Prolonged Symptoms Genital HSV-1

[Mikeintrouble]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a terrible time, over 3 months after a primary outbreak of genital HSV-1.  (I believe I also have HSV-1 on my lip...this presented itself only once, about 1.5 years ago, and I suspect it came from the same person).

It began with fatigue and a terrible feeling of malaise, unlike anything I've felt before, followed shortly after by the appearance of genital sores.  It took 12 days for the sores to heal.  But other symptoms continued.  I had a sore throat that would constantly come and go, but subsided after about 1.5 months.  But the worst of it is the fatigue, which won't go away.  I last until around 9pm and then need to go to bed, or struggle to stay awake.  I've been having a lot of back pain (it was worse at first, but it is still bothering me); I also get sick a lot, and in general, I feel like I'm always on the brink of getting sick or catching a cold.  My skin around the genital area continues to itch.  (Initially, the very mild case of dandruff on my scalp became itchy to the point of bleeding, and is now more or less back to normal). Three months and counting.                            

I'm really not sure what to do.  By far the worst part about it all is that I believe I have infected my girlfriend. The virus must have been dormant in my body for about 2 years.  I had no idea.  Her sores appeared just after mine did, 3 months ago, and she is experiencing the same symptoms (or very similar: rather than her back, her hips bother her; she also gets headaches).  My heart sinks every time she experiences any sort of pain.  It hurts me beyond belief.  I would do anything in the world to help her.  I'm so devastated.  I can only hope that our symptoms will eventually wane, and hopefully will not return.        
  
Can anyone offer any advice?  I have considered taking anti-viral medication.  Should we wait it out and see if it improves on its own?  (Even though we are still dealing with symptoms, I think they have improved somewhat).  Could taking the antiviral meds prevent or hinder the body from developing its own defenses?  (I haven't read an answer to this question anywhere.  The doctors I've spoken with seem clueless on almost all matters of importance.  (I've had to educate them on some very basic facts about HSV).  Are there doctors that specialize in treating STD's who might know more? (The doctor I spoke with recently said there were none. Can this be right?).  Might antiviral drugs work against the continuous, more long term symptoms we are dealing with?            

I would really, sincerely appreciate your advice,

Mike

[Mikeintrouble]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.  I have not had recurrent outbreaks, just one.  The sores healed after 12 days, but the other symptoms (fatigue, back pain, susceptibility to illness) have continued...three months now and counting.  Same thing with my girlfriend.  She was swabbed and tested positive for HSV-1.  My sores healed and so couldn't be swab tested, but it's pretty clear that our condition is the same.    Mike  

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, if youve been tested positive for genital herpes and are having recurrent outbreaks the taking antivirals would be recommended esp if you are sexually active.
Maybe have your partner tested now to see if they have it as would make your life with her much easier.