Can herpes hide for 18 years? - Herpes Message Board

Babs66 · 10-27-2004, 12:07 PM

I'm 38 years old. When I was 20 I thought I had herpes. The doctor told me the results were inconclusive. Nothing ever happened again until a few months back...18 years later.

I had itching burning but didn't see anything visible. Went to the doc and she said it was just an irritation of some sort. They ran the typical std tests (not a herpes test) because I was nervous. No bad results.

Now, 3 months later I'm having symptoms again. Burning, itching and this time I see something. Looks like little tears of some kind. I'm so convinced its herpes. I have an appointment today at 2pm to find out.

My questions is, could I have had this all along and never had an outbreak or do you think I probably contracted it recently. I have been with the same person for 3 years but he has cheated on me before. I don't know if I had it or if he infected me!

I'm very nervous about the results. Mostly because I don't know if I can accuse him or if was me that had it all along and could give it to him. It seems so unlikely to not have an outbreak for 18 years and then have 2 in a matter of months. I'm speculating here......today I should know something.

Thanks for listening. I'm just a ball of nerves here.
Babs

backpacker · 10-28-2004, 06:55 PM

Either is possible. This is such a weird virus, and everyone has a different experience with it. Why did you think you had it 18 years ago? Did you have an ob?

Babs66 · 10-28-2004, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backpacker

Why did you think you had it 18 years ago? Did you have an ob?

I didn't know much about herpes at that time but I had a little sore down there that was painful. I just assumed it was herpes. Back then, I don't believe they had a blood test for that. Like I said, nothing ever happened again until recently. I just have this bad feeling my boyfriend gave me something. I'm hoping its just a girly infection.

When I showed up at the doctors the other day for my appt. it had been cancelled. Gee...nice. I can't get in until 5 days from now. I will request a blood test and we shall see.

Thanks for responding. I'll post again when my results come back.

Babs

backpacker · 10-29-2004, 01:10 AM

I'm sorry--I know it's hard not to be able to do anything. But don't you need some medication if it is a yeast or bacterial infection? 5 days sounds like a long time to be swollen and itchy. Maybe a new dr is in order? Near me there is a midwifery clinic--and they do gynecological exams, not just births. They are so great and understanding that I don't think I'd ever go back to a regular gyn. Anything like that near you?

I hope you feel better soon. If you think it might not be herpes, it might be worth it to pick up some probiotic powder at a health food/vitamin shop and start taking that in a little water a few times a day. That would help restore the balance of organisms in your vagina, and a good balance would help combat either a yeast or a bacterial infection (as I had it explained to me.)

anna-bananna · 10-29-2004, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backpacker

I'm sorry--I know it's hard not to be able to do anything. But don't you need some medication if it is a yeast or bacterial infection? 5 days sounds like a long time to be swollen and itchy. Maybe a new dr is in order? Near me there is a midwifery clinic--and they do gynecological exams, not just births. They are so great and understanding that I don't think I'd ever go back to a regular gyn. Anything like that near you?

I hope you feel better soon. If you think it might not be herpes, it might be worth it to pick up some probiotic powder at a health food/vitamin shop and start taking that in a little water a few times a day. That would help restore the balance of organisms in your vagina, and a good balance would help combat either a yeast or a bacterial infection (as I had it explained to me.)

Go pro-biotics Man they are great..I believe, have not tried them yet have to wait until the next time I get paid. Any way With what you suggested here with the probiotics and water is that only for restoring vaginal flora purposes or is that a maintenence thing that should be done on a regular basis once things get back on track??