Herpes Diagnosis Scared and in Shock!

[suddenlyshocked]

I'm a 33 year old married woman for 12 years that has recently been diagnosed with Herpes.
I'm devastated because My husband and I have no idea how or when I contracted this disease.  
Since late 2006 I had been having what I thought was frequent yeast infections a few days before my monthly cycle. So many that in 2007 I began using an over the counter treatment,yogurt and or high doses of Vitamin C per Dr's orders to combat my symptoms every few months.During this time I was also taking the diet pill Phentermine so I thought the infections where due to the drugs side effects. Around March of 2007, I started noticing small cuts around my vaginal area at the same time I was experiencing the yeast infections. I would put aloe vera gel on the cuts and they would heal within 2 days along with the yeast infection, so I figured it was all related.
In November of 2007 I was having more frequent infections monthly. I went to the Dr. and was diagnosed with a yeast infection and given a Rx. I was also told if the cuts returned to come back and have them swabbed.
On this particular visit I did not have any cuts.

The infection returned 1 week ago  and I used an over the counter herbal yeast infection ****** & Gel cream that had live cultures. Within 2 days I was worse, the cuts returned but this time they were larger. So I figured, I needed a stronger med. I purchased and over the counter 3 day Suppository. This made me more uncomfortable and now the cuts were irritated even more. I'm scared I may have spread any infection from the cuts because I was using the same cream all over my private area including my vulva. trying to sooth the itching and pain.  2 days ago I was in so much pain I finally called a Dr. and made an appointment. When she saw me she told me the cuts look like Herpes and did a culture swab. I was immediately placed on Valtrex, Metronidazole gel (I was also diagnosed with a severe Bacterial infection) and Lidocaine to numb the sores.
I spoke to a Nurse today who confirmed I tested positive for the Virus. I'm not sure of the type but I will find out on Monday. Now that I have been diagnosed I have taken a mirror and noticed small bumps on Vulva , which makes it very difficult to urinate.

Where did these bumps come from??  
They have never been detected b4.
Could this be my intial outbreak?
How can I have contracted this Virus if My husband and I have been faithful the last 12 years?
Are symptoms of herpes yeast infections & with the small cuts?
Why haven't I had pain in the past?
Are there other ways to contract the disease besides sexually?
Should my husband be tested if he doesn't show any signs or symptoms?
How long can the virus lay dormant in your system??
Once the Herpes is under control will I have relief from the Bacterial infections?
Any suggestions to help with the pain during urination??

I'm sorry for all the questions but I in total disbelief.  

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

I am sorry you are hurting so much right now.  :(

Its possible that you had this before, or your husband did, and niether knew it.  Most people with genital herpes have no idea they have it, because they have symptoms that are missed, too mild for most to think herpes, or because they have no symptoms at all.

If you find out you have type 1, that would be from oral sex from your husband, if he has type 1 orally.

I'm sure it hurts awfully bad to urinate right now.  You can try pouring water over yourself to dilute the acid in the urine, and make sure to drink plenty of water to do the same.  Some people also get latex gloves, and gently cover the sores as they pee.

It could be your initial outbreak, or your symptoms before might have been herpes.  Its tough to say, and you might not ever know if your symptoms before were herpes, but if you have a type specific IgG blood test done now, and its negative, you know its a new infection for you.  Your husband should absolutely have the same testing done.  

Its not so much about who gave it to whom, but if he is negative, you all might discuss what precautions, if any, you'd want to take.

I would ask your doc for some oral meds for the bacterial vaginosis now.  I know a lot of docs prefer the creams, but you don't need anything else that is going to irritate that area right now.  If you've had herpes for awhile, you might be having more pain because of the bv.  

I promise you this will get better, and any subsequent outbreaks you get shouldn't be this bad.

Some good links for you -

The herpes handbook - www.westoverheights.com - free, and you can download it or read it from the web

The herpes home page - www.racoon.com/herpes - lots of info, wonderful support forum

http://www.herpes.com/hsv1-2.html - good article explaining the different types, and how they act in different locations.

Check those out but feel free to post whatever questions you have, ok?  I am also on the racoon site, as well.

Feel better soon,
AJ