Hi, I’m new here. I’m 46 and have been in a serious relationship for three years. My boyfriend has oral herpes from a past encounter, and we’ve always been careful during outbreaks—at least, we thought we were. Recently, my hemorrhoids flared up, and I treated them as usual. This past weekend, I noticed it was painful to both pee and poop. When I checked with a mirror, I found several red, painful bumps along with an open sore near my urethra. I visited the doctor on Monday morning for testing. While I haven’t received the results yet, we suspect it’s herpes. I was prescribed valacyclovir, which I started on Monday night. I’ve been in so much pain that I haven’t been able to work all week; it’s impossible to focus when every trip to the bathroom is excruciating. There’s nothing topical I can use, and I can’t exactly walk around with an ice pack in my pants. I also haven’t been eating or drinking much because I know it has to come out, and I can’t continue like this. I just want the pain to go away. I wish I could numb that entire area. I’m feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do!
Hi and welcome to the community. First off, I’m really sorry you’re going through such a tough time right now. It sounds incredibly painful and overwhelming, especially when you’re not able to get much relief. I understand how hard it can be to manage both the physical discomfort and the emotional strain of waiting for test results. You’re doing the right thing by seeing your doctor and starting on the valacyclovir—hopefully, that will start helping soon.
In the meantime, I just want to reassure you that you’re not alone in dealing with this. Many people here have faced similar challenges, and while each situation is unique, there are some things that might help ease the pain while you heal:
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Warm Sitz Baths: Soaking in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes can be soothing and help reduce irritation. Some people find this incredibly helpful for hemorrhoids and genital sores.
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Pain Relief: While you mentioned no topical treatments, there are some over-the-counter options like lidocaine gels (prescription-free) that may provide temporary numbness or pain relief. It’s worth asking your doctor or pharmacist if something like this could be safe for you to use.
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Hydration and Light Eating: I know eating and drinking is tough when it hurts, but staying hydrated and trying to eat soft foods can help reduce strain when you need to go. Something as simple as warm broths or smoothies might be easier to manage.
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Rest: I know it’s difficult, especially with everything you’re going through, but rest is key. Allowing your body to heal as much as possible during this time will help in the long run.
Please be kind to yourself right now. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s important to take things one step at a time. Hopefully, you’ll get your results soon and have more clarity. Hang in there, and please keep us posted. You’ve got support here, and we’re all rooting for you.