I am in a right state - screen name says it all :(

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

I am rather embarrassed about this so I've name changed

About a week ago, my DH, in a ratger energetic session was penetrating me with his fingers and, when he changed to enter me for sex, noticed a bit of blood. Didn't think much of it and it didn't hurt at all at the time.

About 3 days later I started to get cystitis symptoms and went to the chemist for an OTC remedy. After about 3 days it was getting no better - in fact, it was bloody agony to pee. I mean, shouting out agony!

I went to the doctors and she examined me and said she suspected I might have a small fissure in my urethra, gave me some painkilling cream and antibiotics and sent me on my way (there was no infection in my urine btw - think that was a precaution)

Well it's now 4 days later and it's getting worse. The only way I can wee is in the shower without screaming the place down. To add insult to injury, I now have loads of nasty, sore spots around my inner vulva lips. I guess these are caused by the cream? And the general constant moistness that the cream has caused down there (to add insult to injury, I've had my period as well during all this!)

I have another appointment for tomorrow because I cannot go on like this but please, any ideas for treatments, remedies, help, anything. It is so very painful I'm going out of my mind and feel really worried

[KilledBill]

Ok, this might not be what you want to hear, but now that these sore spots have appeared all around the vulva you REALLY need to go back and show the doctor. That coupled with the severe pain and needing to pee in the shower sounds to me like possible herpes infection. It may well not be, but you need it checked out.

Other than that, it could well be that your session with him resulted in a small tear that is stinging, and you have had a reaction to the cream. In which case, you need to stop using the cream and unfortunatly wait for the tear to heal. But def go see the doc again while those spots are there.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Ohfuck :(

[KilledBill]

Sorry I dont mean to stress you out more but it does sound like a possibility - how long have you been with him? and have you had anything like this before? have a look on NHS site or something for symptoms and check if you have any more.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

We've been together a long time and I know for a fact that he has not been with anyone else (that sounds lame I'm sure but I do know for practical reasons rather than "because I love him and he wouldn't" reasons iykwim)

And I've read several web sites and it would seem to me that I have every single symptom

[KilledBill]

It may be that you have had this before, but it hasnt flared up like this, im not 100% but I think it can lay dormant for a while? But the GP does need to see it "active" and see those sores to confirm it, then they may be able to give you something to fight it off and stop it coming back?

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Thanks Bill I really appreciate you taking the time to answer

I feel such a fool for not even thinking anything like this

I have at least got some ideas for self treatment from doing some googling

[KilledBill]

Thats ok hope you get better soon

[lurcherlover]

Poor you. It does sound herpes-like. Please go back to the GP.

It doesn't necessarily mean infidelity - if either of you get cold sores, and there is oral-genital contact, you can get genital herpes that way.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Yep. It's herpes. Been to sexual health clinic. Probably got it from oral sex from oral sex last week. Feel such a fool.

Anti-virals and strong painkillers and plenty of rest.

Fortunately DH and I are fine and know that it's just one of those things but I still feel really really upset about this.

[KilledBill]

Oh I am sorry, at least you got a diagnosis though as you hadnt even thought of herpes. Is your partner ok about it? Hopefully if you get another attack it wont be as bad as this one :(

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

He's fine about it - just really upset he's given it to me. Other than that, everything between us is fine. I was upset at the clinic but they were so lovely and reassuring

It is so bloody painful though I could cry - in fact I have. The depressing thing is that this attack could last up to 4 weeks and I think I will go insane with the pain

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Can anyone tell me how long this agony is likely to last? I am so fed up and low and just want it over with

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

I've been on anti virals for 4 days and I'm still in agony. I've now got neuralgia pain all down my legs to go with the blistered fanjo and arse. The arse is worst

I had no idea herpes could be so painful

[chipstick10]

Its bad enough having herpes around the mouth, i feel for you and hope you recover quickly.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Just wanted to update and thank KilledBill

I had my swab tests back and it was HSV1 so it seems like DH passed it on to me through oral sex.

I finally started feeling better after 10 days of agonising pain and feeling really ill

I think I'm strating to get my head round this and have had a long chat on the phone with the GUM clinic about the chances of reoccurance and what to do if it does

[DirtyMartini]

If you are up for trying alternative therapies, the amino acid Lysine (available from health food shops; I use the Solgar brand, about 6 or 7 quid) is reported to really shorten and lessen the severity of outbreaks in some people.

A year or two back, DS picked up a primary herpes infection at nursery and it was total agony for him; and then while caring for him, I got it too, had my first ever cold sore (on my hand, weirdly). I couldn't give him the Lysine as he's too little, but I took it, and again when I got another one a couple of months later. It did seem like the outbreaks healed up more quickly once I started taking it, but as I don't have much experience (never had another outbreak since) I can't say for sure.

But in your situation with that level of pain it has to be worth a try!

[DirtyMartini]

Sorry just read your last post properly. I would totally get the Lysine anyway and stick it in the cupboard in case there is a next time. I know it may sound a bit "alternative" but it sort of helps to feel like you are doing everything you can, y'know?

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

I would be prepared to try anything, believe me.

If you'd told me to dance naked round a fire by the light of a full moon, I'd havegiven it a try

I asked the clinic if they would give me a script for abti-virals to keep on hand just in case...but they wouldn't. I thought it might help me mentally to deal with it iykwim, to feel prepared and that I had some sort of defence

I have read that subsequnt outbreaks of genetal herpes are enevr as bad as the first but the mere thought of it makes me anxious tbh :(

[mckenzie]

Please may i reassure you that the first outbreak is usually so so much worse than any future outbreaks and it is also possible, although not highly likely, that there will be no more outbreaks. I was hospitalised with my first outbreak, many many moons ago, it was that bad.
I would second the Lysine supplements and also i would suggest you contact the HVA, Herpes Virus Association. They are a fairly small charity set up I think but I found them fantastic in terms of knowledge and support.
I hope this episode settles down for you - there are a few of us fellow sufferers here if you need to talk at all, on or off line.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Thank you mckenzie, I appreaciate that.

I'm just so grateful that killedbill pointed me in the right direction here, I was so ignorant before!!

I have never felt so ill in my life so I can imagine you being hospitalised.

I understand from the GUM clinic that people with HSV1 on the genitals are less likely to have a reoccurance as the virus is not so well adapted to living at the base of the spine

Or am I clutching at straws?

[scotgirl]

Just read this and knew straight off it was gential herpes - and I see that you've had it confirmed.

So the good news is that the first attack is absolutely the worst and the symptoms, if you ever have them, should be in no way like this again. Your body is suffering a major attack right now and it will completely floor you and make you feel very unwell. You may never have another attack again though. If you do, it is likely that it will be so mild you don't even notice it (hopefully).

Pee in the bath for the next while or so and take lots of deep breaths.

Hope things get better soon.

[FanjoLikeChoppedLiver]

Peeing in the bath made no difference as I had lesions inside. It was agony

The only thing that helped was a very liberal slaterhing of barrier cream Everywhere and even that only brought the pain down to "OH my fucking good god" crying levels.

I said to DH at one point that I would rather give birth than have a wee!!

Anyway, on the mend now and feel very grateful I was able to get some suppot and info online

[Nyx]

I'll third or fourth the lysine - I get, or used to get, terrible coldsores and lysine really, really works. It shortens the duration of the outbreak and absolutely seems to help in every way.