How is it possible for us to have two different types of Herpes?

From the Feedback Form

I have a question that I’m very confused about, can you help?

Recently I was just diagnosed with type 2 herpes because of an outbreak, and my gyno said my level was at a 1.19 which means that I just recently contracted it, well, I’ve only had sex with 1 guy in 10 years, and then he went and got tested, and the doctor told him he has type 1 herpes and he’s had it for a while.

How is it possible for me to have type 2 and him to have type 1???

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

The only way to know for sure if you just contracted herpes for the first time would be to have a positive herpes culture result and a negative herpes antibody result.

Once you develop antibodies there is no way to know from which of your partners you contracted it from even if you didn’t have sex with anybody else more than 10 years ago.

With that said, all it takes is 1 time to contract herpes whether it be type-1, type-2 OR both types.

The other possibility is that maybe your current partner wasn’t accurately type tested?

Have you thought about asking your doctor to elaborate further?

Will knowing who you contracted it from change your status?

Hang in there!

The other thing is the antibody level is going to fluctuate - that’s normal.

Looking for a Herpes Support Group in Seattle

From the Feedback Form

Hi there

WOW I just found this site and think it great.

Found out about two months ago I HSV, basically a rash on my penis. Not to uncomfortable, but still I am horrified over this. I know I adjusting but . . .holy smokes!

Anyway, I am 43 and have been divorced for 6 years. I have had partners since then and have contacted most of them about them and everyone is of course shocked but thanks me for the honesty. None have called back to say they are positive.

My ex wife had HSV cold sores, but I never have had them. I remember her complaining that times during sex she would develop a rash that she treated with something but never admitted that it could be herpes.

The thought never came to mind. But that neither here nor there, just guess I need to find a support group, and also a clinic that can help me in the Seattle area.

Can you help me with that? My outbreak has been continuous for about two months now, comes and goes a bit but its still there. Help! :o)

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

Nobody should have to endure any sort of pain connected to herpes as far as I’m concerned. Have you thought about making an appointment to seeing your family doctor to see if he/she can help you get the pain under control?

I would give your doctor a call and let them know that the outbreak is not going away. Maybe they will have you come in so they can make sure that there isn’t something else going on in addition to herpes, ya know?

I’m not all that sure about what sort of local support groups are in your area off-hand but I can tell you that we have an online  herpes support group:

Shut Up N Post! STD Message Board

I hope you get it figured out and can get the outbreak under control.

Good Luck!

Will Oprah ever do a show about Herpes?

Dear Yoshi,

Oprah Winfrey is currently seeking people who have "major" health issues to appear on her show.

I consider the consequences of HSV2 to be "major" if you address the lack of knowledge, health issues, growing infection rates, and deficient testing processes!

I have watched friends (one a virgin) who contracted HSV2 contemplate suicide. We also know those who did take their life after learning they were infected. There are others who suffer serious long-term PID health issues, many who have the inability to form relationships, others who face rejection in the dating world, and some who remain in a constant state of depression because of HSV2.

In one Herpes support group I’m familiar with, one very attractive, well-educated member has not even attempted to date since she was infected 12 YEARS AGO! Following her diagnosis, another beautiful young woman covered every mirror in her home because she could no longer look at herself. Many have totally lost interest in their appearance–as a deterrent to attracting men at all. In the same group, a 50+ year old man with HSV2 STILL doesn’t think you can contract it or pass it on unless you have unprotected sex!

As you have said so many times on your message boards, the world needs to be educated about HSV2. If we’re looking for the ideal opportunity to start the dialog, OPRAH would be the place!  (The subject MUST be presented to the OPRAH staff tactfully, factually, with good statistical data and anecdotal material–or I’m afraid they’ll simply reject it.)

As you know, one critical problem that needs to be exposed is the current STD testing process–both private and public.  When confronted, the man that infected the virgin (through heavy petting/skin-to-skin contact only) said he was "clean" based on his STD test–and also Asymptomatic. His follow-up test for HSV2 was positive. Based on his false assumptions, he has probably infected numerous other women along the way.

