About five years ago, I was raped multiple times by a guy I was dating.  It was my first relationship and I was young and didn’t realize the severity of what was going on.  Later, I was diagnosed with HSV-1 in the genital area.  When I had my first breakout, I thought it was just a yeast infection and it would go away.  Days later, I couldn’t walk and simple things like going to the bathroom and getting a shower were nearly impossible. I broke down to my mom and she and I went to the ER.  Not only was I diagnosed with herpes, but also a staph infection on my vagina.  It’s now a year and a half later, and I don’t go through a single day without thinking about all of it. I have realized though that people are ok with herpes, though: I still have all my friends and even my love interests have been fine when I tell them I have herpes.

I don’t know who I would be today without having gone through all of this.  This has made me stronger and to everyone who is dealing with this virus, I say don’t give up. Live life like you never have before, and love every minute of it.