Thought it would be good to have a discussion thread just for those with IgG/swab-confirmed HSV-2 (so not presumed cases).
For personal "research" purposes, lol, I'm also very interested to know:
1. How long you've had it.
2. How often do you have outbreaks.
3. Did you have a history of cold sores (even if only as a child) before you acquired HSV-2.
Other personal experiences regarding HSV-2 welcome. Cheers!
Since I'm asking, I'll go first!
1. Only 1.5 months
2. Just my initial outbreak so far
3. Never before (tested negative for HSV-1)
These past few weeks have been surreal and I have read so much about genital herpes that there's little left to find out, lol.
Except for first-hand experiences. Curious to see how these match the average stats and other info quoted for HSV-2.
Well
You know from my other thread that i have no idea how long
Probably 20 years
Diagnosed 1week ago
Outbreaks.... Any time i have intercourse. If i go 2 years without, it lies dormant. As soon as i start, i get an outbreak
Weird
I think thats how its working
Never had a cold sore
Spent 20 years trying to treat mysterious vaginal bacterial infection that was most likely internal herpes.
No external lesions
I started suppression therapy and i think i will continue daily.
Lol, yes, I know your story well, but great to try and gather HSV-2 folk here. Ever had cold sores before all of your vaginal problems, btw?
No cold sores ever
1. Five years now, two years testing negative by swab test finally three years ago and five horrendous outbreaks later I was diagnosed by blood test results.
2. I have up 3 outbreaks a year.
3. No. My mother has hsv-1 but I have no history, nor have I had a cold sore.
How I deal. Typically after getting two- three outbreaks you know when its about to flare. Everyone is different. Its insane we can be diagnosed with the same thing but some never suffer like my husband for example, positive, never had any problems. Me however gets lower abdomen pressure tingling itching and eventually blisters that become lesions.. That was before I was diagnosed and had no clue what I was dealing with(kept being told I had BV and that was what was causing the irritation) now when I feel the tingle or pressure I know its coming, usually after my menstrual cycle or when I am really stressed, I'll take my prescription medication. If I happen to already begin to get the blisters.. oh what a tricky monster hsv2 is... After scouring the internet for relief, someone suggested liquid orajel to numb the area. Desperate I would try anything! And it worked, numbs you right up and stops that itchy sensation that makes you feel youre going mad. Then I slip some tissue where the irritation is to keep the area as dry as possible. Promotes healing faster. For me at least.
It made me really sad at first and felt I would never ever be good enough for anyone, or find love, or have children. Like I had the black plague or something. But no once you find out what works for your body(yes takes some experimenting and a lot of research) then you can control it and not be the one in the vice waiting to be squeezed. To all who read this and has sufferered with genital herpes, of course youre not alone, and you will get through this!
I know how you felt, but those are encouraging words. Thanks!
Have you always had three outbreaks per year, even in your first year, because I thought they were supposed to diminish in both frequency and severity over time.
I'm really hoping I am one of the lucky ones who has minimal outbreaks with HSV-2, versus one of the unlucky ones who has 6 or even 10+ outbreaks per year!
The longer I'm outbreak-free, the greater the odds that I'm one of the luckier ones, so I'm dreading my next outbreak, not so much because of the symptoms (if like my first, or milder), but because of what that may indicate in terms of frequency. :s
Hi everybody
Can we add one more thing to the answer list?
4. What is your experience with antiviral meds
Thanks
I've recently seen a whole bunch of confirmed HSV-2 folk commenting on various posts. Would be good to gather you all here, unless there's another dedicated HSV-2 thread or forum.
1. 5 1/2 years
2. Every month (oo go me i got the short straw lol)
3. Never had coldsores or anything similar before first outbreak. Had blood tests previous to it and all negative.
Had my first outbreak and was really ill with it. Think it was due to a weak immune system mainly. Unfortunately im one of the unlucky ones who get reoccuing outbreaks. You just learn to deal with it and it becomes normal so you forget your previous life anyway lol 
Loulabelle
Do you take antivirals?
Anything you have discovered to make the outbreaks easier (ointments etc)
Ive never gone down the antivirals route as my symptoms, whilst annoying, are fairly mild in comparison to some. And my body loathes chemicals so I've tried to avoid it.
I've found over the years that i have a few triggers so i avoid the following as much as i can:
Nuts, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
I keep fit and healthy too and take supplements.
Thanks for the reply
It is certainly good to know your triggers
I am glad you have found a way to cope
Would i be right in thinking you also get a lot of outbreaks? And that you're now starting antivirals? You'll have to let me know how you get on?
I think the main way I've coped is mentally to be honest its a difficult road sometimes but i really do try to keep a positive mindset
I have been recently diagnosed but suspect i have been having internal outbreaks for a long time
I thought i had a mysterious recurring bacterial infection
Honestly
As distressing as all this is, the "infections" were so uncomfortable and apparently intractable, that im almost glad to have a definitive diagnosis.
I am really hopeful that suppressive antivirals will be the answer for me
My outbreaks are very painful and triggered by intercourse. My currentoutbreak is going on longer and more painful than previous, despite use of valtrex.
So, you have mild outbreaks, but every month for 5.5 years?? Your outbreaks should be becoming fewer, or so they say! How do you define "mild"?
From doing my own research it does seem that women struggle more with reoccurring outbreaks. I'd think this is linked into their hormones as it seems to play a massive part in outbreaks.
Mine have got milder rather than fewer. i have never had the blistering side of it, more just an uncomfortable feeling.
I gave up with doctors a while ago after it took 2 years to diagnose and not one of them gave me antivirals. They literally patted me on the head and said Hey everyone gets it, off you go. The last doctor i went to was a private gp and knew less than me on the subject. Quite astounding really
Astounding indeed
Its such a common thing. Doctors need to get educated.
Over the course of 5.5 years ive seen quite a few doctors about it and not one of them was particularly clued up, even the GU doctor who was actually a complete a*** about it all.
They all have a cavalier oh just use condoms it'll be fine attitude. Which personally I don't feel is enough information for people. For a condition which affects so many they are sadly lacking in information .... Rant over lol
Why didn't you just go to a gyno??