Life With Herpes

I Have Herpes, Now What Do I Do?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:19:00 +0000

I've learned in life that we experience many seasons.

The carefree abandon of childhood is a season. The turmoil and drama of teenage years are a season, that while it seems to last an eternity is truly a short span of our lives.

The ups and downs of adult hood are also a season. Financial hardship, break ups, jobs we hate, the passing of a loved one. While they are hard, difficult, at time emotionally devastating, in most cases the common thread is each of these seasons does indeed pass with time.

I know that when you are first diagnosed with Herpes you feel it's an event so profound you will never move past the feeling you are having right now, this minute. But it I can assure you of one thing, it's this:

The time you are going through right now is indeed a season of life. It's a dark one for sure, just like the shortest and grayest days of winter, but rest assured, without fail, spring always comes.

It will get better and this season in your life will pass.

So take a deep breath, pull your britches up (as my grandma used to say) and look ahead. You might want to consider joining a forum made of others experiencing the same season as you. Make some new friends. Anything to point you in the direction of springtime, because that is where you want to be.

Living With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:22:00 +0000

I've been living with genital herpes for quite some time. During the years that have passed since I was diagnosed with genital herpes, I've went through many stages.

Diagnosis

Denial

Anger

Withdrawal

Curiosity

Acceptance

Living again.

These are just a few phases, but phases they were and they all passed and became memories. Well except for the living one. I'm still living and doing so just fine. I'm married to a man who does not have Herpes, who never felt it was an issue to any element of our relationship.

While I was transitioning through the different phases I mentioned above, I did allow it to define me, but I realize now it doesn't define me at all. I'm so much more than a woman living with Herpes.

I like to share this one element of myself with you so perhaps your transition is not as bumpy as mine. But I'm still out here in the world doing a whole lot of living.

You can too.

Is There A Dating Life After Herpes?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:15:00 +0000

Yes, there is a dating life after you discover you now have Genital Herpes.

However, if you have recently learned you have Herpes, the thought of dating can be daunting and overwhelming. I know.

I remember feeling without a doubt that part of my life was over and I would be celibate for the remainder of my days.

Feel encouraged that it didn't work out that way for me and it doesn't have to for you either. You owe it to yourself to take some time and adjust to living with Herpes. After a time you move on past all of the overwhelming feelings you are experiencing now and begin to realize you are ready to date again.

Whether you meet others the same way you did BH (before Herpes) or choose a dating site that caters solely to others just like you, it helps to know you are not alone in this time of transition.

I dated from a Herpes dating site, but wound up meeting my future Herpes free husband the old fashioned way. What helped me tremendously was joining a site, not to date, but to interact with others just like me. I learned that I wasn't alone, didn't need to feel isolated and that dating didn't have to be a huge hurdle. The forum on that site even prepared me for "the talk" I would have with my future husband.

So to answer your question, "is there a dating life after Herpes?" Yes indeed there is. Don't rush it, prepare yourself and you will know when you are ready.

Genital Herpes Support

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:32:00 +0000

That time when you first discover you now have Genital Herpes is by far the most difficult time. I know because I've been there. It's a time of denial, anger, frustration, isolation and loneliness.

But it's not forever.

Support is crucial and often we don't feel we can get that from those we are in contact with in our everyday lives.

It's important that you realize you are not alone. There are countless others out there going through exactly what you are.

Here are some links that can help you get through this challenging transitional time. I hope they help you as much as they helped me.

Herpes Support - My Life With Herpes

Genital Herpes Support Group

Herpes Resource Center

What Health - Herpes Support Groups

Web MD - Herpes Support

Living With Herpes? You Are Not Alone...

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Mon, 30 May 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Not even close.

It sure doesn't feel that way though, does it? The isolated feeling we all feel when realizing we have Herpes is an overwhelming experience.

Please take heart that A) it does get better. and B) you are most certainly not alone.

Take a look:

*Genital Herpes is the most prevalent viral STD

*It's estimated that between 20% to 25% of adults have Herpes

*There are more cases of genital herpes than there are of all other viral STDs combined.

*Estimates indicate that as much as 90% of people who have Herpes have not been diagnosed.

*There are an estimated 1 Million new cases each year.

Of course these are statistics and you are not. You are a person with feelings and emotions and do not want to be grouped with a bunch of anonymous, faceless numbers.

