Living with herpes or any other sexually transmitted disease can often prove to be difficult. This is my story, hope that it is useful for all people with herpes in Australia.
Details of my condition:
I have been diagnosed now for over 11 years. At 22 years old, I started dating a man who I thought was going to be the love of my life. A few months into our relationship, I started having my first outbreak. I remember itching so bad and at first I thought was that maybe I broke my skin from being intimate. I asked my partner at that time to look and tell me what was going on with me, and he informed me they were pimples.I though that was weird, because I never had them before, but attempted to pop them. Big mistake on my part.. It was so painful and it got worst and worst. I could not stop scratching.. It was nighttime, so there was nothing I was able to do at that time. I decided to run a bath and lay in warm water to soothe me. It helped a little bit with the pain and the itching, but I have to say that it was torture.
The next day I decided to call my doctor and schedule an emergency appointment. The minute I told her over the phone about my symptoms, I could hear it in her voice that she knew something that I was not going to like. Sure enough, I got examined and I was told that I was positive for Genital Herpes. To be honest, all I heard.. “I am sorry, but you came positive for”… and I completely zoned out. My worst fear came true and I froze and could not speak or move. I just started crying.. and remember asking my doctor. “what do I do now?”
My world crashed down on me. I remember walking out of that office feeling dirty and disgusted with myself. I was carrying this disease around and I had to walk around and pretend that I was normal as everyone else.
When I told my partner about my condition and if he knew anything about it, he denied the whole thing. He told me he does not have it and he does not know how I ended up with genital herpes. He was extremely calm about the whole situation and was quick to end it as fast as possible and move on to something else. At the time, I was so scared, ashamed, and helpless that my self-esteem dropped by 50%. My partner did not seem to be affected by my news one bit. I hated him for it at that moment. He was not concerned for me or for himself. I was looking for some affection; hug, kiss, yelling, shock..anything, but nothing. Later throughout our relationship I found out he was having sex with his ex-girlfriend. I ended up staying with him for 8 1/2 years all together. I felt trapped in the relationship, but at that time I thought that was the best I was ever going to get. I did not see any other man ever able to love an infected woman with a horrible disease.
After I parted ways with my ex-fiance’, finding a man who I could have a long relationship with has been extremely challenging for me. Dating is not a problem. There are plenty of men whom the chemistry is there, but the minute I sit them down to discuss my situation, they are gone. I never know what the protocol for telling someone about my condition is. I try to go on 3 dates to see if we are compatible with one another and then I have my talk. I have not been very successful. Each time, I feel worst and worst about myself and wish that I would be normal. I can’t discuss my condition with anyone because no one knows. I have kept it a secret from my family and friends.
Drugs I take & Dosages:
Valtrex 500 mg. 1 per day.
Efficacy:
Throughout the years, my outbreaks have slowed down. I used to get them every couple of months and now I have outbreaks twice per year. I have been prescribed Valtrex 500 mg, 1 per day, but I do not take it on a regular basis anymore. I take 1 pill per week or every other week.
Side effects:
I don’t have any crazy side effects. At times now and then I feel a little bit lightheaded.
Advice to other members:
At first I felt that I was ruined and hat no one would ever want me. But I am a great catch! I have herpes, it doesn’t have me! Women and men, don’t settle for less than you deserve because you think that you can’t find excellence. You will choose a partner who will treat you how you feel you deserve to be treated, therefore choose wisely. I choose to wait until my king finds me!
More information:
This is my herpes treatment story, if you want to check more herpes support groups or herpes treatment ways, please join some herpes dating site, like www.herpesdating-australia.com.au/ , this place is about herpes dating, herpes support, herpes treatment, know more herpes information by asking STD counselor.
Herpes Dating Australia : Http://www.herpesdating-australia.com
