Blog

Unveiling the Connection: Herpes, Thyroid, and Epstein Barr - A Personal Journey with Coach Sarah Joy

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This week's support group call was truly transformative as we welcomed Coach Sarah Joy, a passionate advocate on a mission to unravel the complex correlations between herpes, thyroid issues, and Epstein Barr. Her personal journey, marked by struggles with 25 symptoms, shed light on the profound negative impact these conditions can have on our well-being.

As you know, I typically write a blog post that reflects on our call this week, I thought I'd outline the blog post a bit differently and do…

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Navigating the Eeyore Phase: A Journey to Self-Love After Herpes Diagnosis

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This week during our support group call and on social media, the recurring theme has been centered around the challenges of leaving a relationship or starting to date again after a herpes diagnosis. The initial fear of feeling unlovable often stems from past hurts, making the diagnosis seem like the ultimate confirmation of being cursed to a life of loneliness.

In this blog post, we'll address this common struggle and discuss what I refer to as the "Eeyore Phase." As we delved into this topic d…

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Can You Test Negative After Testing Positive for Herpes?

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Have you recently tested positive for herpes, but now you're wondering if it's possible to test negative? Understanding herpes testing can be confusing, especially when you receive unexpected results. Let's delve into this topic and address common questions surrounding herpes testing.

Understanding Herpes Testing

Herpes testing typically involves two types of tests: blood tests and swab tests. Blood tests look for antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the herpes virus, while …

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A Story of Breaking from the Shame of Herpes

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This past week’s support group call surpassed all expectations, marking a memorable moment for our community. We were thrilled to welcome Lindsey Ellyn, the celebrated author of "The Shame Game," and a previous guest on the Life With Herpes Podcast. Her presence brought an unparalleled level of engagement and insight, reflecting the essence of what we aim to achieve with our bi-weekly live support groups: fostering a supportive community and providing a platform for open dialogue and growth.
Th…

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National Condom Month: Celebrating Safe Practices and Understanding Limitations

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February marks National Condom Month, an unofficial holiday focused on raising awareness about the benefits of condoms and promoting safe sex practices. So of course we have to talk about it!

Some fun information on the history of condoms dates back centuries, with the oldest condoms discovered in a cesspit on the grounds of Dudley Castle in England, dating back to around 1642. Initially made from chemically treated linen and animal tissue, condoms evolved over the years. Rubber condoms gaine…

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Forgiveness: Overcoming the Hurdle of Herpes in a Relationship

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This week's support group discussions delved into profound healing conversations. Our morning group had so many people from all over the world and we shared experiences about the initial herpes diagnosis, while the evening call focused on the challenging journey of forgiveness and staying with a partner after contracting herpes. So for this week's blog post, we'll explore the complexities of overcoming the hurdle of forgiveness in the context of a herpes diagnosis within a relationship.

Lack …

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Embracing Creative Romance Month: A Journey to Self-Love Amidst a Herpes Diagnosis

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February is not just the month of love; it's an opportunity to infuse creativity into our relationships and, most importantly, to cultivate self-love. As we celebrate the month of Valentine's Day, let's embark on a journey that goes beyond conventional expressions of love and delves into the realm of Creative Romance Month. However, for those navigating life with a herpes diagnosis, this month can bring up uncomfortable feelings, challenging us to confront and overcome the internalized shame ass…

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Healing Shame: Exploring the Nervous System and Herpes Stigma

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Shame is a complex emotion deeply ingrained in our psyche, often serving as a protective mechanism to shield us from perceived threats to our social connections. However, while it may offer short-term protection, prolonged feelings of shame can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. This blog explores the intricate relationship between shame, our nervous system, and immune function, particularly in the context of a herpes diagnosis. It delves into the ways shame manifests …

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Valentine's Day & Herpes

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This week's icebreaker led us to explore feelings about Valentine's Day, particularly considering the impact it can have on those diagnosed with herpes, especially those who are recently diagnosed. The idea behind initiating this discussion was to recognize that the concept of love can be particularly triggering for individuals grappling with a herpes diagnosis.

Beyond the superficial aspects of the holiday—like cards, chocolates, or roses—I wanted to delve into the deeper realm of lo…

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Dark Chocolate Day: Effect of Chocolate on Herpes

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Celebrating Chocolate Month: Exploring the Richness of Dark Chocolate
February is not just the month of love; it's also the month dedicated to celebrating the delectable goodness that is chocolate. As we delve into the world of chocolate during this Chocolate Month, it's intriguing to explore the complex relationship between dark chocolate and health, with a specific focus on how it may impact individuals living with herpes.

The Ancient Elixir: A Historical Dive into Chocolate
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