I don't either. What these number tell me though is there has to be "safety in numbers". In this case a place where people just like you and me can go to feel like we belong to something, be a part of.

A place where genital Herpes isn't a deep dark secret that isolates individuals, but is "out in the open" because everyone shares the same "secret". A place to meet new friends, hang out and even date others with Herpes.

Try it out. You deserve it.

PositiveSingles.com - the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!

Help! I Have An Outbreak

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:41:00 +0000

My Alternative Treatment For When An Outbreak Strikes

Like I've said before on other posts:

"Before I go any further, here is my caveat in that I am not a health care professional in any way, anything I tell you about is simply what this woman has found to be effective for herself.

Just a friend passing along information to another friend, OK?"

First thing I do is to step up my dosages on the daily supplements I take, L-lysine, Bee Propolis and Colloidal Silver. I have found if I triple dose on L-lysine for a day or two, my outbreak often times never fully "blooms", but that's if I catch it early enough and that's just what works for me.

Second, take a long, soaking bath using generous amounts baking soda and sea salt. In fact take two or three! Sea Salt is effective at removing toxins from the body and baking soda is very alkaline and viruses don't like a high alkalinity. There is no proof that this helps reduce an outbreak, but it has been effective for me and I figure if it only helped to reduce stress, then I'm coming out ahead, right?

Next I use a Colloidal Silver gel to apply directly to the outbreak. Colloidal Silver is effective at fighting off viral outbreaks and the gel is incredibly soothing to a Herpes blister.

Finally, lay off sugar, processed foods, coffee, soda and any other acidic foods high in arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that the Herpes Virus needs in order to grow. L-lysine has the opposite effect and actually counteracts the production of Arginine.

Not sure what foods are acidic versus alkaline? Visit this site for general chart to help you.

Can't say it enough, but the key to avoiding outbreaks naturally is a healthy lifestyle that promote a super strong immune system.

Herpes Support, How To Live Life With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:18:00 +0000

The feeling of isolation, feeling like perhaps you are the only person in the world to have contracted Herpes, and moving past that stage is often the most difficult part of learning to live with Herpes.

We need support and we often don't know where to turn to get it. So we do nothing, except perhaps to dwell on the overwhelming despondency that realizing you have Herpes seems to bring. That, unfortunately delays the emotional healing process.

Joining a social community that caters only people living or learning to live with Herpes can go a long way in helping you transition through the adjustment phase of accepting the reality of an STD and moving on in a positive, healthy path in your life.

The reassuring atmosphere, whether you jump in and become an active member or like me, just take your time and observe others, read what people are saying on the forum, and discover that there is "life after Herpes" will go a long way in your healing process.

Best of all ? It's free for a basic membership and inexpensive for and upgraded one. Try it out, you have nothing at all to lose.

PositiveSingles.com - the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!

Alternative Herpes Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:29:00 +0000

With an estimated 45 million Americans living with Herpes, it's only natural that the pharmaceutical industry is after us hot and heavy with the latest and greatest drugs to help us manage and control the virus.

Some of us, me included, prefer not to be held hostage by a drug for the remainder of our days, a prisoners of it's side effects and the resulting health issues that would inevitably require more drugs.

Sounds a little like a conspiracy to me, but that's a topic for another blog and subsequent posts. ;)

Before I go any further, here is my caveat in that I am not a health care professional in any way, anything I tell you about is simply what this woman has found to be effective for herself.

Just a friend passing along information to another friend, OK?

Now I don't know about you, but I would much rather take a supplement to help prevent an outbreak than actually use something to treat an outbreak once it occurs. While I have found success in pretty much preventing outbreaks, every once and while one sneaks in and catches me by surprise, so my next post will discuss what works for me in the event I fall prey to an outbreak.

The first and foremost important factor to prevent an outbreak is to eliminate or reduce the stress in your life. I know, I know.....you are probably thinking I'm crazy to suggest anyone can eliminate stress from their life and I agree. I stress out sometimes over the least little thing and you know what? I've found that those are the times an outbreak is likely to invade my body.

So keep in mind to be aware of what triggers stress in you and to practice stress relief as often as possible as part of your prevention program.

The next step is to build up and maintain a super strong immune system. The stronger your immune system, (think of it like a fortress), the less likely your body will be invaded by anything "bad", including an outbreak.

I take supplements to help maintain my immune system and fight off outbreaks. Bee Propolis a natural resin produced by bees to secure the hive (like a fortress) from outside invasions, has worked very well for me for herpes and other ailments as well.

