Reply To: Still processing and have more questions

[janedoe3]

No, did not expect you to say I acquired a new strain. I simply have a theory that exposure to a different strain MAY have provoked an OB in me from my previous existing infection. I know it is not supported by the science right now. I have been told a lot of things about HSV and my body in recent years that have turned out not to be true. I understand now how that happened, that there is new information, that some clinicians are not as knowledgeable as others, that some culture tests can be false-negative. I understand this is a complex virus. And I understand that for me, figuring things out (for example, as to what may provoke an OB) helps me digest and come to terms – even if it is just speculation.

I did tell you a number of times that I had tested positive in 2006 or 2007. I know you get a lot of messages with tons of detail. If I ever had a cold sore, it was long before that – decades ago. So, in sum, I have had:

-possibly one cold sore (many decades ago)
-possibly one noticeable OB in 2008, (seems likely but doctor said symptoms were not herpes-related)
-confirmed via swab genital HSV-1 in 2014.

So this is my first or second noticeable genital OB in 6 or 8 years, with one or no oral obs in several decades. And even though I tested positive for HSV 1 in 2006/7, b/c of what I was told by the doctors, I believed I only had oral. In reality, I really just found out that I have genital herpes a few days ago. So I am still reeling a bit. I think that’s understandable.

Because of my experience, I want to make sure I give the best possible information to my friend when I disclose. My concern about disclosing is based on what I anticipate his response to be, which is based on knowing him. I don’t think he will take it well and my delivery will only have so much influence over that. It’s not like he’s never heard of it. That doesn’t mean I am going to be presenting it as if it is a cancer diagnosis – but let’s be real- it’s not like telling someone they won a raffle prize.

Thanks for your help.