I just wanna vent to the only people who REALLY know what this is like. I had my first horrible OB about 6 weeks ago, it subsided on the valtrex, enough so I could live, but it never went AWAY. I'm taking Lysine 500mg twice a day as well. And now, its coming back again, and it hurts, and I hate it hate it hate it!!! Is there really never any end to this? Even for awhile? I'm sure I have H in my mouth too, the inside of my upper and lower lip feels swollen, tingly, and sort of uncomfortable with no obvious lesions. I'm scared to DEATH one of my kids is gonna drink after me and get it. I guess I'm in the despair phase, I sure feel sorry for myself right now. Why oh why? And it doesnt help that I'm not sure how long Ive actually had H, so I dont know who to blame! The time thing is important to me, because if Ive had it for ages and didnt know it, then there is hope it will subside back into oblivion again. But if it is a new onset, then who knows WHAT to expect! And if I have truly had it for 6+ years, then what has happened to me to make H flare up in my body like a friggin volcano? Whats going on?!! How can I make it stop?? WAAAAAAAAAA!!! :p

Poor ouch. It will subside, but will always take longer than you wish. This virus is so weird, who knows why it flairs up? I used to have 1 or 2 ob's a year, and now have about 8; I don't know why. Am I under more stress? I don't think so.

But your body will adjust. Have faith in it. It's working on it as we type.

About your kids: have one glass with a certain design on it (you can get individual glasses at the thrift store) just for you. Show it to your kids and tell them that it's yours and you would appreciate it if they never used it. My kids and I have always had our own glasses that we don't share--and mugs, too--not because of herpes, but because we pick up each other's colds so easily. I have told my kids that I have genital herpes and that they must not ever use my towel or washcloth; I have a certain design I use on the towel and the washcloth.

With kids it's hard to get enough sleep and to take time to relax. Make sure you do both if you can.

I really feel for you. But things will get better. That would be a good mantra to meditate to. Or "This too will pass." Over and over. Keep reminding yourself.

::hugs:: Thank you!

Ouch, it could be worse, at least you have someone in your life. I've had Herpes for 5 years, haven't told a soul, and haven't dated because I've been too ashamed, too afraid of rejection, and too afraid of giving this to anyone else. I feel like I've totally just wasted the last 5 years of my life being depressed and obsessing over my Herpes (maybe cause I have near-constant outbreaks)...but I just can't seem to get out of this funk. As soon as I start to feel a little better about myself and climb out of my hole of depression a little bit, I get another outbreak which throws me right back down. It sucks. Herpes definitely plays mind games with you...

Good luck.