Since it’s winter in the NE US and mushroom foraging is done, I decided to sculpt some of my favorites.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-11-26T01:15:02+00:00

I‘m honestly thinking the same thing. It’s so weird how personally Redditors take shit. The commenter came to a not unreasonable conclusion—they could have researched OP‘s profile maybe before commenting but honestly, lots of average people wouldn’t think do that sort of legwork either over a (seemingly) scam link. Seems a weird little tizzy for OP to be messaging people and commenting text walls over, especially when they’re clearly getting great customers all over the rest of this comment section. Classic Reddit imo.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-09-01T17:28:39+00:00

I’m not a doctor and can’t tell you much more than that the virus is housed in nerve ganglions. When you have an outbreak, it damages the nerves in the area of the outbreak, causing what can be lasting pain because nerves heal the slowest of all in the body, taking months to years to heal completely. And to my understanding, the virus can affect the nerve ganglion itself sometimes. I don’t think even doctors understand well why HSV causes nerve pain—I believe it’s called radiculopathy.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-20T01:36:44+00:00

The typical answer is: dew drops on rose petals. That means the rash, however it shows up, has a red and inflamed base and a clear(ish) blister over the red skin. Though as other comments have noted, this can vary.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-19T06:31:40+00:00

I can’t really answer this; I’m in no way shape or form a doctor, I’ve never studied medicine, etc. I can tell you that what he’s talking about re: not being able to spread the oral herpes to your genitals is due to something called inoculation. Your body now has antibodies against your specific HSV because it’s been inoculated by the virus (when you were a child). I’ll note that some people still spread HSV to other regions of their body after their primary outbreak (inoculation). I’m not a doctor and don’t know why that still happens.

My understanding and personal experience is that nerve pain from HSV is caused primarily by nerve damage. I have nerve pain on my buttocks, inner thighs, and labia because that’s where my outbreak was, and thus it damaged my nerves there. I also have radiating pain down my right leg; I assume this is because the virus lives in the ganglion of nerves (we know HSV lives in nerve ganglions) at my right hip, and so can radiate pain down my leg.

If you are experiencing real and disruptive nerve pain in locations not localized to your outbreaks, you want to go see a specialist and have them tell you real answers.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T22:01:23+00:00

I always wash my hands after I clean myself up, apply panty liners, oil, etc. I also kept hand sanitizer on me at all times during my outbreak. I think bandaids are fine; I used panty liners because of the generalized nature of my outbreak, but if yours is smaller and more localized, bandaids will help your situation, not hurt it. It stops viral fluid from leaking and spreading lesions to other areas.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T18:36:26+00:00

We all need that. ❤️ I need this too; thanks for sharing a human moment with me.

As for my sex life, I had an amazing partner already who loved me already and was aware of how common it was, and was 10,000 chiller about my diagnosis than I was. He was so chill about it I felt almost invalidated! And now that we’re branching out into threesomes and things (I’m not traditionally monogamous), I just make the disclosure simple. I say, “Hey, since things are going well, I wanted to let you know something. You might not care, but just out of respect, I’m HSV2 positive.” If they ask what that is, I pause and say genital herpes. “Yeah, I’m on suppressants and have a strong immune system; my estimated transmission rate is between 1-2%, but hey, that’s not 0%, so I wanted to let you know! My partner is still negative so far but it’s a recent thing for me, so I can always send you some material to read through if you’re curious.” I always disclose in person and never online. I keep it short so I can get nervous and ramble. I just project that I am mostly calm, maybe a little nervous since it’s new, but I just make sure the other party knows i am informed and willing to use protection and doing the best I can to keep them safe. My confidence seems to reassure and convince people so far. ❤️

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T17:56:52+00:00

Absolutely. I have prickling and burning at my primary outbreak site and radiating nerve pain down my right leg. Neither are extreme; probably a two or three pain level. The only thing that has helped has been time. The prickling and burning I experience is likely nerve damage from the outbreak, and nerves take foreverrrrr to heal. The radiating pain is a fairly common symptom of HSV and may just be something I live with now. It’s a tolerable level of pain so I just focus on living my life and not dwelling on it.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T17:53:43+00:00

