Just a Little "bump" In The Road

by Rachel
(Delaware)

At 21 and in college, I contracted genital herpes from a guy I was dating who guilted me into not using a condom. I had a horrible first outbreak and was bed ridden for nearly a week before I found out what was wrong. I couldn't pee and had flu symptoms - I took antibiotics for what I thought was a UTI, which gave me a yeast infection and diarrhea, which no lie gave me anal fissures...

So I can't pee, diarrhea, had to get stitches in my ass. Yeah pretty much the worst I've ever physically felt in my life. My OBGYN finally told me I had herpes and left me crying in the office with a discount coupon for Valtrex (yay coups!). The boyfriend denied knowing he had it but looking back.... I think he knew and just didn't care.

I stayed with that horrible jerk of a boyfriend for nearly two years because I was so scared that nobody else could ever accept me. I finally found the courage to leave him. I found it very difficult to date at first, I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and I didn't want a stigma.

However, I met a wonderful person. I avoided having the talk for a little while but when I finally told him, he was shockingly accepting and has never once judged me or made me feel bad. We have an amazing relationship and I'm currently planning our wedding.

I take Valacyclovir (Valtrex) regularly and when I do have outbreaks, we abstain from sex. It still is hard to let him know and I have battles with myself over it, at times I feel "damaged," it's a reminder of that bad relationship, but I am thankful to say I found someone who is supportive and understanding.

Besides having to have an awkward conversation every now and then it really doesn't have an effect on my life. I'm educated, in a healthy relationship and have a great career. My life is full and happy. I just happen to have a little bump every now and then.

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Jan 07, 2015
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Thank you so much!
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

I want to thank you so much for this story. It is so similar to my life story its ridiculous. I was with a horrible boyfriend who told me he was clean after we had gotten tested together. Well, we always wore condoms even after that. Then he would always pressure me to not wear them.

So one day we didn't and within a few weeks I had the most horrible pain. I would not wish the pain we suffer on anyone. I'm very sorry to hear how bad yours was though, life throws us the most challenging times. I also stayed with the boyfriend even though I knew he lied to me and gave it to me.

I took Valtrex for a few months then decided that I wanted to be more natural with my medicine. I had outbreaks every month when I had my period for about 7-8 months. I was severely depressed and still dating this guy who I resented so much. I found out about the hydrogen peroxide therapy and I said to myself I have nothing else to lose.

I have tried everything and nothing seems to really work. My outbreaks were consistent 1 or 2 of them each month. I did the h202 therapy and it was extremely hard, but I finished the whole thing. I went through what they call the crisis stage and once I finished all of it, I was a new person. I was only 20 when I was diagnosed, and of course to anyone its heartbreaking.

After I finished my h202 therapy I left my jerk boyfriend. I told him that I forgave him and wished him well for the rest of his life. After the therapy I am so happy and positive with my life. I am happy to be me again. I am still scared to tell people I have (or had) herpes.

I have not had a outbreak for about a year now, and I honestly think I have destroyed the virus. This stuff is no joke and I didn't believe it at first. But if you try it and stick to it the herpes is gone. At least for myself and others I have talked to on blogs.

I am really happy to see that your life is back on track, and you have found the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. You are a inspiration to all of us who are scared. Thank you, best wishes with your new man!!