There are many, both male and female, who have returned with a "clean" bill of health from STD testing, only to spread the disease because they did not KNOW that they were infected. Why? They didn’t request that particular test and simply  assumed that STD tests include HSV2!

I know people are probably hesitant to go public with HSV2. But, please, please does SOMEONE in the community have the nerve to present this case to Oprah and appear on the show? We owe it to all of those out there who have HSV2 and are suffering the physical, psychological, and emotional consequences of this disease.

P.S.  They also need to know that there’s a site on the Internet and on Myspace that REALLY HELPS!

That was an e-mail that I got encouraging me to contact Oprah. As some of you may already know, I have attempted to contact her over the years. She’s a busy woman and probably doesn’t have time to write me back. So, I’ve resorted to sharing on my blog. I’ll also be posting a link on our Herpes Awareness and Advocacy page! - Angela aka Yoshi2me

Happy Labor Day Sexual Health Buzz Peeps

I hope everybody is having a wonderful 3 day weekend.

I was curious as to how you guys are finding me.

Can you leave me a comment letting me know how you stumbled upon this blog?

I’m always curious about these things.

Thanks!

Happy Labor Day Y’all!

I truly think he cares for me, but …

From the Feedback Form

Hi, I have been living with HSV-1 for 3 years now, and am still dealing with the "relationship" issues.  I contracted it from my ex-boyfriend who was sleeping with 3 other women during our relationship.

I recently met a "normy" and we had the talk early on.  He decided that he would accept me because what I have does not define who I am.  I was so happy and relieved to finally meet someone who realizes that fact!

He too is not perfect, and one imperfection for him was that he couldn’t keep it hard during sex. (he’s an older gentleman, 48, with a bad heart and on meds) I accepted him for that, because, hey, who am I to judge. lol.  I am a very open minded person, anyway.

Well, just last night we talked about some things and it was brought out into the open that it’s not nature that causes him to not keep it hard, but the use of a condom. Wow!  I thought, not knowing how to feel about that.  He said that he knows my great qualities and we have so much chemistry between us, but when it comes to sex…he’s really nervous!

I am on suppressive therapy with Valtrex, always have been.  He’s performed oral sex on me quite a few times, and I on him.  Now, I did mention, that if he’s not using a condom with other women before me, then he’s taking an even bigger risk.  He feels that because he doesn’t sleep with a lot of people, then he’s not at risk.  He’s so wrong, and I didn’t want to be the one to point fingers, cause I am no poster child.

My heart is so broken, I felt like just when I thought I had accepted that I have HSV-1, here and now with a broken heart, I’m no so sure….again!  What can I say to him, if anything, or do for that matter to make it easier for him?  To put his mind more at ease?  I truly think this guy cares for me, but the sex issue is weighing too much on his mind.

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

Why don’t you sit down and talk about making a date to go and get tested together so you will know what his status is and he will too?

It’s not all about the fact that you have genital herpes type-1. I think you have a right to know what his status is so you will know what you are dealing with too, right?

Or am I not understanding your question?

ClubH-SouthFlorida’s Mix ‘n Mingle at Gatsby’s

Host: ClubH-SouthFlorida

Location: Gatsby’s (Ft. Lauderdale/Davie), 1805 S University Dr, Davie, FL US

When: Friday, September 5, 7:00PM

Hello ClubH Members!

Due to the positive feedback we have received, ClubH-SouthFlorida is proud to continue the monthly "Mix ‘n Mingle" at Gatsby’s in Davie. This is a casual atmosphere where we can all meet, have a little fun and make a couple of new friends. Check their web site at WWW.GATSBYSFL.COM

Drop by after work and say hello. Just look for the green balloons in the bar area and someone will kindly greet you. It will be very helpful to RSVP so we can get an idea of how much room to section off. If there is no response prior to the social, it will most likely be canceled for that night, so please, please RSVP if you plan to go that night.

Hope to see you there!

Could she pass herpes to me if … ?

From the Feedback Form

Two questions recently I believe this guy who made out with this girl had herpes then this girl made out with my friend in the span of 10 minutes then my friend with no consent to me made out with me.

So if she had herpes from that girl kissing that guy could she pass it to me from having it for that long.

