did you go and get properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally or just self treat for yeast? just itching and not any discharge is typically bv, not yeast which is why it's worthwhile to get properly tested. if you don't have insurance, go back to the health department or planned parenthood.
another round of antivirals is sometimes helpful too.
grace
let me say you will be ok , iv had herpes for 30 years
It has been five weeks since my severe first outbreak of diagnosed genital HSV2. I seem to have chronic prodrome symptoms...or maybe they are continued overlapping outbreaks. I have a few bumps but not like the lesions I had at testing. The aching stiffness in feet, legs, and butt ease up but then keep coming back. The shooting tingles still happen. The itching NEVER went away. I did the Monistat treatment for yeast infection but still itch. My eyes itch too. The anal itch is worse than the vaginal. At least the fatigue has eased up. I guess I better save up for a doctor visit.
Limerencia and Grace, thank you sooo much for this post. I have thought I was losing my mind and all this pain was in my head. I was just about to post a question on the forum on whether the pain could be related until I read this post and it was like reading word for word how I felt. Thanks so much for answering my question by sharing your experience, and Grace you are a God send for all of your knowledge and willingness to help!
You are right - for herpes the Health Dept. only did the culture test. All the blood tests were for other STD's. I was hoping one of the blood tests was for herpes, because if I understand correctly, if an IgG shows negative now and then a follow-up in 2 months shows positive, that would indicate that my antibodies are new and that it is my current partner that gave me the virus recently, not a partner from previous years.
Am I right?
It seems to me the only other use for the herpes blood tests would be if one had no symptoms. For example, my boyfriend should get one in case he is lucky enough to still be herpes-free [ after reading Penelope31's story, however, I would doubt any negative result. It was discouraging to read about her false negatives. ]
And if testing shows he does have it, we won't have to be so paranoid with our vigilance.
Am I right?
do you know if they did lesion cultures on your symptoms? typically that's the only testing the health department does. they typically do not do herpes blood testing.
Oh the first ob can really be awful when you don't have hsv1 to take the "Edge" off of things :( You get unlucky enough to pick up something else from your partner ( that darn smooching is such a good way to share germs! ) and you have a double whammy to recover from :(
With your new /worsening itching, get tested for yeast and bacterial vaginal infections too.
Unfortunately toughing out ob's doesn't result in less ob's later on. Your body started building up your defenses from the gitgo. How many recurrences you will have depends on several factors including your genes ( one more thing to potentially blame mom and dad for...he he he ).
Hang in there - things should be better soon and follow up as needed too :)
grace
Thank you for the individual interest! I'm impressed.
On the 3rd day after finding vaginal lesions and symptoms that matched what I read about hsv2, I went to local health dept and for only $25 (regardless of income) they took a urine test, drew lots of blood (they are checking also for HIV and other STDs all included for the $25), and the doctor looked at the lesions, and said it looked like herpes 2. I asked what were some other possibilities and he said "none - it looks just like classic genital herpes 2."
I had gotten into some stinging nettle plants and had severe red splotchy itching all over my arms, so I was hoping it ALL was reaction to the nettles, not to my unprotected sex! but I guess it was just a big coincidence.
I get my results tomorrow, Friday June 4, the 11th day since my test. The HIV results not for an additional 2 weeks I think.
From what I've read,most people don't suffer this much even on their first outbreak, and the antiviral gives relief. Well, my vaginal lesions seem to be gone, but extreme fatigue and achy legs and feet continue. Today my eyes and vagina started itching, and I am groaning: prodome already? another outbreak on top of this and overlapping? I am on ice as suggested. My question right now is: maybe we should not try to avoid outbreaks... maybe if we get our outbreaks "over with" we won't have them later or as frequently? Could it be that we are just postponing them?
You will feel better soon just that first ob can be a real humdinger sometimes :(
what testing did you have done so far? do you know yet if it's hsv1 or hsv2?
Grace, these were very helpful suggestions. The epsom salts bath made a big difference. I bought naproxen because aspirin had not helped me. The excuse for missing work is very clever; you understand how I feel.
soak in the tubby with some epsom salts thrown in. They are cheap and easy to find and really do help with aches and pains. the warmth of the bath water is also soothing for achy body parts too.
you can alternate tylenol and advil unless you have a medical reason not to. It gives you pain relief comparable to some narcotics. Make sure you don't take more than 4 gms of tylenol total a day . Some folks just find relief from taking ibuprofen or naproxen several times a day too.
never a bad excuse to go for a massage either :)
grace