Herpes Doctor

I found your site after trawling through information regarding Herpes and Shingles looking for some answers!!

Fifteen years ago I had my first sexual encounter and quite quickly afterwards developed terrible sores. I went to my local clinic and was told that I had Herpes. I was advised there that my partner should be tested for this. He duly went along and was found to be clear.

The clinic told me that mine was one of the worst cases of Herpes that they had seen and I suffered terribly with painful sores on my genitals and anus for years. Then, about five years ago I developed a painful rash on my backside. I went to the doctors who advised me that this was shingles???!!! I now suffer outbreaks of this every month or so. Once the blisters have broken the rash can turn angry and purple and I suffer pain into my legs and ankles some time before and after an outbreak. I have read that it is possible for me to have had genital shingles and that this is a common missdiagnosis. Is this true and has anyone else had this problem. I have no idea what I actually have or if by some sad circumstance I have both conditions??

Does anyone have any advice and how can I prevent so many outbreaks of this?