I'm infected with HSV1. I've been getting cold sores since I was kid, but only when I was sick. I'm 28 and married now, and have been suffering with CHRONIC/CONSTANT cold sores, all over both lips for a total YEAR now (this August). Doctors are stumped, infectious disease doctor blood tested me for all kinds of underlying things and came up with nothing, just that my herpes levels are OUT THE ROOF. I just went to a hormone specialist and am going to get my hormonal balance tested - then it's off to the Allergist/immunologist.

Has anyone else suffered like this - with constant, non stop outbreaks - but are healthy otherwise? I take good care of myself, but tend to get stressed easily and exhausted from over-exertion at times. But I have lots of pent up energy and am very healthy, otherwise. I might add that the house I've been living in for the past year is infested with mold, so that could be the culprit. Deep down, I'm afraid that the problem lies within my body - I'm scared and feel very isolated and alone. No one is giving me any help or answers.

Can anyone please help?

Have you ever taken Valtrex??? It worked for me with chronic outbreaks HSV2. They are completely in control for over a year now. I've had it for 16 years. I used to take it twice a day as suppression but I'm down to almost once a day now with success. Good luck.

yes, i have been taking valtrex for many months now, i'm on one gram a day, suppressive therapy. It's not really doing a whole lot.

Thanks for the reply, though...it's greatly appreciated.

Do you eat alot of soy or do alot of soy protein? I have found that when I do more soy protein supplements consistently in my diet, I have outbreaks when I typically wouldn't (on the suppressive therapy). If you haven't yet, check your diet and see what you're intaking. Sometimes, it triggers the chemical that causes outbreaks to flare up in a person's body. You can probably find these foods in a variety of websites. Let me know if you need help locating them.

wow, I had no idea about the soy. Actaually, I've INCREASED my soy consumption in the last few weeks, thinking that it would do me GOOD! I stopped eating red meat so I thought I could compensate with SOY. Plus, they say it's good for women , so I figured i was OK.

Where did you hear that about soy? What exactly does it do? wow, I'm so glad I posted here. I'm getting a lot of help already!

Thanks so much!

[This message has been edited by BBG (edited 07-12-2003).]