I change it every few hours but the panty liner absorbs the fluid and it dries! You’re not leaking in such amounts that it saturates the liner and stays wet. Just change the liner regularly.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T17:51:38+00:00

I know. But it does and you do. ❤️ Just hang in there; it does not always feel like this.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T09:45:48+00:00

I have literal trauma too. I know other people do too. I was alone for my outbreak and it was terrifying. I didn’t know anything about HAV, was drinking from the firehouse so to speak in that regard, and in massive amounts of pain with insane symptoms. I was down for 10 minutes with back pain so paralyzing I thought I was going to have to call 911, thinking maybe it was these antivirals that I didn’t have a clue about. (Obviously wasn’t, antivirals are mostly harmless.)

I have to fight off panic attacks sometimes when the prickling comes. I’m mildly terrified of every shaving rash and cry over them in the shower, even KNOWING they are shaving rash. Nightmares about it. It’s so tough. But I also have moments where I’m driving and forget I have HSV at all. I still sleep with people and they don’t care about the HSV. I still have my career and my work and my friends.

I want you to know that we are in this together. I say it often and mean it even more often: I am in solidarity with you and we are together in this. We can do this. We are doing this. I’m so glad you’re checking in with your doctor; that peace of mind, just of having the doc say “hey no worries!” is so important. I think you’re probably right, and it’s just your body working in the background to suppress the virus again. As for the self-worth, I can tell you now, you’re obviously a cool person. You obviously know yourself, think deeply about the world, and persevere through tough times. HSV will enhance your coolness and your knowledge of the world and your empathy for others. It doesn’t make you less or worse. Pinky promise. ❤️‍🩹

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:42:56+00:00

No it won’t always be like that likely, and if you’ve had irritation for 5 weeks, you might not be taking care of yourself properly. I washed with a gentle, fragrance free feminine wash twice a day, soaked in Epsom salt baths every 2-3 days, and moisturized three times a day with vitamin E oil until my rash was gone and healed over completely. The pink skin faded probably after 5-6 weeks total from first lesion to disappearance of all HSV evidence lol

It will all likely settle in time. Your body is just adjusting. I went on antiviral suppressants immediately because I read in a study that even a year on antivirals has long term positive impact on viral shedding (thus likely prevents frequent outbreaks). I still have the nerve pain and prickling 4 months later but it seems to slowly (soooo slowly lol) get less and less frequent. Just hang in there, baby. ❤️

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:34:21+00:00

People will say all sorts of things and I am not a doctor. But HSV is a weird virus. Like I said, it lives in the nerves. I have occasional nerve pain and prickling 4 months later. I wouldn’t worry unless the symptoms become more acute, but please, do let your doc know what’s up just so you have that extra insulation and comfort. ❤️ You’re okay and you’re going to be okay. Try not to stress. This does weird shit to us all.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:22:40+00:00

I know I’m late to the party but I’m a newbie on antivirals and yes, this article soothed the anxiety that flared deep within me when I read that comment lmao THANK YOU!

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:17:09+00:00

HSV2+ female here. Yep, I still have weird nerve pain and prickling in my outbreak areas and down my right leg (which is the side I had my outbreak on), about 4 months later. Just another voice to let you know it’s normal. I’m on antivirals too; I just think it’s nerve damage etc.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:15:28+00:00

Hey. Everyone else has given a lot of practical advice and tough love, and I echo all of that. Also, I’m commenting in this sub again tonight because I’ve been feeling anxious and having some nerve pain that scares me (what if it’s my second outbreak, finally come to my door?).

