So I slept with someone in early January. About 2 weeks later I had cold - like symptoms such as stuffed nose, very sore throat (so sore I went to an urgent care and got checked for strep. They gave me a shot of penicillin to help the pain but it wasn’t strep), cough and just general unwell feeling. I live in Ohio and the weather has been crazy so I thought that might have something to do with it. I slept with this person twice. Fast forward to this month, February. I got sick again, And went to urgent care again. This time I was really thinking, maybe this COULD be an STD, because I am knowledgeable of symptoms. And also.... google 🤦🏽‍♀️

The doctor was puzzled by me because this because I only had a sore throat. About 2 weeks later (which is now) I found 3 open sores (almost like ulcers but small) around my vaginal opening. I was immediately freaked out and started googling. In the end of the month of January and most of February I’ve been sexually active with my son’s father. We’re not together. I was afraid that maybe he slept with someone else and gave me something. But I’ve made the connection between the sore throat in January and then everything this month, realizing that the first guy gave me something. I have more than 3 sores now and went to a Walgreens clinic for an std test. She told me that they don’t do pelvic exams but I showed her a picture and told her about my throat pain. She was on the fence about it but I told her I was going to see my doctor in a few days. She prescribed me valtrex and I’ve seen the sores start to heal. I now have bumps on my tongue and mouth. My son’s father also hasn’t felt well and sent me a picture of his genital bumps. I’ve been crying for about a week. I’m honestly praying it’s herpes and nothing worse such as HIV. My appointment with my gyno is today. I just had to get all of this out somewhere... I know this is a lot so if you made it this far... you’re a champ. I’ll be back to update.

02/23/19 Update: my partner was confirmed with having herpes. I am honestly extremely depressed at this point. It’s been a hard week. Mostly just mad and disappointed in myself. I’m trying to push through, seeking help through finding a therapist and maybe a support group. I know herpes isn’t such a huge deal anymore, the stigma is worse than the actual disease. But it’s still hard. The sores are healing, I’m taking my meds plus vitamins and eating healthy to keep my immune system up. Trying to stress the least amount possible. Anything to keep my outbreaks to a minimum. I’ll keep updating and be active here, I need any outlet possible.