badly, I'm so sorry. We all do, even though herpes doesn't warrant that. Suggest professional talk therapy (ask your dr for referral).

  • Posted

    Dont let society put a stigma in you....I was recently diagnosed with HSV1 on my butt cheek...yup that's right but here's the thing my mom has HSV 1 on her lip and forehead my dad has HSV 1 on his nose...so why should I feel dirty for having the same thing on my butt cheek? I do not over 80 percent of the population has it...I'm a divorced mother of 4...I'm 32 while I do not desire to have anymore children I do desire to be in a healthy relationship....don't down grade yourself even if it is HSV 2....it's a virus....remember that no different then the chicken pox or shingles just a virus that stays dormant inside your body...good luck !!

  • Posted

    Your post is heartbreaking and I feel that I could have written it myself.  I was finally diagnosed at my own insistance at age 60.  You so effectively express the shame, humiliation, and loss of self worth I experienced.  The pain of the disease is exacerbated by the anxiety.  It has been 5 years since I was diagnosed.  I have separated from the boyfriend of 14 years (who was 19 years my junior) thinking my romantic life was over, and sharing your same feelings of worthlessness was totally OK with that.  Then I met a gentleman my age, and divulged to him my condition.  He had lost his wife to breast cancer a couple of years earlier.  He has embraced me and is unbelievably understanding, which shows that sometimes we sell ourselves short.  This disease is so unfortunately prevalent.  If you meet someone of interest, I can only encourage you to be honest.  If there is substance to the relationship, encourage the individual to be tested.  The new man in my life tested positive but is asymptomatic.  My heart goes out to you and know that the pain you expressed in your post is shared by all of us that suffer with this disease.
  • Posted

    Omg Nv628 the same thing started happening to me. I'm 30 and in my 3rd yr of having hsv2 and my outbreaks have been monthly since this July in 2016... and I'm also worried that I have an awful disease that's compromising my immune system and causing this to happen. Although I have been having pretty awful menstral cycles so maybe it's due to a change in hormones which I heard can trigger it... it does usually happen around my menstral cycle. Maybe that's also your issue? Im also in my early 30's and apparently we go through another shift in hormones around this time, so maybe that's why it's gotten worse for us.... but I also feel dirty and worthless. I am laying in bed right now and it's 1pm. I should be up working but I feel so depressed and frozen... sad you aren't alone. Even though I haven't had lesions since my first ob, since July, I've still been getting all the OTHER symptoms like sunburned feeling between thighs, the chills, what feels like a fever, headaches, and extreme fatigue which is just as debilitating in my opinion... do you get any of these with any of your recurring ob's? I feel your pain... I too am looking for a way to get through this. I want to hire a therapist but they're so expensive and I just don't have it in my budget right now...

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