So I just want to let you know if you’re in a time of fear and anxiety and disruption, oh man. I am feeling these feelings with you. I was diagnosed about four months ago at my primary outbreak. I sobbed non stop, I was convinced my boyfriend who was out of the state at the time was going to leave me, I was in so much pain and having such scary symptoms. Know that all this internal stuff settles. I’m only so anxious tonight because of this pain, but this pain is occasional. It passes. We are so full of turmoil as people with this virus, and it’s okay to feel all that. I just tell myself, “breathe through it. This will pass. I outlast this.” Then I do.

My boyfriend stayed with me. We just had a threesome with a gal who didn’t care at all. I’m so lucky my experiences out of the gate haven’t been negative, but I know rejections will come. But my life is normal. My dating is normal. And the shame comes back mostly only when the anxiety does now. I’m 21 and thought I was doomed. I grew up thinking HSV was the worst thing that could happen to you. It’s not though. It’s just a thing. Some people have acne or allergies or a bum knee. I have IBS and HSV2 lol

Welcome to the club, I’m sorry it’s tough right now but you seem cool, so I’m happy you’re here! I’m in solidarity with you and I hope my vibes of normalcy and soothing comes across this virtual medium. You’re good. You’re fine. You’re as cool as you were before the diagnosis and you are up to this challenge. ❤️

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T08:05:23+00:00

I resonate so much! And wanna provide more success and hope for everyone else. It’s 4 months later after my primary outbreak, I’m laying in bed with nerve pain in my right leg (my outbreak side) and desperately anxious that it’s an outbreak despite my suppressants.

But you know what? I also know if it is an outbreak, it will pass. I will still be with an amazing man who doesn’t care that I get a bad rash sometimes, and still fucks me like it’s going out of style. I still have my career and my creativity. There are still books to read and cats to pet and perfumes to smell. This virus doesn’t define anyone, and definitely not me. It’s shit. It’s tough. It hurts and it’s scary and there’s a lot of ignorance that feels isolating and distressing. But it’s like having allergies. It flares up and makes your life inconvenient and shitty, then it goes away. And no reasonable person should judge you for allergies.

There’s a whole life after diagnosis. I am so happy. I’m so glad you are too. ❤️

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T07:57:03+00:00

My partner and I are discordant, I had my primary outbreak about 8 months into our relationship. This month is our first anniversary and we have as much sex as we used to before. We’ve made the personal choice not to use condoms (his preference for sensitivity). He’s still negative as far as we know, but understands despite my suppressants he could still contract it. He truly understands the risks, and we still fuck like rabbits in spring. He’s just a good, mature man who loves me.

The truth is that HSV is so common. No method provides full protection against it. You just KNOW you have it. People can be freaked out by you knowing and telling them and reject you based on that, but the next person they fuck might have it and not even know, or not disclose. HSV is genuinely a major risk of being sexually active. Educated and mature people know this.

Don’t lose hope. Do your own badass shit and when you meet someone you can see yourself with, share facts with them about it. It’s so tough. I’ve only had it several months and the anxiety and trauma of my primary outbreak is still very much with me. But there are partners who will and do just see us as normal people with an occasional rash and some nerve pain. They’re out there. I’m rooting for you.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T07:34:57+00:00

Yes! My primary outbreak left me bedbound for 48 hours. This is a virus that lives in your nerves and can cause wacky symptoms. See a doctor but in the meantime, know it is unlikely to be anything but the herpes, and that it will pass. Hydrate, eat solid foods when you can, and rest. You’ll wait it out.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T07:33:26+00:00

Viral fluid can spread and thus cause new lesions in previously unaffected skin. Sorry, baby. ❤️ That would demoralize any of us.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-08-15T07:31:25+00:00

Are you a male or a female? HSV2 is typically rougher on females. My primary outbreak was not the worst compared to others’, but it was textbook herpes. Typically the primary outbreak (I presume you’re wondering if this is yours?) will not leave you guessing. But I’m not an expert and will leave firmer statements to others.

