I [29F] was diagnosed today with HSV1.
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Up until about three days ago I thought it was a yeast infection-- since I am on my period (how wonderful is that?)and I sometimes can show symptoms of a yeast infection right beforehand or during I just assumed it was that. I've also had chronic UTIs in the past, so I know I could rule out that. Went into the urgent care, described my symptoms and then I personally conducted my swab. Prescribed me with antifungal and sent me on my way. In the following hours they called me to let me know that my test was sent out wrong and I needed to come back in... 🤪 But of course!
Next day I go to pee... And hunny, when I tell you the burning... I knew something else was going down.
I go back into urgent care to redo my swab, no biggie. They basically tell me to take my antifungal and if things get worse to go to the ER.
The night time comes... The pain turns up about 3 levels and at this point I have to take a look at what else is happening. Now before this moment, I was experiencing a rash and some funky discoloration (again, assumed to be yeast) this time I take a look and my beautiful flower is now the front of the Titanic. Open sore/ulcers up and DOWN miss girl. I know at this point I gotta go to the ER.
I sit and cry in front of the ER doctor, explaining everything and he tells it to me straight that he thinks I have herpes. I did a little research at this point and I'm mostly confused and distraught. How do I tell my boyfriend [26M] who I've been with for 4 years? What do you mean I could have carried this for quite some time? What do you mean he could have carried it and never knew? What does this mean about our sex life and how will we adjust? Too many questions and not enough answers.
Today I got some results back: not only am I positive for HSV1 but I am in fact dealing with a yeast infection on top of that. (WHILE ALSO ON MY PERIOD). 😵💫
I left work early today because I have quite an active and movement required job and the pain was quite literally unbearable.
They prescribed me the antiviral, which I'm hoping does the job. I have some lidocaine but it unfortunately has Benzoyl Alcohol in it so there is of course more burning. Taking some ibuprofen here and there, but it tears up my stomach.
I have no idea what to do about this pain. The soaking in water hurts, the dryness hurts, the Vaseline does nothing, I feel like I'm frying chicken on my damn coochie!! I've had UTIs so bad they've turned into kidney infections, but this is a whole new level of burning and discomfort.
As of right now I've been sleeping most of the day and trying to minimize sugar/carb intake to lessen the affects of the yeast infection. Although I really don't have an appetite.
I just really need some advice about how to deal with this pain. I noticed my symptoms about the time my period started (a week ago) but the pain has gotten much worse since then. How long do I gotta deal with this? How long does this active pain continue?
Please help a girly out 💕
TL;DR: I got diagnosed with HSV1 and a yeast infection on the same day all whilst on my period. The pain is intolerable and I'm looking for any sort of solution. I've tried ibuprofen, lidocaine, water peeing/soaking in the tub, Vaseline and nothing seems to help. Prescribed both antifungal and antivirals. Sleeping the day away for now.