Lysine, an amino acid, has been shown to both help prevent as well as reduce the length of an outbreak. Sometimes I take it daily, usually during those stressful times and other times I take it if I feel an outbreak coming on. I've also found that if I get an outbreak, taking Lysine significantly reduces the length of my outbreaks. A word of advice on Lysine, the tablets for me are large and difficult to swallow so I always try to get the capsules.

Finally, Colloidal Silver, a powerful supplement that is effective in fighting off viruses of all kinds (as well as bacteria and fungi) is taken by my entire family daily as an immune system booster.

So there you have it. My (not so) Secret Formula to help fight off Herpes outbreaks. If I helped at all today, it will make my very happy!

Life After Herpes - It Gets Better?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:15:00 +0000

It really does.

At least it did for me. And countless others.

I keep writing about joining a social community that is built especially for people who have Herpes.

And I will continue to write about it in hopes of reaching as many people as possible.

Why?

Because I know what it feels like to realize you have Herpes and the resulting feeling of isolation and even perhaps depression.

And a social network to relieve that feeling works.

You can chat with others, learn about their experiences. There are inspirational stories to read, written by people just like you. You can discover safe practices, treatments and awareness.

When you are ready, you can explore dating.

But first things first and that is by visiting you will begin to feel better. Soon you will realize it does get better and there is in fact, life after Herpes.

PositiveSingles.com - the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!

Herpes Dating Sites - Is It For Me?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 04 May 2011 23:51:00 +0000

That was something I asked myself repeatedly before ever visiting a Herpes Dating Site or even a Herpes Forum.

I had previously detested the thought of ANY dating site before learning I had contracted Herpes. I believed that we should meet people the old fashioned way, you know, in real life.

Once I had spent some time adjusting to the fact that I had contracted Herpes, the more I thought about visiting a forum. I thought that by visiting a forum I could get a feel from others who were in the same situation as me.

A huge struggle for me was the isolation I felt. There was virtually no one I could talk to about this, so I felt I was the only person in the world who was dealing with the virus.

Pretty silly, right? But that's how the mind works.

Once I visited a forum/dating site, I began to realize I was far from alone, and the really cool thing? There were TONS of people out there who have Herpes and seemed perfectly fine with it. They were going on about their lives and thriving!

It wasn't long before I went from Forum Lurker, to Forum Chatter. I discovered something else about myself in that process and that there is healing in the telling. Once I began "talking" on the forum I began to come to terms with living with Herpes.

Soon I began explore the dating site side of things. The dating site aspect may or may not be for you, but there truly is only one way to find out.

Why Do I Have Herpes? - Learning To Live With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:16:00 +0000

Boy I must have asked myself that question a million times;

"Why Me? Why do I have Herpes?"

"What did I do to deserve this?"

Truth is, you probably didn't do anything to deserve it. And it doesn't do any good to beat yourself up over it.

It's easier said than done though, isn't it?

The most difficult part of learning to live with Herpes is dealing with your mind. The physiological aspect of Herpes is far worse, in my opinion, that the physical aspect of having the virus.

I've written this before, but I'll write it again. When I first contracted Herpes, I felt that people could see that I had it just be looking at me. Like a had a sign on my back or something.

Now how realistic is that? Obviously I didn't have a sign and you can't see genital Herpes on someone unless they are naked, right? And I certainly wasn't walking around naked. (in case you were wondering)

So my point is this , that my hang up was in my mind. Once my mind wrapped itself around the fact that I was still the same old person I used to be, I slowly began to adjust.

Learning you have Herpes is a tough blow, but it does get better and easier to live with. Just give yourself some time and you'll see what I mean.

My Story - Living With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:22:00 +0000

The most challenging aspect of Herpes is that initial realization that you have it and now must learn to live with it. Like any other traumatic life event, I think perhaps everyone goes through a series of emotions and stages once they realize they now have Herpes.

And how will they ever learn to live with it.

It's indeed a process and one must take some time to adjust and learn to live with Herpes. While it may feel that way, life certainly isn't over, it's just different now.

And it's going to be OK.

Really.

Here's my story about learning to live with Herpes.

I was a divorced single mom. That in and of itself is a challenge, especially if you, like me, were married for a period of time and now found yourself re-entering the dating world. It's no fun. In fact it sucks. But there I was after sixteen years of marriage, meeting new people and re-learning the dating game.

