Hey everyone! Herpes convo? Anyone who is willing to talk.

I don't personally have anything that could help you, but I do want to bump the thread back up just in case somebody else does. There are probably some forums out there somewhere too where people have talked about it and if you can't get any stories here, you might be able to at least find something to go in with. less

As most of you know, I work at a women's health center. You'd think I would know all about what vaginal herpes feels like, and what it is like dealing with it, but I don't. I only know the facts that are in the book.

I have to do a class on Thursday with some teens who have just recently been tested for herpes, and have shown up positive without symptoms. I have to prepare them for what they will feel, what to watch out for, etc. Can anyone give me their stories?

Here are the main things I would like to know if you are willing. You are welcome to privately message me if discussions bother you.

1. How did you know when you first had herpes?

2. What does herpes feel like for you? Both before you start to blister, during, and after?

3. What treatment option have you settled on?

4. Do you have a partner? Do they have herpes as well? How do they feel about you having herpes?

5. How long have you had herpes? How did you feel emotionally when you first found out?

6. How do you feel now that you have been dealing with herpes for some time?

Thanks for all the info. Feel free to add anything in if you wish. less

As most of you know, I work at a women's health center. You'd think I would know all about what vaginal herpes feels like, and what it is like dealing with it, but I don't. I only know the facts that are in the book.

I have to do a class on Thursday with some teens who have just recently been tested for herpes, and have shown up positive without symptoms. I have to prepare them for what they will feel, what to watch out for, etc. Can anyone give me their stories?

Here are the main things I would like to know if you are willing. You are welcome to privately message me if discussions bother you.

1. How did you know when you first had herpes?

2. What does herpes feel like for you? Both before you start to blister, during, and after?

3. What treatment option have you settled on?

4. Do you have a partner? Do they have herpes as well? How do they feel about you having herpes?

5. How long have you had herpes? How did you feel emotionally when you first found out?

6. How do you feel now that you have been dealing with herpes for some time?

Thanks for all the info. Feel free to add anything in if you wish. less

I know this is not exactly what you are looking for, but since you haven't been getting a serious response I will help out as much as I can.

I do not have vaginal herpes. I do however have a genetic type and it affects my ears. I know it is EXTREMELY weird!

My first outbreak was during my freshman year in college, exams of course. I had no idea what it was. My left ear swelled and got all blistery. It hurt like the dickens. I would ice it and finally after a few days of ice and neosporine it went away.

When an out break starts my ear(s) get warm, they turn pink then red then brown like a really nice tan. Then the skin get kind of hard and crunchy, then it blisters. Clear fluid comes out of the blisters and then it hardens over. I know I shouldn't but lancing those suckers really helps the pain.

I finally went to a doctor a few years ago while I had an out break. He gave me the RX for genital herpes. It didn't clear it up any faster but I was out break free for about 5 years. (I just had 2 out breaks this summer and winter, both stress related, hurray divorce)

I have been told that my virus is genetic and it is not contagious. Also no one who has come in contact with one of my outbreaks has ever contracted it.

I have had it I guess all my life, but I found out in 2002. In 2008 I was told what it was. I was FREAKED out! I had so many questions for my poor doctor. I am just glad I wasn't to ashamed to ask every single question and he took time to answer every one of them.

It is still strange to talk about it, but since mine is so visible sometimes I have to.



Like I said I know it isn't what you are looking for exactly but hope it helps. less

If they are positive without symptoms, did the blood test confirm it was HSV-2 (genital herpes)? Depending on the type of test and the result, it may not be certain whether it is genital or oral herpes. Some people have tested positive for herpes and have never had noticeable outbreaks and others may have had one outbreak and then none for years, even without medication. I'm not in the medical field but from what I've read there are many doctors that don't even test for herpes during routine STD screening (unless there is concern to do so).

Cold sores are often caused by HSV-1, a herpes virus, but people don't run around saying they have herpes on their lip...they say they have a cold sore. Any STD is no fun but with education instead of fear and ignorance, people can continue happy, healthy sex lives. less