Coping with Herpes and Post herpetic neuralgia.

Thank you for responding to my post. I am not familiar with Hbalm, but I am so happy it has helped you tremendously. I was taking Lyrica before. Its an anticonvulsant for post herpetic neuralgia pain. I havent taken it since I started practice Hatha yoga 5 days a week. It has helped me with the pain as it relaxes my nerves and muscles which helps with circulation and inflammation. I think the licorice and golden seal are very helpful along with the vitamine C and echinacea. I am guessing the licorice and golden seal might help you make your blood alkaline and the vitamin C and echinacea must help you with the immune system. I used to take licorice before in KM by matol which helps make your blood alkaline. I have so much respect and compassion for anybody else going through post herpetic neuralgia. Only people who experience it on a daily basis know what its like. That nerve sensitivity at the lesion that turns into pain as the nerves get excited when signals get sent to them throughout the day as the day goes by, and being that those nerves are inflammed. Its certainly the biggest challenge. I am going to look into it and ask my herbologist /homeopathic medicine man about it. I am sure I can always look for the teas as well. 

I just looked up H balm and it makes a lot of sense. I know that my homeopathic medicine man uses lemon balm oil or melissa officinalis to make the remedies that he will be sending me as well as Saint Johns Wort. Those oils really help with the discomfort because I used saint johns wort oil on my lesion where the pain remained in the lips of the vagina and it helped. I know that lemon balm tea its excellent to calm the central nervious system down. Yeah, these are homeopathic oils that helps with the pain and they are probably putting also antiviral oils in the H balm ointment. It must really calm those nerves down. Thank you so much... It s always great to see how other people treat this condition of post herpetic neuralgia in term of pain and intercourse....

The H balm not only prevented or stopped the outbreaks, but I guess even the smell worked as aromatherapy for me!  It was also a mental stress relief.   It definitely helped take away the pain in my whole groin area.  I could actually sleep and know that in the morning I wouldn't hurt! Oh, especially after intercourse!  I DREADED SEX!! As much as I really wanted it too!   I started taking St. Johns Wort again.  I was working at a pool for the summer so I had to stop taking it (sun+ St. J's = bad) .  But I am working indoors now, and I am taking it again.  Less stress = less OB's

I just think I am on the right steps now to a happier and less H-stressed mind!!  

Astatine

Astatine, where do you buy H balm from or where do you order it from? I need a reputable place. Also, why does Saint John's Wort plus the sun is bad for Herpes? I have never taken saint Johns wort because I am currently taking Lexapro, which is an antidepressant and antianxiety medication and the doctor told me that it interacts with saint Johns wort, so that's why I haven't taken it.  Do you take the saint John's wort in capsules? . By the way, the reason why I asked about H balm is because I am trying to find a good ointment to use to see if I am not in pain in that area in addition to all of the other things I am doing.

you can buy hbalm online, um, im not sure what website, but Im sure you can find many many sites that sell it.  Also, co-op type grociery stores,  such as Trader Joes has it.  Health food stores should also carry it.   Online is probably the easiest.  The Lysine i get is "Super Lysine +  Immune system" The brand is QUANTUM HEALTH.   It has Vitamin C, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice, Propolis and odorless Garlic. 

I still haven't had an outbreak since I started using this stuff.  I have been close though!  Usually before I get my period I start craving chocolate like nobody's business!  And chocolate has arginine, which feeds the Herpes virus.  I start getting a tingling/burning sensation and as soon as I feel that, I take about 3g of Lysine (3pills) about 2 or 3 times a day.   I apply the Hbalm ASAP, a few times a day.  By the next day, I have no more tingling. 

St Johns Wort is dangerous when in the sun because it releases A LOT of free radicals.  These can be EXTREMELY dangerous because they are like the seeds of cancer.  No matter how old or how young, or how healthy, this is one thing you really want to be careful with.  Also when taking certain prescriptions.  Some meds, especially antidepressants can be detrimental when taken with St Johns Wort. 

Hi!I suffer from what you are talking about and I am in pain on a regular basis.I don't know what to do I was diagnosed last week with herpes.I am so scared and I pray there is hope for me somewhere.I can't even get a job because of the pain.I read your information and I am thinking about trying it to see if it can help me.I have outbreaks thru out the month always.I always feel sweaty around my bottom and vaginal area.I lose sleep over pain I am so tired of it.I have battled with this since 1998 and my family dr. who is knew figured out that I had herpes by a phyiscal.I thought I was just breaking out from sweating but could never figure out that my bladder would act up causing pain and going to the bathroom a lot.It is very painful.Thanks for your information.

Hi astatine, I just read your message and that is EXACTLY what I am going thru.  I was diagnosed with herpes about 2 1/2 months ago (at age 50, believe it or not!) and now it aches in my groin area constantly and hurts every time I have sex with my boyfriend.  Can you help with where I can find hbalm?  I will also track down Lysine.   thank you so much for your help!

Hey there. Sorry to hear your new diagnosis.  But it's not the end of the world.  Lots of people have it!!  More than you know!!  Good luck.  I hope I can help you through this.  The best thing you can do is educate yourself on herpes.  You need to become an expert!!  An expert of your body and your health.   Keep a diary.  A little notebook you can take everywhere with you. 