After several unsuccessful attempts at finding "Mr. Maybe" who just might possibly evolve into "Mr. Right", I did indeed meet "Mr. Maybe - Maybe Not". We hit it off pretty good, but things didn't work out like the fairytale's said they were supposed to, so we parted ways.

Then we hookup again.

And parted ways again.

You get it, right?

Anyway after a couple of months of not seeing "Mr. Maybe Not", I discovered I had Herpes.

At first I refused to believe that it could be an STD. Not me, no way. I tried to rationalize that the painful blister was anything but, however reality eventually burrowed it's way into my denial, took me by the hand and led me to the doctor who confirmed that I did indeed have Genital Herpes.

And that I must contact My Donor.

That's what I call him. My Donor.

So a few days went by and I gathered my courage and called him. I also hung up before he answered, my courage cowardly slinking away leaving me there alone with the phone in my hand. But since we live in the age of cool things like Caller ID, I was exposed and My Donor called me back a short time later.

So I mustered up the courage and........

Asked him how he was doing. How was work. How were his kids doing. I asked him everything I could think of except what I was really calling him for.

Then I had a reality check, swallowed my anxiety for a moment and told him the real reason for my call.

A deafening silence followed.

I have to tell you I stopped breathing a little waiting for what he had to say.......

But you know, he was pretty cool about it. He calmly asked if I was OK and told me he would visit his doctor right away.

He called a few days later and told my his tests were all negative. We chatted a bit and that was the end of that. No more "Mr. Maybe Not."

What followed was a resulting feeling that my life would never be the same.

And it wasn't.

It actually became much better.

Truth be told it was real tough at first. My best friend and the only person I felt comfortable telling my "New Secret" to, abruptly had to move away, leaving me with no one to talk candidly to. I felt like I was the only person who had ever contracted Herpes. I felt like I was carrying a sign that told everyone about my "New Secret", kind of like a "Kick Me" sign on my back. I stayed home where I once was social. I was lonely and didn't know what to do.

So I did what we all do these days, went on the Internet to seek solace for my problem.

That was a blessing.

First I learned more about "My Secret" and discovered I was one of MANY. A whole lot of many actually. Then I found a forum that was only open to people who had Herpes.

Wow. A whole big huge group of people who were just like me. What a concept!

I finally felt like I fit in once again. This site was cool in that it had a plethora of information about living with Herpes, various treatments for Herpes, dating other people with Herpes. I belonged to something that I fit into again!

Eventually I dated a little. Met a few more "Mr. Maybe's".

The most important thing that happened though was that I regained myself, who was really not any different the my pre-Herpes self. I still liked me!

And it was OK.

So how did my story end? Well it's not over yet. But as far as romance, I actually met a man about five years or so ago. Not a man off the forum I joined, just a man I met the old fashioned way.

You know, face to face. In real life.

I admit, it was a little scary telling him that I have Herpes. After all, I'd fallen hard for him and there was a lot to lose.

But the cool thing is he had fallen hard too. When I told him about "My Secret", he had a one word response:

So.

That was it. So. He loved me for me.

So....that met I had finally found Mr. Right and I can say we are currently living in Happily Ever After.

If you are reading this and have recently learned you now have Genital Herpes, I hope you take something positive away from my little story. While it may initially seem like it, I remember well, life is not over.

It will get better and often times it will get a lot better.

Sit back, take a deep breath. Get to know people just like you. Remember life isn't over, it's now just different!

Tis The Season....

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:16:00 +0000

.....Tis the season for outbreaks. Each year that passes, among the things I can always count on is an outbreak somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Years.

There's only one explanation for my annual traditional outbreak and that's stress.

Nothing can bring an outbreak on faster than some good old fashioned stress. Good stress, bad stress....herpes outbreaks aren't that choosy, they just need a enough stress added to your life to lower your immune system and there you go.....an outbreak sneaks in and attacks.

If you are new to living with Herpes and maybe just haven't discovered the link between stress and an outbreak, it is indeed one of the areas of your life you may want to pay attention to in order to reduce the number of outbreaks that show up during the year, particularly this time of year.

Now, not for a minute can I tell you what will work for you or the next guy (or girl) so I'm not even gonna try, but what I can tell you is what works for me.

And it's easy.

Get enough sleep, enough activity and exercise and some sunshine. Meditate, pray or better yet do both often. Take supplements that boost the immune system and here's the most difficult one for me: STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR.

