Ok, here's another "how true is this" question.... - Herpes Message Board

CloudySkies · 08-27-2006, 02:06 PM

As it seems our healthcare system/government are clearly doing a poor job of educating the people on this highly intrusive and insidious virus, I've taken into my own hands educating myself as much as I possibly can (as I believe I have the virus and now await my results).

During my research and from what I've heard from those on this site and others, one of the biggest and most dangerous of triggers for a herpes outbreak (initial or otherwise) is stress. Is this true?

If you've answered "YES" to the above, my next question to ponder is this....IF one should have the virus and are completely unaware they do and they go into the hospital for major surgery where they've now lost alot of blood to the point of blood pressure and blood counts being so severly low that the hospital is on the verge of performing a transfusion but then there's a glimpse of improvement and then a slight turn around...enough that you're sent home 2 days later under the care of your parents and on prescribed iron pills 3 times a day for 30 days....during high stress and trauma to the body such as this (where the immune is also highly compromised due to these events) how likely at this point or during recovery from this suregery would it have been for an outbreak to occur (most especially, an initial outbreak)????

Please, any and all responses would be MUCH appreciated!

Thank you kindly....this forum has been a great vice for me....and though I don't have confirmation of having the virus as yet, at this point I now understand and am much better educated on the virus and feel so much for those of you who do know you have the virus....my thoughts and prayers are with you......

perfectlybroken · 08-27-2006, 05:54 PM

hi me again...i did read somewhere that surgery and large amopunts of stress do incourage outbreaks...i dont know but its maybe probable this would have occured then if you had it...?

Ornament · 08-28-2006, 09:46 AM

Hello all ~ Stress can be a contributing factor, to start an ob/flare-up. But, keep in mind "triggers" aren't the same for everyone, this virus can vary in it's symptons. I believe there are different strengths of herpes. Now, as far as your ? goes, I would imagine that scenario could trigger an ob. But, it may not either - due to the amount of rest is involved (hospital stay). So, long story short....stress and lack of rest/sleep can also cause ob's. That's why "learning your body and your triggers" are key in order to live with this virus. Also, accepting the virus and not fighting it (mentally) has really helped me keep it under control.....Just another opinion, -shinyOrn

over21 · 08-28-2006, 01:01 PM

CloudySkies,
Shinyornament hit it right on the nose...

A person need to learn what trigger's an outbreak for them. This virus acts differently for everyone. I know of one person who can always count on a cold sore (oral hsv1) after having orange juice or raw tomatoes in a salad, but cook tomatoes are fine.

Paranoia of having this common virus has been know to cause symptoms that resembles this virus.

And of course if someone does have the virus, they begin to think every twitch, itch, tingle is the sign of an outbreak, when it's really just a twitch, itch, or tingle.

Two things you'll learn right away:
1) This virus acts differently for everyone.
2) This virus messes with your mind more than your body.

perfectlybroken · 08-28-2006, 02:50 PM

can i ask how long you've had it and how long it took you to come to terms with it all? you seem so calm and you know so much... i have only had it for about 3 weeks and its true...every 'normal' tingle i would normally never think anything of is driving me crazy, i've become obsessed by it, i'm so scared of having another o/b yet i know stress may trigger it so i just try and keep myseelf busy until the next trip to the toilet! do i sound mad?!

have any of you ever met any stigma towards this? has it ever hindered a relationship? or even ruined one? I am single but worrying already about the future...sorry