Here is some of my best advice for taking control of your herpes.

Accept it. You have it.  But IT DOESN't HAVE TO CONTROL YOU LIFE!  You can control it! It will never go away.  But you can do things in your life to help reduce the amount of outbreaks.  I have tried SO MANY THINGS.  Everybody is different. 

Here are some basics that I have learned.

Chocolate is Herpes' best friend.  Look up (google) ARGININE.   Herpes feeds off this amino acid.  Stay away from the foods containing arginine.  If you do eat foods containing a lot of it (such as nuts or chocolate) take a couple lysine pills. 

Stress is Herpes' 2nd best friend.  Sometimes there is nothing you can do about the stress in your life.  So you need to learn to recognize when you are stressed.  Take some lysine, relax, get a massage, watch a cartoon.  Learn to take care of yourself. 

Take B VITAMINS!  They are amazing for stress!  Get rid of your stress! (sounds so easy huh! :))  ZINC is also GREAT with healing the skin.

Always carry some lysine with you.  Always carry Hbalm with you.  I have a little zipper pouch with q-tips in my purse.  I wrapped the Hbalm bottles with a little purple elastic tape so the bottle is protected and if anyone ever sees it, it's label is covered and no one ever has to know.  Use one q-tip at a time.  Never cross contaminate. 

Never have sex when you think you are having or going to have an outbreak.. IT WILL MAKE THINGS WORSE!  You can have fun, doing other things, use your imagination.  Foreplay always helps me.  The more turned on I get, the wetter I get, the less friction there is, the better it feels the less chance of an outbreak.   Sometimes, lubes just don't cut it.  YOU need to be wet.  Don't let your boyfriend cum inside you.  It irritates the HECK out of me!  Semen has a lot of proteins that are not vagina friendly when herpes is involved. 

I'm sure you have taken a mirror and had a nice peek during an outbreak.  Well, stop.

The more I looked down there, the more freaked out I got!  Then I got even more stressed out.  So, I like to think: out of sight out of mind.  But dont' ignore it.  Stop the outbreak before it starts!   

I tried acyclovir.   This prescription  is taken once or twice a day. Without insurance is very expensive.  It works for some people.  It didn't work for me.  I prefer to go hollistically- natural remedies and supplements versus prescription drugs. 

I also tried zovirax.  Also didn't work.  Actually made me worse. 

But, if you have the option and want to try it, go for it.  I know it works for some people just great!!

Birthcontrol and hormones also play a big role in outbreaks, I think.

I was on Dep-provera for a few years, and during the last year,  my estrogen levels were really low and my vagina was very dry and it made my outbreaks even worse.  I am now on Yaz.  I feel a lot better and I am not dry anymore.  Sex is comfortable now.

Like I said earlier: everyone is different.  You need to research it.  Keep a notebook or folder of everying you learn about it.   

You can buy hbalm online, um, im not sure what website, but Im sure you can find many many sites that sell it.  Also, co-op type grociery stores,  such as Trader Joes has it.  Health food stores should also carry it.   Online is probably the easiest.  The Lysine i get is "Super Lysine +  Immune system" The brand is QUANTUM HEALTH.   It has Vitamin C, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice, Propolis and odorless Garlic. 

I still haven't had an outbreak since I started using this stuff.  I have been close though!  Usually before I get my period I start craving chocolate like nobody's business!  And chocolate has arginine, which feeds the Herpes virus.  I start getting a tingling/burning sensation and as soon as I feel that, I take about 3g of Lysine (3pills) about 2 or 3 times a day.   I apply the Hbalm ASAP, a few times a day.  By the next day, I have no more tingling. 

St Johns Wort is great for stress but  is dangerous when in the sun because it releases A LOT of free radicals.  These can be EXTREMELY dangerous because they are like the seeds of cancer.  No matter how old or how young, or how healthy, this is one thing you really want to be careful with.  Also when taking certain prescriptions.  Some meds, especially antidepressants can be detrimental when taken with St Johns Wort.

I hope this helps!

Please respond with questions or advice!!  Let me know if it helps!!

Astatine 

You are so amazing...I had no idea chocolate was a trigger, and after you suggested to not let your boyfriend come inside, I tried it for the first time and NO PAIN afterwards...I was shocked.  I can't wait to pick up the B vitamins and Lysine.  It is so nice to feel like you are not alone in this awful, painful, embarrassing disease.  God Bless you; I will let you know how I am doing! 

Im so glad it didn't hurt!!!  That is awesome!!  Keep me posted.

I am going to try the yoga, Sam!

I will also keep you posted.  I'm kinda excited to learn about it!

Thanks!!!!

Astantine, try savananda yoga daily for the post herpetic neuralgia or nerve pain.  And you will see, I promise you it will help.  Its the only thing that has helped me manage my post herpetic neuralgic pain.  Even prescription drugs like lyrica ( for post herpetic neuralgia) or accupuncture don't compare to the benefits I have gotten from savananda yoga ( a type of hatha yoga).  It s the only thing that helps for the pain. I take no aspirins.