At least as much as you can. Sugar has a list a mile long of all the reasons it's bad for you, but sugar has a way of weakening a strong immune system. Just back off from the stuff and you'll see a difference.

Now I know it's the holidays and just so you know, I'll not going to cheat myself out of all the sweet goodies this season brings, BUT I will think twice about stuffing myself, I will religously take my supplements, perhaps even temporarily boost some, like my L-lisine dosage.

And it's cold outside, I like to be warm so you can cool believe I'll be getting LOTS of sleep. ;)

Dating With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:42:00 +0000

If you are single and contract Genital Herpes, after the initial shock wears off, often the most difficult aspect of living with Herpes is dating with Herpes.

You struggle with the prospect of sitting down with someone and having the "talk". You really struggle with the possibility of the resulting judgement or rejection. It's just plain old scary.

Now the reality is, if you meet that special someone and they truly do love you, whether you have Herpes or not isn't going to matter. Really.

But we still struggle with that hurdle of revealing we have an STD. I did.

So what I discovered is you don't have to struggle. Just venture over to a community where everyone is in the same boat, so to speak. Get used to dealing with living with Herpes without the fear of judgement because everyone you come in contact with has Herpes already. The "talk" is eliminated.

Then if life happens and someone enters your life who doesn't have Herpes, you deal with that when and if it happens. In the meantime you are more comfortable with yourself and the "talk" will be so much easier.

If it doesn't work out, you have your community of friends who always have your back no matter what!

Meet People With Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:50:00 +0000

Meet People With Herpes?

That sounds kind of odd doesn't it? Why would anyone want to meet people with Herpes?

When I first saw that headline somewhere, I can't recall where I saw it, but I can remember thinking how odd and well, ridiculous that sounded. Now of course I understood what that headline meant, but first seeing it made me think who in their right mind would ever want to meet people with Herpes.

Of course, that was before I realized I had Herpes myself.

After that those four words took on a whole new meaning.

Now I was in a situation where I wanted, no needed, to meet people with Herpes. The trouble with that is I had no idea how to do that. Even though one in four or five of us actually have or carry the virus around with us, it's really not socially cool to randomly select people when you are out and about and ask them if they too have Herpes. It will also bring a date of casual lunch to a screeching halt if you skillfully try to weave that little bomb into a conversation, trust me.

So how do we meet people with Herpes?

Eventually I discovered the best way for me was anonymously via a social networking site/forum/dating site.

Want to check out a good one that's totally free?

My Life With Herpes will help you navigate your way to learning to live with Herpes and allow you to meet plenty of people with Herpes who are learning or who have learned just like you.

Treatment For Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

There are many, many treatments for Genital Herpes. There are the much touted prescription drugs that you can see on TV with beautiful couples living story book lives even though one or both have been cursed with the virus.

There is a plethora of natural treatments that are available online and at various health food stores.

And then last but not least there is the most natural treatment of all, prevention.

The treatment most of us need, however isn't advertised on MTV or on the Internet. What I'm getting at is the treatment most of us seek is the treatment that guides us to living with Herpes.

The emotional side of things, if you will.

Because we aren't comfortable talking about it with just anyone due to the social issues of having an STD the journey of learning to live with Herpes can be a lonely journey, indeed. This lonely journey we wind up taking at a time when we really need people around us to support us and encourage us through this transition.

Don't do what I did and try to navigate this trip alone, get with a group of those just like you and make this transition as seamless as possible.

It's the best treatment for Herpes on the market.

Herpes Forum - Not For Me?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:36:00 +0000

Once upon a time I hated forums. I thought they removed the "human touch", preventing or hindering us from forming real relationships with people.

Like many things in life, I've learned you shouldn't knock something before you try it and give it a fair shake.

Same goes for forums. Sure, one wouldn't want to limit all their relationships to being conducted on a forum but for certain situations, they can come in handy.

Like all social settings, forums have their social structure.

You have the Leaders, seemingly experts on everything and leading almost every thread. Then you have the Crowd Pleasers, those who jump from thread to thread agreeing with everything, even though they are perpetually contradicting themselves in their eagerness to be "popular". Next come the Great Debaters who will argue a point whether it's valid or not, they seem to thrive on challenging whatever and whoever they can. Finally we have the Lurkers, those who read threads and usually gain the most from a forum because they are seeking something and can keep their mouths (keyboards) quiet long enough to find it.

