Concerned parent

Hi. My daughter was just diagnosed with H. Not sure what type because her doctor said that didn't matter it was on your genitals and you will have to deal with this monthly. This has been devastating to me. Is there any other parent that was devastated by this? I'm just trying to understand how many breakouts will occur? Do I purchase acyclovir in advance? Any guidance anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Definitely find out which type she has. It does make a difference. Genital HSV1 tends to be milder and sheds a lot less - meaning that genital hsv is not that easy to transmit genital to genital. How many outbreaks she has depends on a lot of things. Doctors are usually not very informed about this virus so bear that in mind. I would most certainly say that most people does not have to deal with this monthly! That is a minority of people who might be dealing with other issues when it comes to their health. For most with HSV2 it's abou 5-6 OB's pr year which should lessen as time goes on and the body get's use to the virus.

I always have a "stash" of Acyclovir at home and in my wallet if I feel an OB coming. She needs to take the meds as soon as she feels anything, that can lessen the outbreak a lot.

There is lots of great info on this forum so you might want to take a look - with your daughter - on the different categories on here. Just let me assure that it is all going to be okay. And great for your daughter that she has a mother who cares so much and wants to help her. Great that she felt she could tell you as well. Remember that 1 in 5 has this virus, and while it's sad and devastating at first, it will get better!

Wish you all the best.

Thank you so much for the information. I think the doctor was very disappointed with her and in return didn't test for the type. We are looking for a new doctor, hopefully one that will provide some guidance. She just had her first OB. I will order an extra bottle of acyclovir. When you have an OB do you take the prescription as prescribed or just take it for a few days? Also, do you think the acyclovir cream is needed? It's very expensive and I'm not sure it's needed with the tablet. I just feel so bad she has to live with this virus. It makes me very sad and I need to learn how to cope with it because I'm sure it's going to be hard for during an OB. Everything I've read tells me the second one isn't as bad as the first one. How true is that?

Hello @Dontknow

Here is a link to a blog by @WCSDancer2010 http://supporttruthanddialog.com/. Has lots of info that may be of some interest to you both.

I've had h now for 30 years. It is not the end of the world. I agree with Tina94 about getting it typed. From what you have written, finding a new doctor is a good idea.

You will be on a learning curve for the nest 6 months to a year. Frequency and severity of outbreaks is different for everyone. The primary outbreak is usually the worst. They do tend to get milder after that. Having a supply of an antiviral on hand is a good idea. If the outbreaks are frequent they can be taken daily as a suppressive treatment. If they turn out to be few and far between they can be taken at the first sign of an outbreak to help nip it in the bud.

Good luck...

Too many doctors are misinformed and just think of herpes as nothing. It is big deal for some people which should be acknowledged.

I asked my doctor to put me on suppressive therapy for 6 months but I realized I wanted my body to figure it out on its own. So I only take the meds if I feel an OB coming. In the beginning I had a timer on my phone that reminded me of when to take the pills. Most doctors will prescribe 200 mg x 5 times a day for 5 days for an OB. If you can, get your doctor to prescribe at least 400 mg pills. Having to remember those 5 pills a day is annoying. I found a study that described how maximizing your dose for the first 2-3 of your outbreak to something like 2000mg pr day was a lot more effective than doing the 5 day course. If I feel an OB coming I will take 400 mg as soon as possible and then a few times during the day. I do this for the next 2 or 3 days and have found out that this is really effective!

As for the cream; it is not really effective on genital sores and it is not recommended to use. The tablets are a lot better so stick to them.

And yes, first OB is absolutely the worst!! After a while they will get a lot easier to handle and not painful. My OB's mostly just itch and are sore and otherwise my body is fine. I can still ride my bicycle as I do everyday to work. It will get better, I promise!

I think you should figure out which type she has. 50% of genital HSV is actually HSV1 which (for most) is a whole different story than HSV2.

All the best, Tina

Thank you so much for the information. I think the doctor was very disappointed with her and in return didn't test for the type.

If the Dr was "disappointed" in your daughter I'm glad you are looking for another Dr. Please get her to an OBGYN or Planned Parenthood. She needs someone who is up to date on the latest info and who realizes that H is an incredibly common STD and that it doesn't mean you are "less worthy" if you get it. It just means you lost the crap shoot of having sex .... and it's not her Dr's place to pass judgement. I assume the Dr was a PCP/Family Dr? If so, they can be the worst as they really are not well informed about H (they are "generalists" so they can't read everything that comes across their desk).

I tell people, if you have a specialty item, you go to the specialist that deals with that item (ie: you go to the Mercedes dealer to have your Benz serviced, or the Appliance guy to get your washer fixed)..... so IMO you should always go to the person who is best informed about whatever part of your body happens to have an issue.... and I feel pretty strongly that GP's shouldn't EVER do OBGYN or Mental Health diagnosis... both areas have come so far in their knowledge base that I think that there's just no way for them to ever be thoroughly informed on the subjects. But that's just my opinion... LOL

I got H1 oral as a child and H2 genital with my very first sexual experience.... tho I didn't know until years later what that persistent yeast-type infection was....and at 55+ I've had a great life. Tell her that at least she knows she has it.... because 80% don't know they have it and are more likely to pass it on because of that...

It will be ok Mom.... I know you are worried for her.... just be careful to encourage her to understand that she's still the beautiful soul she always has been. Your acceptance of the situation will have a HUGE impact on her in the long run :)

(((HUGS)))

http://m.jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/194/1/42.long Knowledge of Partners’ Genital Herpes Protects against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Acquisition