Welcome Houston Texas H Pal

As a responsible sexually active adult, I was always careful to avoid becoming pregnant or contracting HIV. I never worried about catching herpes because only promiscuous folks or strippers are at risk and they totally deserve it, right? Wrong!

That is how the page begins when you stop by to check out our brand new H Pal from Houston, Texas.

We are so pleased, happy and excited to have Queen Elizabeth on board. Houston, Texas was not represented before on the H Pal home page and now it is. What a great way to end 2008 and bring on 2009.

Queen Elizabeth also serves in a volunteer capacity on the Shut Up N Post! STD Message board. Be sure you stop by and say hi!

Welcome Milwaukee Wisconsin H Pal

“All of life is a journey. Which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” ~Anonymous

That’s a pretty good quote. It sums up a lot in life for sure. That is how the page begins when you stop by to check out our brand new H Pal from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

We are so pleased, happy and excited to have Trish on board. Wisconsin was not represented before on the H Pal home page and now it is. What a great way to end 2008 and bring on 2009.

Happy Birthday Picking Up the Pieces!

Today and for the entire month of October, Picking Up the Pieces will be celebrating 10 years of help people with HSV, HPV and other STD’s.

We are proud of the work that we have done over the years and look forward to many more!

Don’t be a stranger! Come and Celebrate with us!

Guess What You Guys!?

October marks 10 years that we have had this online support group together, Picking Up the Pieces. Yes, we will be 10 years old this month! Can you believe it? (That’s Today!)

I’ve got some surprises in store. Not sure what yet but I can tell you that we are going to have fun this month! So if you have any friends that you think would benefit from being in the group please invite them to join!

Looking for a Herpes Support Group in Seattle

From the Feedback Form

Hi there

WOW I just found this site and think it great.

Found out about two months ago I HSV, basically a rash on my penis. Not to uncomfortable, but still I am horrified over this. I know I adjusting but . . .holy smokes!

Anyway, I am 43 and have been divorced for 6 years. I have had partners since then and have contacted most of them about them and everyone is of course shocked but thanks me for the honesty. None have called back to say they are positive.

My ex wife had HSV cold sores, but I never have had them. I remember her complaining that times during sex she would develop a rash that she treated with something but never admitted that it could be herpes.

The thought never came to mind. But that neither here nor there, just guess I need to find a support group, and also a clinic that can help me in the Seattle area.

Can you help me with that? My outbreak has been continuous for about two months now, comes and goes a bit but its still there. Help! :o)

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

Nobody should have to endure any sort of pain connected to herpes as far as I’m concerned. Have you thought about making an appointment to seeing your family doctor to see if he/she can help you get the pain under control?

I would give your doctor a call and let them know that the outbreak is not going away. Maybe they will have you come in so they can make sure that there isn’t something else going on in addition to herpes, ya know?

I’m not all that sure about what sort of local support groups are in your area off-hand but I can tell you that we have an online  herpes support group:

Shut Up N Post! STD Message Board

I hope you get it figured out and can get the outbreak under control.

Good Luck!

My HSV-1 Eye Herpes

I found out my childhood cold sore virus had moved to my eye after a couple of misdiagnoses in 2003 – I was 29 at the time. Extreme light sensitivity, etc. in the high altitude dessert turned my life completely around. With all windows blacked out, I slept during the day and worked from home at night with an eye patch over my affected eye, which made detailed computer work pretty difficult. Other symptoms included, redness, pain, scratchiness, itchiness, blurred vision, runny eyes, general run down feeling, horrible anxiety and depression and as it progressed - I eventually got several flu like symptoms too (in bed for days at a time, fever, congestion, etc.).