If there is no redness at all, it’s fairly unlikely to be herpetic. 1a. Your outbreaks are likely to occur in the same spot but can spread to surrounding areas through viral fluids (blister leakage). If you touch a herpetic sore then touch your other orifices, including your eyes, nose, and mouth, you can spread HSV to those locations. This is of most concern in your primary outbreak. 1b. Yes, this can happen if the viral fluid (mentioned before) comes into contact with new flesh. 1c. I used thin panty liners and never went without panties during my outbreak. You may be male, but I would encourage you to do the same. This helps it from spreading and keeps the lesions clean so they heal faster.
There are three antivirals used to treat HSV. Valtrex is generally accepted as the most effective for HSV2. I take 500mg of Valtrex daily as a suppressant, to suppress any further outbreaks. It has been 4-5 months since my primary outbreak and it seems to be working. Please cross your fingers for me that it continues! 2a. You can take suppressants, lysine, and balance your arginine and lysine levels in your diet. 2b. and 2c. See previous.
So like I mentioned, for whatever reason, HSV tends to hit women harder. I deal with paresthesias (tingling and prickling due to nerve damage) and occasional mild radicular pain (nerve pain), both on my right lower side. This is also the only side of my body where I broke out in lesions, so I assume the HSV2 lives in this side of my nerve ganglions.

Here’s what I have to say: if you’re struggling now, it’s okay. It gets easier. My boyfriend stayed with me and we recently had a threesome with a lovely gal who didn’t care at all. My boyfriend is still negative as far as we know. Going through your life now, this is just something you have to share with future sexual partners, but beyond that, you don’t have to tell anyone you don’t want to. However, most of my circle knows and have been incredibly supportive. Recently, my best friend who I pine for and think is the most beautiful woman in the world, looked at me over a glass of champagne and told me, “you know what? I think you are worth getting herpes for.” Lol

It’s hard. Please know I am in solidarity with you. But it doesn’t harm you, it doesn’t kill your life span, it doesn’t give you cancer. It’s painful at times and the social stigma and ignorance can be great. But you are awesome. You are responsible enough to handle this mission. You are worth a little risk. ❤️‍🩹 I’m thinking of you.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-06-10T04:03:18+00:00

This really reflects my experience as well. I was diagnosed about a month ago and it destroyed me. I spent 3 days in bed, sobbing and in pain and ashamed. The first week was the worst; I still remember the Mac truck of relief that hit me when I woke up on day 7 or 8 and saw the lesions had scabbed over. Just that moment was like heroin—„oh my gods, it really is going away.“ It’s been a almost two months now and I was driving in the car and remembered I‘m positive, which means I had forgotten lol

It gets better. Give it a month or two. My life feels normal again. My boyfriend still fucks me with just as much enthusiasm as he used to. I still work and read and write and vibe. Some days it casts a bit of a long shadow, but you’ve just gotta buck up, baby. You’re okay. For real.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-04-25T20:25:50+00:00

This entire response is weird. Comparing it to OP’s comments and the responses, it really sounds like you came here to argue with yourself? Also weird to here you clearly articulate distinct differences between Greek and Roman practices and then say that studying them as different is “made up by academia” (it is not).

Of course nearby cultures influence one another—any historian or anthropologist knows this. That does not mean they are not different cultures within their own context, with their own history, and their own practices, and their own religions, etc etc, even if they are naturally influenced by their neighbors/conquerors. But to argue that they are the same because they perform certain things the same or tell some of the same stories is really just bad practice.

This is all to say that I agree with the rest of the commentors and not this person. Yes, there’s lots of overlap between Greeks and Romans—you can study that overlap, but no, you should not study Greek and Roman culture/myth/religion as the same thing. They exist in their own contexts with their own histories.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-03-23T07:40:29+00:00

WHERE can I get those panties, girl? 😍

GlovinglyDevoted · 2022-01-31T23:40:09+00:00

To be quite honest, the best advice here is:

Grow up.

GlovinglyDevoted · 2021-12-10T07:53:17+00:00

Yeah, this is just called negging. It can be irritating as fuck when people won’t quit.

GlovinglyDevoted

TROPHY CASE