Herpes Doctor

Hello,

I am a otherwise healthy, active 30 year old female diagnosed w/ HSV 2, 10 years ago. I am a Registered Nurse and have done research on the Herpes Virus. Unfortunately, my HSV has become much worse in the past few months.

My pattern of reoccurence in the past would generally be during my period and the occasional unpredicted episodes. I take Valtrex and rarely have actual HSV lesions. When I feel the symptoms of HSV they can vary from just my genital and anal area to systemic (my entire body). This can range from nerve pain in my feet and hands to an itching sensation everywhere including my nose and scalp. I discovered approximately 7 years ago that I would feel the HSV symptoms nearly continuously if I didn't take a form of contraception (birth control). Although it sounds strange I have taken contraceptives for the past 10 years continuously and have had control of the HSV. (I have recently read articles regarding research suggesting a correlation between Estrogen, Progesterone and HSV in women).

Now I am experiencing symptoms of HSV everyday, approximately 15-20 hours/day. This includes the most severe symptoms I have ever experienced in the past, all over my body. I am aware that the virus remains dormant in the nerve ganglion, which would explain the symptoms being experienced as nerve pain and tingling. I am still taking contraceptive. I even tried a couple of different ones recently without improvement.

I am finding that the Valtrex really isn't helping that much currently, even taking it twice a day. I would probably have to take it multiple times each day to keep a constant level of the anti-viral in my system. This of course is not practical or safe for my kidneys. I have seen two Gynecologist so far and need to find a PCP (recently moved to a new city ironicly) and potentially a Neurologist. Both GYNs, although supportive did not really have answers and doubted that I was truly having HSV symptoms. Since I have had this for 10 years I do know exactly what the symptoms feel like. I am going to continue to see doctors until I find a specialist that can help.

The frequency of the HSV symptoms is having a major impact on my life. I sleep more because it is the only time I have relief. I feel like there is a barrier between me and other people when I feel these symptoms. Admittedly, I am becoming depressed from this and longing for "the old me". There was a time when this didn't feel like it controlled my life. In the past I controlled it with Valtrex and generally knew when to expect the symptoms.

Ultimately, I am looking for support from other people in this situation or an expert. I would like to find someone who has also been through, or is going through this. Honestly, I need hope. I can't imagine living with these symptoms this frequently for the rest of my life. Any insight?

Sincerely,
Mel : )

PS. If you are advertising a product to cure this please do not respond to this posting. I am well aware that there is not a cure for HSV yet.