After several urgent care visits, I was finally diagnosed with eye herpes a month later by the hospital’s ophthamologist, he prescribed me viroptic and pred eye drops. I finally recovered after a couple months, but then I broke out again to the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I cut my hair hoping that would stop the most severe headaches of my life. Doctor’s dismissed the feelings I had “in my head,” but eventually after a couple more doctors I got on oral anti-virals too (anti-virals have made an incredible difference!). It took many months to recover from that second outbreak, as I tried going off the drops and oral anti-virals, but I broke out again, and again. Finally we found some very knowledgeable and experienced doctors that got me off drops and on suppression therapy at UCLA’s Doris Stein’s Cornea Division. They have treated me like gold and I’ve gone there ever since.

Almost two years ago I moved a few hours outside of Chicago and I had only had a couple minor flare ups. We called my doctor in Cali and he said to take up to 2000mg of acyclovir if and when the virus acts up, and if it doesn’t clear right up to find a local ophthamologist. I had done very well up until very recently and I had a minor outbreak. Through a series of referrals I found another herpes specialist ophthamologist at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He confirmed my outbreak, switched me to Valtrex and I have another appointment with him in a couple weeks. I am grateful that when there is viral activity present, I now have control over it - I have become aware of what my body needs (usually an increase in anti-virals and a few days of rest/limited sun exposure), and I do well mostly on my own anymore.

I hadn’t done much of my own personal research since I first found out about my disease. I did a little online research, but mainly began therapy to get a better handle on my stress/anger issues. I was pretty frustrated there was limited information about ocular herpes, and with my first year of nothing but poor doctor advice, I didn’t want to further mislead myself with all the “miracle herpes cures” and whatnot out there. I recently did a great deal of research, though, and was pleased to find a little more info available, but I definitely had to dig past all the bogus hooey. Some of which I found was posts on herpes boards from frightened individuals – claims about brain herpes being a HUGE killer that we should all be afraid of it – that frightened me away from learning more about the very rare, extreme cases of my disease. I’ve since studied up on HSV-1 a great deal and I feel more confident that my life will go on even if I lose more vision and/or the virus keeps spreading. Actually when I read that many encephalitis (brain herpes) cases go undetected, because it is so difficult to detect, I wonder if I didn’t already have it when the headaches were so intense. All the other symptoms were there, and I was desperate enough to cut my long hair that I’d been growing out for over 10 years. I have lossed vision and at least two straight years of my life, living in a cave - herpes is not something to be taken lightly, but it’s also not something to be scared and run away from either. It is what it is, a pain in the…;) I think the best thing to do is find the best care for your body and don’t give up no matter what.

I find that generally people are scared to talk about herpes - but the majority of us have one type or another. People don’t know the dangers because they’re scared to get past the stigma or whatever; well I’ve been doing a lot of talking… Some of my family and friends seem scared of me right now for their own personal reasons, but that’s ok, my eye herpes brought about big changes, and that takes time to adapt to for people that don’t understand. (And, well, there are times when I don’t relate to them either…;) Because it’s difficult to go it alone and there aren’t always perfect support groups out there for rarer individual viral strains of herpes – I learned to seek out whatever support that’s available. I now have the best friends a gal could ever ask for and I’m always looking for more. I am so very grateful for those that have really been there for me. I look forward to being there for them too, ’cause I know I’m going to be just fine and it feels so wonderful to help those that have helped you. This is such a wonderfully informative site. Thank you Angela for your amazing contribution – I sure hope many others follow this shining example of getting the word out.

Much love and support,

Heather

Send me your story

Read more stories here

Here’s the Poop Scoop for February

Lots of new stuff going on this week. There’s enough new stuff going on to warrant a blog post for those that want to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings of Yoshi2me.com

Let’s start with the Social Support Networking Alliance (also known as the SSNA) - We’ve got a brand new social group listed for Canada. It’s called Toronto Singles with Herpes and it’s a Yahoo Group for people that are looking to meet others with that common bond in the Toronto area.

