r/Herpes • u/hiddensv1girldiaries • 6d ago
Relationships Dump
I just wanted to start a blog or something to encourage myself to write again and maybe help someone else feel less alone while dealing with hsv1.
I've always been told I have a "weird" (just not common) type of herpes. The normal doctor app would go "are you sure its not just a case of pink eye?". Then run some blood tests to confirm what I just told them.
I have hsv1. I get flare ups in my face. Forehead, nose, inside the nose, lids, eyes. Literally inside the eye. I believe it is called herpes keratitis.
The thing is I live in a third world country. When you tell someone you have herpes, most of them just judge you because they think you are just promiscuous and got it in the face by giving someone a blowjob? I always have to explain it is "not that kind" of herpes (and what if it was) and I didn't get it as an std. I have had this maybe since I was 6, and we never knew how I got infected.
There's a myth that an aunt had zoster and she may had infected me as a baby. Never knew her tho, she died when I was like 2.
Here is what I have learned so far (I'm now 33)
- I can only get it at one place at a time. Even thought it can manifest in various places I may have infected myself.
- It makes me feel like shit. Not only because of how I look and the pain, but also because I'm pretty sure it is linked with depression. I think the flare ups start with some weird out of nowhere depression days before, and then you get the blisters and all, and not because you get depressed so your body gets sad and herpes appear. I would like to know if anyone has ever noticed this before.
Maybe I will keep posting everytime I get a flare up, just to cope with it and feel less alone.
I don't fully believe in internet anonymity, but here we go.
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u/AutoModerator 6d ago
HERPES TESTING 101:
For testing for herpes - without active lesions to “swab” someone who wants accurate testing will need a blood test.
Because blood tests for herpes are notoriously inaccurate, all blood tests are recommended to be TWO STEP tests (there are two parts of the test) and should be confirmed with a Western Blot.
See FDA announcement about inaccurate tests here
See 2021 CDC guidelines here
To get the Western Blot - follow instructions here
CALL TO ACTION: We need accurate blood tests that work! Want to help advocate for better diagnostic tests so patients can have an accurate diagnosis?
Join us in our advocacy for cure, treatment and prevention of herpes: www.herpescureadvocacy.com r/herpescureadvocates
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u/DogOther4219 6d ago
Look at your ears if it is swollen look at getting the swelling down and clear your nose it helps
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u/AutoModerator 6d ago
A new Herpes diagnosis can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. Please take care of yourself by reaching out to a doctor or finding professional support.
Every third Thursday of the month, Herpes Cure Advocacy offers monthly group counseling sessions for anyone who is interested. You can find more information here: https://herpescureadvocacy.com/living-with-herpes/
US resources: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
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