I think I'm having an outbreak

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Queen Burger - 02 Jun 2004 11:58 GMT

This would be my first one after my initial outbreak, so I'm not quite
sure, which is why I'm coming to you guys to help me.

First of all, this weekend, I didn't really take care of myself. I
slept probably about 6 hours total (between Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday), and Sunday night/Monday morning I stayed up until about 5
a.m. (and woke up the next day at 1:00 p.m.).

I haven't necessarily been having any suspect itching...it sorta
happened a little bit around maybe Friday or Saturday, but it wasn't
out of control or anything (meaning, I wasn't itching most of the
time, especially when I was occupied. If I was sitting, I may itch a
little, but it'd go away). I guess I had a little bit of tingling,
but nothing that seemed major or strange.

Last night (Tuesday), I began feeling those flu-like symptoms again.
So I checked "down there" (since I have HSV-1 genitally) and didn't
see any signs of anything (meaning, no redness out of the ordinary, no
sores). this morning, I took 1000 mg of Valtrex, 1000 mg of Lysine,
500 mg of Vitamin C, and multivitamin. I still feel achy and warmish.
I also have this tiny red mark on my upper lip that hasn't turned
into anything since I noticed it yesterday (it could've been there
before, for all I know...I'm pretty hot right now and could've
developed as my temp rose). I'm worried it's HSV-1 on my mouth, but
it's not a bump nor is it growing. It could be a zit, I have no idea,
but I have been having pimple breakouts lately as well.

Am I having an outbreak? What kind? And what do I do to deal? And
exactly when can I pinpoint the beginning of this outbreak (just so I
know what's going on in my body for next time)?

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M.L.S. - 02 Jun 2004 14:31 GMT

>This would be my first one after my initial outbreak, so I'm not quite
>sure, which is why I'm coming to you guys to help me.

>First of all, this weekend, I didn't really take care of myself. I
>slept probably about 6 hours total (between Friday, Saturday, and
>Sunday), and Sunday night/Monday morning I stayed up until about 5
>a.m. (and woke up the next day at 1:00 p.m.).

>I haven't necessarily been having any suspect itching...it sorta
>happened a little bit around maybe Friday or Saturday, but it wasn't
>out of control or anything (meaning, I wasn't itching most of the
>time, especially when I was occupied. If I was sitting, I may itch a
>little, but it'd go away). I guess I had a little bit of tingling,
>but nothing that seemed major or strange.

>Last night (Tuesday), I began feeling those flu-like symptoms again.
>So I checked "down there" (since I have HSV-1 genitally) and didn't
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>it's not a bump nor is it growing. It could be a zit, I have no idea,
>but I have been having pimple breakouts lately as well.

>Am I having an outbreak? What kind? And what do I do to deal? And
>exactly when can I pinpoint the beginning of this outbreak (just so I
>know what's going on in my body for next time)?

It's hard to say, and since you zapped it with Valtrex, you'll
probably never know. If it was an outbreak the Valtrex should stop
it in its tracks. If it doesn't you should give your Doc a call and
see what he or she says.

And, yes, the lack of sleep over the weekend could have led to an
outbreak, but that's the way that goes. ;-)

Have fun, but take care.

Mike

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M2slo2cht@nospam.invalid - 02 Jun 2004 16:35 GMT

>Am I having an outbreak?

You're a better judge of that than anyone else. Over time, you'll
learn to recognize them for yourself. But everybody's different and
what you're describing may or may not be an outbreak.

>What kind?

Hard to say until you see or feel some obvious symptoms. Could be both
locations, could be just one.

>And what do I do to deal?

Physically? ... or emotionally?
If you'd prefer to knock it in the head, the valtrex should do that.
If I were you though, I'd just let it run it's course once just to see
how it affects you. If it's a problem, you can treat future outbreaks.
Probably though, it'll be no big deal really. Just my 2 cents.
If you mean how to deal emotionally, there's lots of ways. Finding a
confidant to talk with is one way. Or join a group. As far as putting
it out of your head for hours at a time, and as long as you're serious
about law school, you could kill two birds with one stone and study
your butt off. It's just a rash so occupying your mind with something
else won't hurt. ..... another 2 cents.

>And
>exactly when can I pinpoint the beginning of this outbreak (just so I
>know what's going on in my body for next time)?

I know you weren't crazy about my first two suggestions. But here's
one that can help. Keep a journal. Maybe on a calendar or something
but this is a long term project so don't just jot it on bits and
scraps. Put down everything that comes to mind that might be prodrome
or symptom or trigger. Also which medication you take, how much, and
when. Also, when the prodrome stops and when the symptoms start/stop.
Anything and everything that can help you establish a pattern or
connection later.
Granted, taking meds from the git go will mask how the outbreaks would
normally act. So you may never learn what an unmedicated outbreak
might be like (which may be good or may not). But keeping a written
record is a much better system than trying to keep track of it in your
head. It's to easy to lose track of time over the long haul without
having it written down.

M2

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Pain Devine - 02 Jun 2004 22:25 GMT

So what if you're having an outbreak? You're worrying yourself sick. Relax,
and maybe go see a shrink... They are a lot of fun. I always have a big
smile on my face after I see my shrink. A psycologist would be able to help
you cope with your situation in a better way. Maybe even give you ideas of
how to date now that you've got this problem. The worrying you're doing is
far worse than the disease you have. The worrying is the problem, not the
disease.

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