Next will talk about all the people that write in to provide their feedback for the yahoo support group Picking Up the Pieces (also known as PUP). Picking Up the Pieces is one of the most caring and personal online support groups for folks that are looking to discuss issues surrounding HSV and HPV. It’s also one of the oldest yahoo groups on the internet. The regulars that participate do so with the hopes of helping people come to terms with their diagnosis. This week somebody wrote in to say what a difference the group has made in terms of being able to move on after finding out that they have herpes. Check it out!

Not only are people writing in to voice their opinions about our yahoo group PUP but they are also writing in to have their voice heard as to what they think about Yoshi2me.com as a whole herpes information source. Many have written in to say how inspired they are by the site and the effort behind the scenes. One peep wasn’t too happy with the site in general but I think you will find that there are more people pleased and hopeful after having visited than those that aren’t. Check it out!

The other thing that always excites me is when somebody writes in to tell me that they met the love of their life on an online dating site. This week it happens to be a comment that was left about a couple that got married and lived happily ever after having met on Match.com - I just LOVE it when people send in their stories of Love and Romance that has actually had a chance to succeed. Here’s the latest that was sent in to me about how they met, etc. - See what others are saying!

If you are a fan of the H Pal Program I’ve got some great news! We have some new H Pals. One gal in particular representing the great state of Pennsylvania. Bonnie hasn’t had herpes for very long but in the short amount of time that she has had to research and converse about her situation she has realized that having herpes doesn’t define who she is as a person. Knowing that she wanted to do something to give back and help others. - Meet your new PA H Pal Bonnie!

Every once in awhile the kind people that send in their stories to be shared on our True Inspirational Stories pages will send me an update. This money HoneyB sent me an update to her story that I think you will find to be sad but hopeful at the same time. - Can you find the hope?

Lastly, I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a very Happy Valentines Day. People write to me every day and sometimes there is a request to participate on the site which makes me very happy because it helps me to realize that I’m not in this all by myself. I get excited when folks want to participate whether it’s by sharing a personal story, becoming an H Pal, or just participating on a regular basis over on the STD Message Board. I would just like to say thank you for your support and for encouraging me to keep going!

Progress Not Perfection

There is a gal that posts pretty regularly over on Picking Up the Pieces that left someone with some excellent advice that she and I both felt was worth sharing with you guys over here on Sexual Health Buzz. I hope that this piece of advice will help people.

I understand your emotions completely. Unfortunately, many people do not disclose. Just wait till your test comes back before you come to any conclusions. Valtrex is very effective in reducing transmission. And, with a condom, chances are even less. If, your tests go from negative to positive (like mine did), you know where you got it from. And, hopefully,
this individual will realize the errors of his ways and live his life right. But, it is out of your control and all you can do either way, is go on with your life.

I wouldn’t go around telling everyone. If, you have a close trusted friend/family member. It might not be a bad idea to let them know what you are going through. It is always better to stand as two than being alone. My close friends and family have been a great support system for me.

Try and find a local support/help group in your area.

And, even, if your test does come back positive. You are the same person, inside and out.

For me what works is God. If, I worry more, am stressed out, or life in general. It’s because my spiritual life isn’t where it should be. So, I pray more. Get in the Word more. The stronger I am spiritually, the easier ANYTHING in life becomes. I am actually more picky since I was diagnosed. And, I feel that I’m worth more than I did before. (Imagine that) It didn’t happen overnight, it was a process. I went through the “I’ll only date someone who has it”, to I’ll never date again. I met guys that had it and guys that accepted the fact that I did have this. And, guess what, I CHOSE not to date any of them. I thought originally that I would just go to the first person who offered me a relationship, because then I would be under the safety umbrella of a relationship. That didn’t work out for me because my self esteem was rising and yours will too.

The “enemy” thrives on depression and low self-esteem. The enemy knows our deepest fears and uses it against us. But, God and having faith will always win. Reading the bible, praying, and being with a good support system will make you even harder to be knocked down. Whether it be a manageable virus or “when something really happens”.

Just as you had choices before, you will have choices after. I felt cornered when I was originally diagnosed and now I don’t. And, you will too. Progress not perfection. Anyone who doesn’t see who you are, isn’t seeing the real you. They are only seeing a “skin condition”. And, you are worth way more than that.

