This topic is about someone who is living with a permanent ileostomy after an emergency colectomy and is also dealing with frequent HSV-2 outbreaks. They are seeking advice and reassurance about maintaining hope and intimacy in their life. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Emotional Healing and Mindset
- It's important to allow yourself to grieve both the ostomy and HSV diagnoses. Accept that there will be bad days, but focus on how you want to live moving forward.
- Engage in daily activities like mindful walks, gratitude journaling, and appreciating simple blessings such as clean air and supportive friends to help shift focus from negative thoughts.
- Remember that courage can be quiet; reaching out for help is already a sign of strength.
- Practice self-love by affirming your worth in the mirror. You are no less lovable with medical equipment.

2. Choosing Supportive Partners
- Your past positive dating experiences show that emotionally mature partners are out there. Look for people who value deeper connections rather than superficial ones.
- Many people find that friends and loved ones continue to accept them after an ostomy, so the expectation of universal rejection is often unfounded.

3. HSV-2 Medical Management
- Daily suppression with 500 mg of Valacyclovir (Valtrex) once daily can prevent most recurrences. During an outbreak, the dosage can be increased to 1,000 mg twice daily.
- Some individuals have taken this regimen for years without noticeable side effects and lead normal social and dating lives.
- Outbreak frequency often decreases over time.

4. J-pouch Considerations
- Consider the experiences of others, such as a member whose hand-sewn J-pouch failed after 12 years, leading to a permanent ileostomy. Outcomes can vary between hand-sewn and stapled techniques.
- Research long-term failure rates carefully before deciding, as some patients have had durable success with a J-pouch.

5. General Coping Resources
- Seek reputable information sources, doctors, and support groups for both ostomy and HSV-2. Knowledge empowers decision-making.
- Community support is available anytime for encouragement. Many members have faced similar challenges and thrived.