Endless Genital Herpes Outbreaks, I can't cope

Sexual health
1

I was diagosed 13 years ago with Genital Herpes as the result of a very foolish short lived relationship. 

The first attack was, as everyone says, the absolute worst (though whether it actually is or just feels that way because we don't know what it is is another thing). Since then I have had good years and bad years, sometimes many months with no attack.  However over the last year I feel I have had back to back attacks. I am in misery, I have a couple of other health problems one of which is constant UTI's and of course they are made worse by the herpes (though I'm sure herpes can't actually cause and infection as such).

I am not suicidal, I have been there and felt that and definitely do not feel that way - but I just don't want to live. If that makes any sense. I wouldn't do anything to bring about my death but if I knew I was going to die I would think "well at least all this pain and suffering will be over".

I know that plenty of people live with much worse conditions but this does seem to be a pretty bad thing to have.

2

Hi,   I also had back to back outbreaks.   Please try having a large slice of pineapple every day.    It has done wonders for me and when I feel a bit of an attack coming on I increase the pineapple.   I have about one large slice a day about 140 grams and have another large slice if i feel an attach and truly has knocked it on the head.

Good luck and hope it works for you like it did for me.

3

Yes HSV can be bad if you have frequent outbreaks, because it is there to constantly remind you. I have peripheral neuropathy and since my first outbreak of HSV my PN is acting up 10 fold. Just imagine if you can having the feeling of being electrocuted and on fire ,in feet at night ,while in bed. I have to dangle my feet off bed. Sometimes I want to amputate my feet.  My neurologist does not think the HSV has anything to do with it, but my psychiatrist says it does.  Now just think you are eventually going to die soon enough. I want to die to! My love for my daughter, son and grand kids keep me going and hope the pain will subside some. It sounds like you are suffering from depression due to the situation your in. Every new day offers new hope or possibilities that can change how you feel. If you get extremely depressed go to psych hospital or ER and have yourself admitted. It's been proven to do some good. 

4

Also if you cannot get fresh pineapple I have heard that pineapple juice work too.

Good luck

5

Thanks guys, I'll even give the pineapple a try smile

Appreciate your concern but I am actually NOT depressed. I know this because I have suffered from several serious bouts of depression and I know what this feels like and I actually feel ok mentally.

I wish someone would find a cure for this nasty disease - when I read of so many young people being diagnosed, my heart goes out to them.

6

Let me know how you go with the pineapple.  I am having fresh pineapple.  I dont know if the  tined pineapple is as good due to the processing.

 It truly has done wonders for me.  Its truly been unbelievable.  

Hope it does the same for you. 

7

Hi bordersgirl,

I am really sorry for the way you are feeling. I was diagnosed with HSV1 last week which I got from my husband who suffers from HSV2. I don't know but maybe SV 1 is better than SV2.

I'm actually surprised that I am here to lift up your moral when just a few days ago I was in this bad spiral and thought life was over for me. I am actually giving myself hope to go on. Of course I'd be lying if I say life will be normal cause it wouldn't. You just need to find that strenght in you to keep on going!!! Reach deep down in the strong woman that you are and tell this herpes that you haven't said your last word. Think about all the things you have accomplished and still have to accomplish. That is one of the things that keeps me going.

I read a post here where someone said pineapples really help keep outbreaks at bay. I'm going to try it maybe you should. I'm also taking daily vitamins and have decided to make more use of my membership at the gym. Building a strong body defense system also helps in limiting outbreaks. Try to keep the stress level down too as this provokes outbreaks.

Generally, you can't do anything about your current situation so just be positive and try to "make the best" out of the situation.

If you want to talk or air out, I'm here, just write and I'll reply

Hugs

 

8

Yes I also used to take lots of vitamins and they didnt seem to help.

However,  the pineapple has done the trick.  

Im no sure what is in the pineapple, However I did read that food-based vitamin c helps herpes and I found a site on the net that stated : -

"The most potent vitamin C combination oppositional to herpes is 100% agave tequila, pineapple juice, and aloe vera.

Another potent vitamin C combination is tomato juice and molasses. (Or tomato juice and raisins.)"

Since reading this I occasionally have the tomato juice and raisins.  However I am  sticking  with my daily intake of  pineapple because it has proven to work with me.

Hope it helps you too.

 

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Hi Sunshine - thanks very much for your encouraging message smile I think we all get a bit frustrated sometimes. 

I have been in chronic hip pain for 3 years, it's been relentless and docs were no good - said it was coming from my back and which joint did I want injected with steroids!!!

However I was referred back to the hosp yesterday and after an xray showed a dramatic deterioration from 2 years ago the consultant said "hip replacement". I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I had convinced myself that the pain was all in my head. Not looking forward to the op but I'd go through anything to be pain free.

I have huge sympathy now for anyone who suffers from chronic pain - then when we add on herpes - well.........hey ho what can we do -  it'll be fine

Thanks again for your message you sound like you have a bit of journey to take yourself. Not easy times for you but you sound very resilient and strong. Take care. xxx

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Hi bordergirl,

I really hope you get through this and get the pain over with.

I'm sure everything will be fine. Just stay positive

As i mentioned before don't hesitate if you want a listening ear.

Take care too.

Hugs

11

Hello bordersgirl,

Foregive my late reply....I was wondering if you've considered that your painfull ongoing problem with uti's may infact be postherpetic neuralgia caused by your original herpes outbreak...I only mention this because if it does turn out to be PHN then at least you would have some other treatment options to try.

 

 

12

Hi there, I was diagnosed with HSV 2 several months ago, and with vigorous online research and determination I have found a solution to keep the outbreaks from occurring.

First here's my story...

