This is my first post. I received the news a couple of months ago that I had genital HSV-1. I was outraged because I have always been diligent about safe sex and have never had unprotected sex. I had been seeing someone new and the first time we were intimate, I got H. We are still together. He is asymptomatic and is equally devastated to have given it to me.

Anyway, it seems that all the statistics are against me. Having HSV-1, I understand that it is supposed to be milder with only 3-5 percent of recurrances of all H being attributed to HSV-1. I, however, have had frequent, painful OBs since day one, with little to no reaction to Valtrex (I take 1 g/day) or Famvir (which I tried in the beginning).

At the urging of people on this board (which I read every day), I have been taking Echinacea, L-Lysine (1000 mg), Oil of Oregano (4 drops a day) and OLE (1000 mg) for about six days now. I'm not sure if it has helped as I have had yet another outbreak today, one week after my last.

On good days, I am mildly hopeful. On bad days, I worry that I will never have a symptom-free day again and that I will never be sexually active or consequently, be able to have kids someday. I do not understand why nothing seems to work for me, particularly when what I have is supposed to be the milder version. I have found this board to be helpful and comforting. Please let me know if you have any further advice or suggestions for me. Thanks again.

Oh, Coopsie,

This is so discouraging. I, too, have had continued trouble from since being infected with my husband's oral herpes. I have never had it typed and was discouraged from doing so by my friend who works at a women's health clinic. She said that some of the worst cases in terms of recurrence that they see are HSV I. She said that it just depends on the individual.

Here's something that you might think about: How much are you stressed on a daily basis? The herpes has really made me sit up and take notice of the stress in my life.

You may have to try to find different ways to deal with stress or confront your problems and stand up for yourself more.

Otherwise, diet and sleep are very important, so is keeping busy.

I hope that this settles down for you once and for all. Keep us posted.

I will be gone for a week---see you on the 9th.

Mutz

edited edited

Thank you for your responses.

I am 25 and would like to think that I acutally have a life ahead of me that can include relationships and kids. The guy I am with now (the one who gave it to me), has been very patient, but he won't stay forever if we can't ever have any sort of sexual contact. I guess I have no choice but to believe that someday, it will get better, because if I don't, I'm not sure I can take it.

In the meantime, I am supposed to recieve H-Balm today and I've ordered Choraphor, despite some people saying neither worked for them. I just don't feel like I have any choice but to try it all. I'll keep you posted on what happens. Thanks again.

Coopsie~~

Don't give up hope yet!! I am also 25 and have only had this 6mos. and have also had continuous problems until about a week ago. You say its only been 6 days since you started the combination of supplements, it took a few weeks for them to start working for me! I really have been feeling good for almost an entire week (which is a first for me) and think it must be due to the supplements. I started using tea tree oil since it is soothing anyway and since then...I have had hardly any symptoms. I don't know if thats why or what, but it's something to try. Keep taking everything you're taking and keep thinking that you WILL beat this.

I also understand about your boyfriend...I'm sure mine is sick of me pushing him off all the time! Just don't be too sad about it around him, try to have a good time doing other things in the meantime. You WILL get better...

You poor thing. I would say stress is a huge one with HSV. The more you worry the more stress I guess so you are caught in a vicious cycle. But you know I really think if you try to relax and super watch that lysine uptake (not only keep taking the supplements but also monitor your diet) it will get better. All the best to you.

Again, I so appreciate everyone's responses. Though this board is very helpful, I am also looking forward to a day when I don't read it religiously. :-) In the meantime, I really think being educated is the best strategy for healing yourself.

Sadgirl, and anyone else interested in the H-Balm, I received it yesterday and have applied it four or five times since then. It has an immediate effect on soothing my symptoms. Though I feel like the relief wears off, you can just go and apply it again. I imagine that it's pretty similar to your experience with the tee tree oil, Sadgirl. I'll keep everyone posted on my success with all these herbs (OLE, OOO, Lysine, echinacea) and oils! I feel like a guinea pig. :-)