Where do I start? This my first time writing in the open on a board so I am a little bit nervous so I’m just going to spit it out. Well, I have had gential herpes for the last six years. It really feels like I’m in this alone. I’m so ashamed of it. I really have nobody in my corner for real. When I told my mother what was going on the first thing that came out of her mouth was “that’s what you get!” I should have known that she was going to be blunt with what she had to say because my mother is not the type to beat around the bush or sugar coat anything, she gets right to the point even thought it might hurt your feelings. But anyway, it plays in my mind all of the time and it makes me feel worse. I wish I could turn to my friends but most of them are not that understanding and if they do understand they do not know how it feels to walk in my shoes. Where I live there is no support groups so, I do not know people that have gential herpes. Then just when I thought life was getting better for me and I came to the realization that this is something I have to live with for the rest of my life, I go to the doctor in 2005 and she tells me that I have PCOS. I can’t help to cry myself to sleep at night. It hurts that I have to live life like this. I love kids and to sit here and hear that there a possibility that you will not have a family, I feel like there is no hope. That’s why I have turned to the health board, to meet people who are like me that have gential herpes. I’m not going to sit here and lie, I’m depressed. How do I maintain? I hope and pray that I will find someone that is as understanding or have herpes themselves so I won’t have to be alone. But, then you know there are some heartless people out there that look down on people that have herpes. So, is there someone out there that can that can help me get through this? I am open for any advice or comments:) .

well no you are definitely not alone. when i was diagnosed my doctor told me that 1 in 5 people have it. so even though you may not know anyone else that has people around you DO have it but they either don't know or are just keeping it to themselves.
im sorry to hear about the PCOS but we are here to support each other. Even though I havent talked to anyone one on one just knowing everyone here is going through the same struggle has helped me tremendously.

Welcome to the board! You've come to a great place for support, suggestions and emotional help with this dreaded virus. Don't get me wrong - Herpes does suck - but it is manageable (I'm not sure what your PCOS is) You have "to control the virus and not let the virus control you"! Boost your immune system with vitamin supplements, lower your stess and get on with your life. Do things that make you feel good about yourself, whatever those may be. Keep a positive attitude and don't discuss this with your mom anymore - come and talk to us, instead.....
It will be beneficial for your health & well-being.
Wishing you sunnier days, -Ornament

Love and support from here as well. I know some day's it's hard not to think about it but it does help if you stay busy and active on other area's that you are interested in. When I start to feel down I take a walk and look at the amazing things around me. For some reason this reminds me that God is always with us.

I have several friends who have adopted children and some who have done it the normal way along with adopting. I can tell you this - they are just as blessed either way. There are allot of children out there praying for a wonderful family - maybe some day when you are ready this might be an avenue that you travel down.

I love this quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer:

You alone choose your emotional state each day. No one can make you feel any different than you choose to feel on any day. Therefore take full responsibility for the emotional states that you choose to embrace each day.

We are here anytime you need a cyber hug.

The first thing that I noticed when I read your post was that you ended it with a smiley face. That says volumes about who you are to me. You may feel like this is hopeless at times but by the smiley face alone I can tell you a strong person lives within you. This could happen to anyone and no thats not what you get. My mother is from another time/world (Ha!) so kindda remember that too.

Sorry about the PCOS. Do you have alot of pain?

I salute you in having the courage to take a stand for yourself and find support. Best wishes, support and love to you! :)

You sound like such a sweet person and your suffering comes through loud and clear. As other members have stated you are not alone. The last time I heard, the statistics said that one out of every four people have genital herpes. I am wondering why your "friends" wouldn't understand...a real friend opens their heart and mind...but you know them better than anyone else. I agree with another writer who posted....do not talk to your mom about this. Life does go on; somehow each of us finds a way to cope with this dreaded H. If we let it, it takes on a life of it's own and it just doesn't deserve that kind of enery. You will have a full life if you start believing in yourself. Shame is a great burden to carry. Ditch it, you don't need to feel full of shame as you did not wrong....it can and does happen to anyone. When I read this message board I see how many people are experincing the same things I am I know that I am not alone. Write anytime, and people on the board will respond. Be good and be kind to yourself.

Susie 1

Just a note to let you know I have you on my mind. I wish you a wonderful week and lots of peace love and happiness.

Stay strong! ;)

Thanks for the support everyone who is responding to my posting. It feels good to know there are people out there that are going through the same thing you are going through. Thanks again.

Besides emotional support, there are physical things that help. I don't know too much about PCOS except that when pregnancy is desired, ovulation-inducing medications are usually helpful. Back to the HSV2 issue, there are supplements I take which I believe are partcially responsible for keeping me outbreak free. Besides the antiviral prescription, I take lysine, red marine algae, and olive leaf extract. I also boost my immune system by taking echinacea and eating lots of mushrooms. I created a dish with 5 different kinds of mushrooms in olive oil and garlic that is really good. And I used to avoid red meats, but beef is good for boosting immunity, so rare steak has become a regular part of my diet.