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

Any time you have sex with somebody OR engage in sexual activity you risk the chance of contracting an STD.

I don’t really understand what your definition of "making out" is so I’ll just say that Herpes is spread skin-to-skin usually through kissing, sex OR oral sex.

The only way to know if you have an STD would be to be tested for them. Be sure and ask your doctor OR clinic which ones they are testing you for because they are not all included in the routine STD testing process.

My Life is Not Over - Part 2

It has been more then a year after my diagnosis with HSV2. I simply wanted to update what’s been going on with my life.

I am currently working with HIV positive clients as a Case Manager, and  I enjoy it. Since being diagnosed I’m still with my partner and engaged.

He has never mentioned to me my H status and it’s as if I didn’t have it. We don’t use condoms since he doesn’t care of my H status.

Keep in mind people that I’m Asymptomatic, meaning I have never had symptoms or outbreaks (THANK GOD), yet I can still infect my partner. He chooses not to use condoms.

I simply want to let people in here know that H is a simple Virus, a second chance from having become infected with HIV. With H many people live normal lives. If you are newly diagnosed simply read read and read.

Become educated on H and how it can be transmitted. I’m lucky my partner loves me regardless of my H status. I don’t know why he is so okay with it. I have educated him, but I think he doesn’t mind my status since I’m Asymptomatic. That doesn’t mean he will be if he ever became infected.

We have been trying to have a child, and I do worry about my H status if and when I become Pregnant. In the other hand I know there is medication and steps to take to protect my children to come.

Well take care, become educated on H.  Don’t be ashamed of your H status. - G

My Life is Not Over - Part 1

Shattered

My best friend wrote this poem for me. Not only is having Herpes hard on me, having herpes is hard on Family and Friends too - JD

The days were bright, her soul was young,
What she knew was about to be undone.
She had suffered so much, but she now felt safe.
Things were beginning to fall into place.

Safety and silence shattered, by a piercing ring,
With the words that were uttered came a lasting sting.
Her soul began to fracture; her life began to fray,
3-11, would be an infamous day.

She knew it was coming, but could not prepare,
For the news she heard, filled her with fear.
Her heart was broken; she lost strength in her legs
Hoping she would hear different, take it away, she begged!

She called him for support, she cried for help
But the feelings of love she had, only she felt.
He was too busy, and couldn’t be bothered
However she felt, to him didn’t matter.

She tried to hold on, as life took her for a ride,
But all she wanted was him, to be by her side.
He walked away, and left her alone.
Her trust was broken, and she was chilled to the bone.

She had to turn to her family, and all of her friends
But the only relief she could see was for life to just end.
She feared for her children, and wouldn’t let them near,
The people she knew, she tried to steer clear.

Her life was broken, she was only a shell
Of her former self, and was going through hell.
She grasped to the pieces she felt she could save,
She tried to joke, and she tried to be brave.

The first outbreak came, and she locked herself in,
She was doing her best, but felt she couldn’t win.
She is now speaking out for the pain that she feels
She might not be winning, but she is quick on life’s heels.

She is fighting the fight; she is running the race,
Though life is a bitch, she’ll slap that bitch in the face.
The one that’s to blame, has never returned,
He wasn’t a man, and she feels she was burned.

She feels alone, and would like a man at her side,
But she still fights the fight, and refuses to hide.
Keeping fighting sister, you’re strong beyond years
You have life on your side, and nothing to fear.

You are not broken, and you have beauty to share,
I know life is scary, and some times doesn’t seem fair.
There is a prince charming, and you will see him one day
But until that time comes, don’t get in life’s way.

In you, yourself, you have all that you need,
You are a great person, you don’t follow, you lead.
It will take a strong man, and a gentle one to,
To be what you need, and allow you to be you!

So keep on life’s journey, and fight the good fight
Don’t cower in life’s corner, Let your wings take flight.
For you have risen from the ashes, and continue to be strong,
Don’t let anything hold you back, not even those who have done you wrong.

I am grateful for you, as the great friend you are,
You will be my sister in life, near or far.
You are the Lady Phoenix, and your soul is renewed.
You are a Beautiful person, just love you for you!

Check out JD’s story