gHSV-1 questions

I (30F) just got diagnosed with hsv-1 this weekend and the test results confirmed it was hsv-1.

I know first outbreaks are usually the worst but this is honestly the worst thing I have ever experienced. The sores appeared on 4 days ago and in total I have over 20 ulcers on my Vulva region & they don’t seem to be healing. I was given anti virals and lidocaine ointment. But neither seem to be working & the ointment only has an effect for like 15 mins before everything starts stinging again esp when I move.

I have some questions for those with knowledge of how this virus works.

1. when I was a kid I had oral cold sores which I don’t really get anymore, so I assumed I already had mature HSV-1 antibodies which would protect me from the genital version as it’s the same virus. Why is this outbreak so bad? Why wouldn’t the HSV-1 antibodies work down there?

2. for those with HSV-1, how long did your first outbreak last, from first ulcer/sore till totally clear?

3. also for those with HSV-1, did you have reoccurrences ? How often were they & how far apart?

4. what are your best methods of soothing the pain & speeding up the healing process? Rn I’m using lidocaine ointment & thats all.