Take a break from dating. Be with yourself for a while. Re-evaluate what you want. Take this as a learning experience. You will NOW trust your instincts quicker and be a wiser person from this. I have found that I can spot the “red flags” quicker and I watch more closely. I am more in tune to what is happening instead of being in the daze of infatuation. So, in some ways, this has been a blessing. I’m more picky, have more attitude, have grown more spiritual and my instincts are on high alert. I like being single, am going out with my friends more, walking closer with God and am enjoy just being me. Sometimes I see myself being married, sometimes not. I did get an offer of marriage (from someone who doesn’t have it) and the ball was left in my court. So, yes, it does get better. You will see that you have choices and you will grow from this
experience. I was exactly where you are now, a year ago. Even a year, can make a difference.

Hope this helps.

Wasn’t that great advice you guys! When I read the advice that was given the other day it made me happy to see that people no longer feel tried by their fear to hold on to something that really isn’t worth holding on to. I hope this post helps you if you are reading!

I thought I read you went on a herpes cruise

Somebody sent me an e-mail today asking if I had been on a cruise before. I have been on one cruise before and that was back in the summer of 2001 when I went on my honeymoon as a newlywed.

We went on a Northbound Alaskan Cruise on a Princess. It was wonderful, beautiful, peaceful, magically, and insanely breathtaking. My favorite parts of the trip was when we would hike up to the deck, hop in the Jacuzzi, and watch the stars and mountains go by.

I guess whoever wrote me thought that I had been on a cruise through the Social Support Networking Alliance. There are social groups that host cruise line events but you kind of have to dig through them to find out who’s hosting what, where, and when.

Sometimes the event facilitator will ask me to post their event details but this year that hasn’t really been a whole lot going on within the SSNA. I haven’t heard much from the HELP groups either.

Good Advice from South Florida H Friends

Three years ago I caught herpes. Unfortunately, there are no active
support groups in South Florida and most of my encouragement and
support has come from Dr. Ruth, my therapist and my best friend.

Like most people recently diagnosed with “H”, I was DEVASTATED when
I found out I had herpes. Medical articles and professionals
provided statistics showing the infection to be quite common in our
society (1 in 5 men, and 1 in 4 women have it) and most people don’t
know they carry the virus (confusing it with jock itch or a yeast
infection) because most doctors don’t test for herpes as part of
standard STD tests and because it simply is a viral infection that
is not life threatening.

My pain, similar to everyone else who has been recently diagnosed,
was horrible because of the stigma associated with herpes. This
sexually transmitted infection carries with more psychological and
emotional pain than it does physical. It’s unfortunate. I’ve
learned some lessons in the past three years that I’d like to share:

1) Herpes does not define you. I’m still the vibrant, fun, kind,
loyal, loving person I was before I got herpes. Your laugh, your
joy, your hopes, dreams, passions and desires were all there pre-
herpes, and they’re still there post-herpes.

2) Dating is no more challenging than it was pre-herpes. Why?
Couples fight over other things, such as money, than they do over
herpes. In fact, the honesty and respect that goes along with
disclosing you have herpes to a potential partner speak VOLUMES
about your self worth and integrity, and can only help build a solid
foundation for any meaningful relationship.

3) Life happens. Being sexually active has it risks and having
herpes does not mean you are a bad, dirty, or less of a person in
any way. Having sex is one of MANY things in life that has risks,
i.e. football players risk serious injury with every game they play,
driving in South Florida is risky every day, etc.

4) Over time you’ll be surprised to realize that there MORE caring,
understanding, mature and kind people (with and without herpes) than
not.

4) It’s not life threatening. (Truly reflect on this)

Much love to all who may come across this post. I hope this group
is a place where people with herpes can find encouragement,
sympathy, and strength in knowing that life is still full of beauty
and there is much out there to be lived.