I contracted Herpes (HSV2) from a guy I only dated for a short period of time. I was terrified  when the symptoms started, I experienced so much pain and discomfort, and was sick for over a week with chills, sharp pains and tingling in my feet and legs, and of course genital sores, and that terrible itch.  I wasn't sure what it was, but after looking it up online I had pretty much figured out I had Herpes. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed. I was devastated, but I knew there was nothing I could do to change the facts. Instead, of being depressed and in denial I decided to accept my condition, and focus on prevention of outbreaks. At the start, I was having outbreaks back to back just like you. I would have an OB that took 7-14 days to heal and then just 3 days later I would get another OB. ( AND THIS WAS WHILE I WAS TAKING THE DRUG VALTREX, IT DIDNT WORK FOR ME. IT MADE MY BODY MORE RELIANT ON THE DRUG AND MY OB'S GOT WORSE ) It was miserable! After weeks of trial and error, I found something that worked. Instead of taking harsh prescription medicines like Valtrex , that can have a negative effect on your body over time, I decided to take lysine supplements, vitamins, and eat foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio. Lysine is an essential amino acid proven to prevent or lessen severity and duration of Herpes outbreaks. 

Everyday, I take a Lysine supplement, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and Zinc. That's all.

The Lysine works as suppressive, keeping the Herpes OB's from reocurring, and the vitamins support this by building the immune system.

I have not had an OB in 3 months, since I started taking these supplements. I have experimented with skipping vitamins for 3 days at the most, and have remained OB free. One time I went a week without the supplements,and I ended up having an OB, but I started taking the supplements again, and sores healed in 7 days. That's my usual OB healing time cut in half!!!

Its works for prevention, lessens severity, and duration (if you are currently experiencing an OB) just like prescription meds claim to do. 

Anyway, I'm happy and have OB free since, this worked for me and hope it works for you!!

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I'm not sure if any of you will still read this as this post is old but i hope you do because this worked for me. I'm a nurse and ironically i live with herdes. i used to get awful breakouts until i read about LYSINE and Red Algae also vitamin c. started taking 1000mg lysiue (will suppress ob and release serotonin) and 500vit c everyday and no out breaks in a few months. if you do get an outbreak up your dose in lysine a little. don't get laxed on your regimen you will have an awful outbreak. learn your triggers such as chocolate, peanuts and peanut butter, which all have high content of arginine along with other foods..stress, even sex. i really hope i an help someone.

14

I have had this nasty disease for a little over a year after my bf fooled around with the wrong girl...

At first the breakouts came once a month, n I'm lucky to say until yesterday I haven't had any problems for the past five months...

However I ate some fresh pineapple n the sides of my mouth started stinging, n I woke up with an outbreak on my face, mind u I've never had outbreaks there before till now and It's definitely not due to being sexually active, unfortunately three months after my bf getting infected, he was tragically killed struck by an automobile...

I'm very embarrassed to have this disease and don't like to talk about it, and I definitely don't wanna have to tell another person I have it, so I just don't engage in sexual behavior whatsoever...

15

I have been diagnosed with herpes recently. Ive dealt with the pain for over a week now. I know that it is unbearable, but remember to keep hope. It keeps me alive every day. Im still dealing with my first outbreak and i feel like its never gonna end. Try an epsom salt bath. It has helped me rid of the pain for at least a few hours every time. Ill definitely try pineapple to. Anyone have other suggestions?

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You should go to the doctor sweetie get put on some valtrex, the flare ups won't be so frequent...

Also dress will cause you more outbreaks, so try to keep calm, cool and collective...

The best of luck..

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Stress*** stupid auto correct drives me nuts...

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Hi Tiffany!

Im really sorry to read that you're going through this. I was infected just recently (4 months ago). My boyfriend didn't know he had it ... and well... the rest is history. He feels terrible and get very upset and frustrated... not at me.. at the situation. He's been super supportive, so that has been great for me. We both have the virus but I'm the only one having outbreaks... UGH!

My first outbreak was AWFUL... it was so bad that I ended up at an Emergency clinic with a UTI and dirty looks from an unprofessional care physician.. the point is that it was HELL!

I did lots of research and found out that Lysine

is very helpful. I've been taking it and even though I've had 2 outbreaks since the first one, I can tell you that they have been pretty decent.

Here's a link with more information. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/genital-herpes-useful-info-for-those-looking-for-answers-like-me--482438

Emis Moderator comment: I have replaced the given link with a link to a discussion on useful resources on our site.

19

I know this is old but thought I woud offer my insight. I have only had a few OBs. I take Olive Leaf capsules (an all natural anti-viral) and I also cut open a capsule and put the Olive leaf extract directly on the sores. I only started it in my last OB that felt like they just weren't healing and after applying the extract daily they were healed in a matter of days. It also helped the pain when I put the extract directly on the sores. I have heard there is olive leaf gel for topical use but I have not used it. I'm just now feeling an OB starting so I am hoping to nip it in the bud. I hadn't heard of pineapple helping so I am definitely going to go get fresh pineapple tomorrow. I feel the same way sometimes about my life (at least my sex life) being over but do you know how many people have this disease and have completely normal lives! It's hard, ESPECIALLY during an OB to not feel down about it but don't let it defeat you.

20

Have had genital herpes from an ex gf for about 10 years. First was horrific and went to the Doc whom confirmed. was usually one outbreak a year but have been 3 years no OB. Google Andrographis/Lysine/Echinacea and read about it. Not a cure but damn near close as Ive been going strong for 3 years outbreak free. Also include Zinc and Garlic supplements and HSV doesn't stand a chance. Sure it is a lot of pills but it also prevents viral shedding so you do not infect your partner! They say a vaccine is just around the corner but Im safe as long as I use the above regime.