I will be extremely honest with you. I dealt with major chronic neuralgic pain for almost a year, until I found Hatha Yoga.  It has been the only thing that has helped me manage the chronic pain.  I do Savananda yoga.  Look it up. By now I have the entire routine down pack.  I like to go to the center everyday, but if by any reason I can't make it. I will then do it at home.  I do a full hour of asanas and about a half an hour of breathing exercises in between the asanas. This has given me me life back. Now, understand that it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, but it is worth it becuase it not only takes away my pain, but it also keeps me relaxed throughout the day, thus decreasing the likelihood I would get outbrakes. Right now I ve got to get back to work.  But, I still want to give you more suggestions. For now, look up Christopher Scipio's book. Its the bible I pretty much rule my life living with herpes by.  The book its called making peace with herpes by christopher scipio.  Please read it and follow his suggestions of food , supplements to the letter. Its the only thing that has given me my life back.  I suggest you do a consultation with him, he has a clinic in canada where he treats about 300 patients with herpes a year with homeopathic remedies.  I take his remedies and its the only thing that has decreased my outbrakes.  And trust me, I was on valtrex for 10 months and now I am no longer on valtrex, or on lyrica (due to savananda yoga) or on antidepressants due to the physical and emotional pain.  Please write to me about any other concerns you might have.

Sam:  I can't tell you how much I appreciate your note.  I have ordered the book by Christopher Scipios as well as some of the Hbalm and soap.  I will read it, and also look into where I might find the yoga you referred to here.  Thank you again....it means so much to know you are not going crazy and there is someone else who understands this constant pain.  May God bless. 

I am so excited for you.  You will see... you will become an expert in herpes and postherpetic neuralgia soon, and u will be able to learn to manage your chronic pain.  I am so happy that my experience with post herpetic neuralgia, and all of that I have been through, and all of that I know now has enabled me to help you.  One of the best things that happened to me were finding savanda yoga and christopher scipio's herbal, homeopathic remedies.  You know I am 35 and I was getting outbrakes right before my period every month due to my age, and they would last for 2 weeks, and then they would heal, I always had the neuralgia throughout. Neuralgia never gave me a brake.  Then, I found Scipio and he made me the remedies which balanced my hormones, which is extremely important to keep me outbrake free right before my period. See a woman between 35 and menopause has certain unbalanced hormones which lead to outbrakes, so thanks to Scipio giving me remedies to balanced them out, now I dont dread getting my period.  I was so anxious about getting my period every month.   You know I even tried chinese antiviral herbs/accupuncture before I met scipio and I was still getting outbrakes before my period.   The accupuncture took my pain away, but it was a catch 22, because it would relax my nerves so they wouldnt hurt, so I was pain free for like a day and a half, but then the same nerves that it relaxed were stimulated by the needles, so it was counterproductive.  Having herpes is one thing, but having herpes and neuralgia is another totally different ball game.   

     Christopher Scipio's book will explain to you about avoiding coffee, caffeine, chocolate, all nuts and seeds, multigrain bread, oatmeal, processed foods, sugars and multigrain cereals. Stay away from all sugary processed deserts.  Stay away from black or green tea.  They have caffeine, and instead only have herbal teas.  Stay away from any trace of coffee, even decaff.   Avoid fried foods and white flour.  Remember that white flour turns straight up into sugar , so it will feed the herpes.  Anything with processed sugars will feed the herpes.  Anything with a lot of the aminoacid Arginine will fee the herpes. Instead you should eat tons of fish, tons and tons of fish, plain yogurt, only agave or honey as sweeteners, vegetables, fruits, seaweed such as wakame and dulse seaweed, papaya.  You can eat turkey and chicken too.  If you eat bread, only eat 100 percent whole wheat. It is very important that in the morning about an hr before you eat breakfast you make a carrot, ginger , apple and beet juice. Beets have tons and tons of lysine, which is the amino acid that does not feed herpes.  So you need to make that juice in the morning. I do every morning. Get a juicer.  Dandelion juice its an antiviral too and aloe vera keeps your blood alkaline.  Remember the goal is to keep your blood alkaline so that the environment is not suited for bacteria, virus or fungus to grow.  And also, to keep your arginine levels low and your immune system high.  In the book he emphasizes supplements you need to take daily like zinc, selenium, vitamine C, all of the Bs, or Super B.  Also take 4 pills of garlic daily.  During outbrake days you should take between 12 to 14 garlic pills. It purifies your blood.  And Sivananda yoga, yoga, yoga, yoga... Yoga will teach you to breathe the right way and so it will keep more oxygen in your body, so the virus is less likely to thrive in a body with tons of oxygen. I can't emphisize it enough.  Remember that yoga keeps you in parasympathetic mode, or relaxed mode, so that's an integral part of avoiding outbrakes and get plenty of sleep everynight . At least 8 hrs, because lack of sleep depresses your immune system. Drink tons of water a day. Make sure you drink your 8 big glasses. Its two liters.  Again, tons of oxygen will depress the herpes virus.