Sound tedious? Probably, but it's not that different than any other social structure when you think about it. The cool thing about a Herpes forum is you can openly discuss living with Herpes without the social stigma that usually inhibits a good discussion about STD's.

Since participating (usually Lurking, but learning!)in the forum at My Life With Herpes my ability to deal with living with Herpes improved drastically. Maybe yours could too.

Genital Herpes Information

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:27:00 +0000

There are, I assume, thousands of websites that offer Genital Herpes Information.

Most will undoubtedly offer up all the statistical data about who carries the virus, how long it might live hidden within ones body without showing itself, men who have it versus women and on and on.

Some will proudly display photographs so we may see a visual aid of what this virus looks like when in full bloom.

Others will tout the latest and greatest pharmaceutical drugs that will suppress outbreaks, claiming the virus is less likely to spread when taking their synthetic concoction on a regular basis for an indefinite period of time, never mind the damaging side effects. These, of course, boast beautiful models seeming to be living care free lives while taking their drugs.

All or some of this information is great at some point in time, but what about the information we need as average, everyday people walking around learning to live with Herpes? Where is all that?

I think the best information is in talking to those who have it, particularly those who are, shall we say, a little seasoned at living with Herpes. So how do we find these average everyday people? Sure, it's one in four or one in five people depending on which statistics to believe. Should we randomly quiz people until we find a few who are willing to share openly with us?

Of course not. That's why the forum at a site like My Life With Herpes makes information gathering so simple. You can remain anonymous or chat openly with others in the identical situation as you. The only difference is some have had Herpes longer, and others maybe not so long.

Either way, it's common ground right off the bat. With "real life" people walking in the same shoes as you and I.

A Herpes Forum For Support

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Having friends in life is important. Sometimes things happen in our lives that is so personal, we don't even want to involve our friends.

That's how I felt when I discovered I had Herpes. I didn't want to admit it I had contracted an STD to myself, how then would I be able to discuss it with anyone else. Even my friends. Sometimes with the wrong information even a close friend can't be trusted.

Consequently I felt completed isolated, in a self imposed exile from sharing with those I had previously allowed into the events of my life.

Learning to live with Herpes is a challenge in itself. Learning to live with Herpes alone only magnifies those challenges. I admit, I stubbornly went it alone for quite some time. Oh I discussed it with a couple of people who I completely trusted, but they weren't experiencing what I was, so couldn't relate on the same level.

Looking back, if I could do it over again, I would have joined a forum, made friends who were in the same situation I was. I think it would have made the transition of learning to live with Herpes much easier to navigate. No, I know it would.

Herpes Outbreak Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:32:00 +0000

I was just on the phone with my husband who mentioned that it's been a while since I've had an outbreak. Funny how that happens, because just yesterday my little outbreak symptoms began to show themselves.

If you, like me have Herpes, as time goes by you become accustomed to those little tell tale signs of an approaching outbreak.

We become seasoned, intuitive if you will, of the impending indications of what looms ahead and then if we are paying close enough attention, head off the outbreak before it assaults our bodies.

What we do to prevent or minimize Herpes outbreaks certainly varies, as well as the symptoms themselves will vary from person to person.

My first indication is a faint, almost unnoticeable tingling at the top of my right thigh. Is my leg falling asleep? Nope it's my first indication an outbreak is preparing to strike.

Now you can cool believe if I'm honest with myself there one or both of two certain factors that prompted this recent turn of events.

#1) STRESS of some sort has crept into my nice orderly life.

#2) SUGAR - Yes, sugar. For me it usually means my taste for good wine has become more than the occasional glass and I've been eating too much chocolate or chesscake at the same time.

It sucks, but the truth of the matter is these two "S" words will beat down your immune system faster that you can say "I love sugar". And a weakened immune system gives a Herpes outbreak an open door to walk in and make it's annoying self right at home.

So off I go to cut the two "S" words out of my life, double up on my supplements and take care of myself. It's early enough, Mr. Outbreak ain't gonna get me down this time!

PositiveSingles.com - the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!

I Have Herpes, Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:46:00 +0000

Are you there?

Have you recently learned that you have Herpes and are frozen in time wondering what the next step is?

You are certainly at a crossroads. I remember when I was at that same intersection. Unfortunately I remained at that intersection for quite some time for a number of reasons. Uncertainty, confusion, anger, bitterness, insecure are a few that come to mind.

