Great information Grace. You do a phenomenal job. The service this website provides in invaluable.
They don't have any long term discordant couples stats out there unfortunately. I know for myself - my longest relationship since I"ve had hsv2 was 11 years and he's hsv2 negative yet. I know couples who have been discordant for longer than that.
The emotional side of herpes is far more of an issue than the physical conequences. For the vast majority of folks who have oral or genital herpes - it's an annoyance. Very few folks have complications from it.
grace
Assuming I have had very mild symptoms for the past 10 yrs, and now because I'm aware can probably recongnize more of them, what are the statistics on my wife becoming infected? I know you've said a number of times it's about bad luck, but I wonder if there's any research out there that shows if long term discordant couple can remain that way? Also, from your experience, which would you say is more serious Physical consequences of herpes or the emmotional and phycological effects?
Herpes isn't horrible for the majority of folks who have it. In fact for most folks it's so mild that they aren't even aware that they are infected until tested ( which I think you will agree with ).
I'd confirm your infection with an additional test though. The journal entry has more details and saves my fingers :)
grace
I am 500mg of Valtrex, and my wife and I have recently started utilizing condoms. I tested using the Herpeselect specific test. My question is this; I read a lot of postings from people that make herpes sound horrible. I have had this for 10 years, and can probably think back of a couple of "bothersome" times, but not more than that. Is genital herpes a mild skin condition like oral herpes, or is it really that much more serious?
Yes it's quite possible that you've went this long without transmitting hsv2 to your wife even with not taking any precautions.
Since your hsv2 is low - you should probably confirm it with an additional blood test. See my journal entry on blood tests to see which ones are best for this.
grace