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Chronic HSV-1 outbreak?
I was diagnosed with genital HSV-1 in 2005 by swab of a lesion during a primary outbreak. I have been totally monogamous and I am sure I got it from oral sex from my wife. I had virtually no significant recurrence until a beach trip with lots of sun exposure a year ago. Also notable, stress levels have been very high over the past year due to a divorce.
Since that time (over a year now) I have had burning/stinging/gnawing pain that has felt like an outbreak virtually the entire time. After about 3 months into it, I thought maybe it was post-herpetic neuralgia and not an outbreak (as I am unsure if an outbreak can basically be chronic), but then I got one tiny lesion. I have had no lesions for about the last 9 months but still have the pain. I will have a few days of feeling a bit better, which makes me optimistic it will go away, but then it always comes back. It has a cyclic pattern. I took acyclovir for around 2-3 months but eventually stopped it because it didn't seem to make any difference at all with the pattern or symptoms. I also am 1.5 weeks into a course of valacyclovir 500 mg twice/day with no change at all in my symptoms. Getting a lot of sleep seems to help mildly, as does exercise, but not much. It is, to say the least, painful and psychologically frustrating -- chronic genital pain is a difficult thing to have!
So here are my questions:
1. Is there any way to tell if this is a continuous HSV-1 outbreak, or if this is post-herpetic neuralgia (which I hear is rare from HSV)?
2. Are there strains of drug-resistant HSV-1? So far it doesn't feel like the meds have made a bit of difference.
3. Does HSV ever have a pattern where you feel a bit better for a few days, but it then it just cycles back indefinitely, over and over?
Since that time (over a year now) I have had burning/stinging/gnawing pain that has felt like an outbreak virtually the entire time. After about 3 months into it, I thought maybe it was post-herpetic neuralgia and not an outbreak (as I am unsure if an outbreak can basically be chronic), but then I got one tiny lesion. I have had no lesions for about the last 9 months but still have the pain. I will have a few days of feeling a bit better, which makes me optimistic it will go away, but then it always comes back. It has a cyclic pattern. I took acyclovir for around 2-3 months but eventually stopped it because it didn't seem to make any difference at all with the pattern or symptoms. I also am 1.5 weeks into a course of valacyclovir 500 mg twice/day with no change at all in my symptoms. Getting a lot of sleep seems to help mildly, as does exercise, but not much. It is, to say the least, painful and psychologically frustrating -- chronic genital pain is a difficult thing to have!
So here are my questions:
1. Is there any way to tell if this is a continuous HSV-1 outbreak, or if this is post-herpetic neuralgia (which I hear is rare from HSV)?
2. Are there strains of drug-resistant HSV-1? So far it doesn't feel like the meds have made a bit of difference.
3. Does HSV ever have a pattern where you feel a bit better for a few days, but it then it just cycles back indefinitely, over and over?
Hi Dockington,
I am sorry you are experiencing these sensations and pains. Have you seen a urologist? Often times something like prostatitis or other prostrate issues can cause tingling, pain and very uncomfortable pressure in the genital, perineum and anus area, especially during times of stress, heaving alcohol consumption, smoking and/or caffeine intake.
I am sorry you are experiencing these sensations and pains. Have you seen a urologist? Often times something like prostatitis or other prostrate issues can cause tingling, pain and very uncomfortable pressure in the genital, perineum and anus area, especially during times of stress, heaving alcohol consumption, smoking and/or caffeine intake.
Post-herpatic syndrome is real and has been linked to hsv2. My Kaiser doctor sent me to a specialist for this but I haven’t been to my first appointment yet.
I am also having this issue with no relief from medication. I am hoping someone will answer here with some advice.
If you are concerned about hsv1 neg testing I would suggest getting a western blot test as it is more sensitive for hsv1
Hello Dockington,
I'm in the same boat so to speak. I don't have a confirmed HSV diagnosis but I believe I also have GHSV1. My hsv igg test were negative at 12 weeks but I still have the irritated feeling and burning on the scrotum,perineum and buttocks. I also get electrical feelings in my nerves but it has died down some. This is three and a half months now for me.
I have read lots of posts from people who are dealing with the same symptoms. So are lucky and the symptoms get better and dissipate over time 6 months to a year. Others not so lucky anumber have persistent issues.
I'm hoping that my next round of tests will give me a better idea although negative foreviews hsv2 is supposed to be conclusive. So I'm left to guess that I have hsv1 unless I get a lesion to swab.
There are different medications for the neuropathy and they do work but made me feel like a zombie and takes weeks to wean off. So you areally not alon3 in your suffering with this nightmare. Hopefully we will be like those whose immune system will put this into latency and we can find peace again.
Seeker1960
I'm in the same boat so to speak. I don't have a confirmed HSV diagnosis but I believe I also have GHSV1. My hsv igg test were negative at 12 weeks but I still have the irritated feeling and burning on the scrotum,perineum and buttocks. I also get electrical feelings in my nerves but it has died down some. This is three and a half months now for me.
I have read lots of posts from people who are dealing with the same symptoms. So are lucky and the symptoms get better and dissipate over time 6 months to a year. Others not so lucky anumber have persistent issues.
I'm hoping that my next round of tests will give me a better idea although negative foreviews hsv2 is supposed to be conclusive. So I'm left to guess that I have hsv1 unless I get a lesion to swab.
There are different medications for the neuropathy and they do work but made me feel like a zombie and takes weeks to wean off. So you areally not alon3 in your suffering with this nightmare. Hopefully we will be like those whose immune system will put this into latency and we can find peace again.
Seeker1960
Me too - I have been experiencing these symptoms for over 3 months now. I've posted a new question and am hoping for some sort of answer...
Did you ever find answers here or elsewhere to your condition? I have the same problem. There are numerous people with the same issue that I've seen online but most of the comments are from people saying that hsv can't cause these symptoms. I disagree as I am also experiencing the same thing. It's very frustrating. I've been dealing with this for over two years in and off with nothing more than a few days of the symptoms going away.
Hi,
1. post herpetic has nothing to do with hsv but the other strain of herpes called shingles which is from having chicken pox or the vacinne and almost always affect older people with outbreaks on the back.
2.no
3. no
1. post herpetic has nothing to do with hsv but the other strain of herpes called shingles which is from having chicken pox or the vacinne and almost always affect older people with outbreaks on the back.
2.no
3. no
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
