Treatment System

Hi,
I was wondering if you recommend a book or guide to overall control of herpes outbreaks, nerve pain and transmission reduction.  There is so much dubious information on the internet that I am confused as to what the best prescription meds, herbals, and general diet and excersice regiment can really be effective in minimizing the impact of herpes.

Thanks a lot.

[gracefromHHP]

The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a free resource.

Another good one is by dr charles ebel and dr anna wald - managing herpes - living and loving with hsv.

The 3 herpes antivirals we regularly talk about here are the best prescription meds - none of them is better than the others - just valtrex with it's once a day dosing for most folks is the most convenient.  There aren't any herbals or diet that work - just eat a well balanced diet like we are all supposed to be doing regardless if we have herpes or not.  We all should exercise but heck I'd be lying if I said even I do that :)

grace

[garymdmd]

So is all this stuff you read about lysine and other supplements just sales gimmics and wishful thinking?  Thanks for your response to my earlier question.

[gracefromHHP]

Yeppers. Lysine doesn't do much at all. The only study that showed any decrease in ob's at all ( none of them looked at shedding which is the #1 concern if you are in a discordant relationship for most folks ) was when you take 1gm 3x/day which is a total pain in the butt to do long term.  Most of us get more than enough lysine in our diets already anyways.  there's a really good article on medscape on lysine in their herpes section . it's free to read if you register on the site.  

Some of the supplements out there that are advertised for herpes are downright dangerous. Don't know about you but I'll take reoccuring hoo hoo lesions over needing a liver transplant any ole day!

grace

[waringblender]

The thing to keep in mind too about herpes is that you're going to have it for the rest of your life. If you want to treat it, you're looking at costs that may go on for years. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense just from an economic standpoint to use lysine, especially since it's not proven to do anything. You want the cheapest treatment that is the most effective, which at this point is the generic antiviral medication. I just paid $17 for a 3-month prescription of acyclovir (#200) at Costco. They might as well be giving it away for that price!

[waringblender]

For folks who are not Costco members: You can use the Costco pharmacy without being a member. Just tell the person at the door you are using the pharmacy, and they'll let you walk in. Consumer Reports rated Costco as having some of the best prices on the most common meds.  

In some states, you don't need to be a Costco member to buy their booze, either. (That stems from the repeal of Prohibition.) So while you are waiting to get your prescription filled, you can pick up some gin for your gin and tonics. :o) They've got great deals on wine, too.

[gracefromHHP]

Dang it - can't sell booze in grocery stores here in PA :(  

grace

[waringblender]

San Francisco just made it illegal to sell cigarettes in drugstores. The chain restaurants here also have to start posting nutritional information on menus. The State of California banned the use of trans fats in restaurants a couple of weeks ago. And San Francisco banned plastic shopping bags a while ago. :)

So not being able to get booze at the supermarket is nothing. :)

[garymdmd]

Ok thanks a lot,
one more question.  I am wondering if taking Valtrax would make a HSV1 and 2 test show up negative when a person does indeed have herpes.  I had my sexual encounter and was tested 2 weeks later to show positive for the unspecific antibodies(I cant remember which Igm or Igg)  But negative for HSV1 and 2.  I was put on Valtrax as a precaution.  I was then tested at 4 weeks and was still negative.

The questions I have are:
Is the 4 week test at all reliable? (percentage)

Would the Valtrax effect the result?

I have been really worried because I have being having strange leg pains in my inner thigh that seem like nerve pain.  I have also had a redness on my scrotum that looks dry rash.  I have also had a strange slight swelling under my lower lip that is not painful but has been there for about a week with no changes.  I have had no sores whatsoever. Are these symptoms that would be common for herpes?

thanks so much

[gracefromHHP]

Suppressive therapy started 2 weeks into things could delay seroconversion - it's something we aren't 100% clear on.  At this point why not stop the valtrex and if you get obvious symptoms again go and get them cultured and typed?  if no symptoms reoccur - repeat your blood test at the 4 month mark.  1 month post possible infection is too early to test for accurate results unless things are positive on the blood test at that time ( hope that makes sense ).

grace