To be absolutely over life with genital herpes

Birch polypore tincture

@thebestinterest

Crikey, I’d never downplay it, it’s spoilt so many days for me over the last 40+ years!!

Its much better to talk about it on forums like MNet, and swap ideas and tips.

It’s definitely not a minor thing. I don’t know one single person who claims it’s minor. Everyone I know with it seem incredibly uncomfortable.

When I was first diagnosed, I was very poorly with it for a fair while (weeks) and still just into my 20s so I was despairing.

However, after so many years, it’s like an annoying relative that you put up with every so often.🫤
The main goal for you is to get it under control, it sounds as if you are
repeat-infecting and you are in a cycle that needs breaking.

When you have taken antivirals, how long did you take them for? As some previous posters have said, they take theirs daily infinitum. You may need to start with the mega-blast of 4/5 doses per day… that is really the only thing that kicks it out. Then continue with the lower daily dose ( but only once you are clear of sores)

To answer your question, I am always being aware of new outbreaks, as the quicker you start actively treating, the easier it is to control it and get rid of it. I get little warning signs, tiredness, sore skin round the groin and abdomen, sometimes lower legs, mostly thighs. I know immediately what’s on its way! I do think about it 24/7 when I have an outbreak, but self are is your friend. Nothing physically demanding, def no tight clothes, pjs, knickers etc. Keep your painkillers and antivirals absolutely regular, use hot water bottles and rest, rest, rest. If you don’t have a bath, use the shower spray to put hot water on your sore muscles followed by a heat rub, it’s very comforting.

Hooe this thread with us all chipping in is helping, OP.x

OP I‘m so sorry ;( I agree with you that people having unprotected sex are absolutely mad. How did you get this? Did the person who passed this on not disclose to you? So sorry Xx

The first few months are awful. I was on a maintenance dose of aciclovir for a couple of years after I first got it, with sporadic bad outbreaks, but discovered the unpleasant tasting, but incredible, olive leaf extract. I haven't taken anything for several years now and have had one mild outbreak in that time.

As above. Also, as well as taking the Acyclovir - continue to take them until you've been clear for a couple of weeks - try taking an antihistamine. Herpes can make you feel like the walking dead and an antihistamine might help with associated itching etc. It may not but is worth a try. I've been taking Acyclovir for over 20 years, you won't come to harm from it.

Oh, much sympathy OP, I am sufferer of 40 yrs plus, so I’ll tell you how I manage my symptoms to see if you can use any of them..

Always always keep Zovirax cream near you, first sign of any irritation, get the cream on the area.
Always keep anti-viral pills around, I use Aciclovir 400mg. I blast myself with the “outbreak” dose then keep to the “keep it under control” dose for at least a fortnight after… some people take 1 pill a day always to ward it off, but I’ve never had to.

Any aches and pains can be eased by Ibuprofen, as they are anti- inflammatory and do help. Regular doses are best.
I have really hot baths and showers as that eases the muscles and aches and pains. Deep Heat rub is good on sore muscles as does a hot water bottle. My aches are usually buttocks and thighs, occasionally lower legs.

I try and keep my lesions dry, and use medicated talc to help with itchiness. Some people prefer keeping the area moist with Vaseline, but I didn’t get on with that. Air drying the sore area sometimes helps, staying cool with looser clothing, natural fabrics, no jeans, and not being too hot in bed all keeps you comfortable.

Sometimes you feel better than others, look after yourself, eat well & get plenty of rest. Online forums are a good support, you can see how other people manage their symptoms.

Hope all of this helps, I’ll post more if I think of anything else. Feel free to ask any questions. 💐

Did you get checked for full STD’s at the time of diagnosis?

When was your exposure?

icepack-obviously NOT directly but like wrapped in a pillowslip multi times...aclivor.and a smidge of germolene.no pants.xx

My DP had to have the six months anti viral regime and that finally kicked it into touch and now outbreaks are few and far between and go quickly as he takes antiviral as soon as he suspects an outbreak. The first year is tough but I think as others have said, to try with the antiviral for a longer period. Poor you though, it's rubbish

I'd echo the cold sore remedy.

This sounds horrifying so sorry op I hope it gets better soon.

Perhaps some time off work and relaxing will help your body clear it as I know stress can make shingles appear maybe this virus works in a similar way?

Also, should you speak with your gp? It seems your immune system isn't working that well perhaps they want to investigate why that is?

OP, my close friend really suffered at first and mentally struggled, tried antivirals which marginally helped. However, her body eventually got used to it without medication and now she rarely has an outbreak (i think once or twice a year). Anyways, she's settled, married with three kids and it didn't stop her from dating before she met her husband. Speak to a GP and hopefully symptoms improve over time but things should get better.

I would buy hepatherm and sterilise the top of it after every zap and have Epsom salt baths to soothe and see if that helps even a little bit.

What about a hepatherm and sterilise with surgical spirit between each zap?

Yes this. Also eat a very low argenine diet during flare ups.

https://healingcycles.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lysineargininee_foods.pdf

Take lysine supplements
I know lysine balm works well applied topically to cold sores. Might be worth trying.