I wasn't near as computer savvy as I am now, so I didn't do what you may have done. What we all do these days....Google it. I wish I had because it would have saved me some time and emotional turmoil.

If I had know then, here is what I would have done. I would have found a community where I could relate to others who were in the exact some situation I was here. That way there would be no one to judge me as well as plenty of people who had already went through the transition of learning to live with Herpes.

So, if you are here because you Googled something to the effect of: "I have Herpes, now what?", then maybe you should visit My Life With Herpes. It's completely anonymous and totally free. Then you can begin to live with Herpes.

You never know, you might just find your best life so far!

Too Bad We Can't Talk About Living With Herpes....

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Have you seen my Google Friends? Me either.

That's cause I don't have any.

It's not because I'm not a nice person.

Or don't write well or have anything important to say.

It's cause we don't want to show our faces declaring we have Herpes.

That sucks. But that's life.

There is that big old, ugly social stigma that says if you have an STD, you aren't cool. You must have done something wrong to get an STD. That nobody wants to be your friend.

The good news?

There is a really cool place some of us go. We can show our faces and talk about living with Herpes all we want. Some of us are still kind of shy, and don't put our smiling mugs out there, but that's cool too.

Another cool thing is that everyone there has Herpes, so you don't have to worry about the awkwardness of sharing your secret. All the pressure is off.

Want to pay a visit? It's free and totally anonymous until you decide otherwise. So just visit My Life With Herpes and check it out.

Natural Treatment Or Prescription Drugs For Herpes?

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Many years ago, but not too long before I contracted Herpes, I made the decision to live my life more naturally.

I had made a point to take the correct vitamins and supplements to prevent illness and disease. I was learning how to detox, both internally and mentally. I began working out a gym and walked regularly after previously living a sedentary life.

I was looking good and feeling great!

And then BAM! Herpes barged right in to my life uninvited, looking to crash the party.

Still reeling from the realization of discovering I had Herpes, thinking my life was over, I obediently followed my doctors advice to take a well known prescription drug to control outbreaks as well as reduce the risk of sharing my new friend with those I may come in contact with.

After life settled down again, I began to research some the side effects, the big daddy of them all was the possible kidney failure resulting from long term drug use. So I began to research natural treatments and discovered some supplements that have worked well for me.

While I am not a health care professional, I do believe each individual should take responsibility for their health and not always accept whats told to them by anyone, professional or not.

So I'm interested in hearing about the treatment(s) others use and why. If you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about what you do to prevent outbreaks and such while living with Herpes.

Living With Herpes and Dating

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:32:00 +0000

If you have recently contracted Herpes and are in the transition of adjusting to your new lifestyle, most others who have Herpes will agree that living with Herpes and the prospect of dating is the most daunting phase of the transition.

Understandably so.

After all, you are faced with a new lifestyle. The anxiety of telling someone you hardly know about the new "secret" you are carrying around is overwhelming.

So overwhelming you almost decide to never date again.

The prospect of dating without Herpes is stressful enough, just the thought of potential rejection alone.

Well it doesn't have to be that difficult. Especially when the person you might be interested in already has Herpes just like you.

No need to break that ice, it's already broken! And that's a good thing.

Dating with Herpes is much easier with that hurdle crossed.

Now all you have to stress over is the usual stuff. When I figure out how to avoid all that, I'll let you know, so check back often!

Broken People - Damaged Goods

noreply@blogger.com (My Life) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:34:00 +0000

Many people, myself included, go through a spell with they feel broken and damaged because they have Herpes.

Totally understandable.

But keep something in mind.

Before you contracted Herpes you were probably already broken in some way. We all are. Every last one of us.

We all have our issues.

We smoke. We drink. We lose our temper. We eat too much. We work too much. We watch too much TV. We yell at our kids too much. We spend too much money on__________(just fill in the blank).

Get the picture?

So having Herpes is just another version of damaged or broken.

But at the end of the day, broken is still broken and damaged is still damaged.

My point?

Having Herpes doesn't make you any less that anyone else. You are still the same person you always were.

I think having Herpes made me a stronger person. It certainly made me a person who pays more attention to her health. And Herpes can't kill me, but other things I wasn't paying attention to pre-Herpes can. Now I'm paying attention to those health risks and am a much happier and healthier person from it.

Perhaps it will make you stronger in some way too.