A couple questions from a newbie. - Herpes Message Board

marco2618 · 01-14-2005, 03:31 PM

Hi folks. I am new here, and am confused by the large number of inconsistencies I see on the internet regarding herpes.

1) I have had fever blisters (oral herpes) for a long time, but haven't had many outbreaks. Currently I have small clusters of tiny whiteheads on the corner of my mouth. They don't hurt or itch and don't seem to be growing or getting irritated. They are just there. My question is if there is anything I can do (other than antivirals) that will speed up their going away. I have been dabbing them with rubbing alcohol, but it doesn't seem to do anything.

2) For the first time, I had unprotected sex with a stranger about a month ago. I have been tested for all the bacterial infections (negative) as well as HIV (just found out today it's negative). Herpes is the one that makes me nervous because of common it is and how easy it is to get. I have no visible symptoms. The only symptom I have of genital herpes is an uncomfortable feeling in my lower abdomen. It is not painful, but is a bit uncomfortable especially in the evening. Anyways, to my question. Worst case scenerio....I have herpes and after one month have yet to show any signs of an outbreak. IF I did have herpes and haven't YET have a significant outbreak(after one month), does that mean that I am unlikely to have one at this point. I have heard that if you are going to have an initial outbreak it usually happens from 2-24 days. Also, I have heard that your first OB is usually the worst. With this in mind, if I had a small/unnoticable OB, does that mean I will have VERY minor OB's in the future?

Sorry for what may be percieved as silly questions, but with the lack of reliability of blood tests after a month, I am trying to educate myself the best I can.

Heavensent102 · 01-14-2005, 04:28 PM

Hey mArco,

Well first of all, Some people have herpes and never have any symtoms.. not one! And others have some so minor that it goes totaly unoticed. Did you use a condom when you had sex with this stranger? Please dont beat yourself up over it, everyone makes mistakes and hopefully we all learn and move on. Finaly for your cold sore go to the drug store and ask what there best type on cream or lip chap type things they have... they dont work for everyone, but my friend uses them and they seem to work well for her. And if you got simplex 1 herpes usualy lots of people only get the inital outbreak, I dont even notice I have it sometimes, because I never get any outbreaks. But if you want to get your cold sores away I say the viral medications such as valtrex once a day is the way to go, if you truely never want them.

Well I really hope this helped.

. xoxox take care
Heaven

marco2618 · 01-14-2005, 04:47 PM

Thanks Heavansent.

Unfortunately, it was unprotected sex. it was the only time I had ever done it other than with my ex-wife. I felt bad for a number of reasons. Herpes just scares me because it's permanant, and easy to catch. I feel as if SOMETHING is not right, but don't have any "classic" symptoms (sores, painful urination, etc). I was told that my lower abdominal discomfort was caused by lymph nodes, and probably means I have herpes. If it is my lymph nodes, where exactly would it hurt. I feel the discomfort just above the beltline and slightly to the left of the belly button.

Audrey-B · 01-17-2005, 12:00 AM

Seeing a medical person is your best bet as they will swab your sores and give you some answers which should help you know exactly where you stand. They can also tell you exactly when you should have a blood test.

Waiting on the boards wont get you a 100% guaranteed answer on what it is you think you have. The sooner you see somebody the sooner you can either breath a sigh of relief that you don't have an std or you will know for sure you have an std and can get on with life and learn how to deal with it. Your first step is always having tests to determine what it is exactly.