Shingles!

[jourdain2]

I don't believe it! I know I'm not as young as I was, but the physical stress of my trip to Bangkok has led to a diagnosis of Shingles yesterday. I had a pain in my shoulder for a few days and then the first bit of rash appeared Fri. teatime. I managed to get an appt. Mon teatime and am now on anti-viral tablets. Told I'm a bit late to be on them, 'but in view of my age' etc..

It doesn't half hurt (4 patches of rash from spine to shoulder and a few random ones scattered around the area) and I can't manage to wear a bra - somewhat awkward. I know it will pass, but any tips and helpful advice, please. I cancelled my stint in school (helping slow readers) today just in case and I really felt quite poorly and went to bed this aft.. Don't feel too bad now, so hoping it is improving.

I've read up on it, but hope the anti-virals will help to cut the times they quote. Any opinions out there? As I said, 'It doesn't half hurt!'

[marval]

Sorry no opinions, just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery.

[jourdain2]

Thank you , marvel, feeling a bit fed-up. :)

[jno]

this might be useful for next time

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination/

Sorry, can't help this time, though.

[mazie]

Calamine lotion is very cooling and soothing jourdain. Get better soon x

[237SJ]

If you feel OK then just keep going. You won't die if you have shingles

[jourdain2]

Thanks for that jno. I hadn't realised that the vaccine could be given to those who had already had shingles. Once this is over, I'll speak to the medics..

[Mamyalynne]

Not a great deal of advice, but lots of support and understanding.


My GP dismissed me as having a skin infection, by the time I'd convinced him anti virals were useless.

He listened to me after that.

Rest when you need to.

[andres]

I had it many years ago when I was about 12 . I wasn't prescribed anything . Just to take painkillers and when the blisters appeared to dab them gently with Calamine lotion. Sounds like you have got it in the same area as I had. The only tip that I can give you is when the blisters appear try to avoid bursting them. I hope that you don't have too much pain and feel better soon. Keep us updated.

[naomi24]

From experience, nasty- but shingles isn't age related. I hope you feel better soon.

[shaneystar2]

I've had it twice . I used aloe vera gel to soothe it. I found it much better than calamine which tends to dry the skin. Keep in the fridge and it's very cooling.

[Patsy33]

Just recently in our village, 3 people I know have Shingles....
Hope it goes soon Jordain. X

[jno]

naomi, it does seem to be age-related

[i]old age – as you age, your immunity may decrease; shingles most commonly occurs in people over the age of 70[i]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

[naomi24]

jno, perhaps I'm unique.

[alphacentaurus]

Aloe vera keep cool in fridge but get high quality brand. Amitryptyline can help the nerve pain. Ask your GP if it persists.

[Patsy33]

I had shingles when I was 30, a mild case. The people I mentioned earlier, one is 48 another is 61 and an older lady in her 90s. Seems across the board age wise.

[ladyalex]

I had it years ago when I was in my early thirties and felt really rough with it. Before anti virals were available.
It hurt a lot, as if I had been scalded.
The GP gave me strong painkillers (DF118) which I took without much effect...but who knows what the pain would have been like if I hadn't taken them.
I took very big doses of vitamin B complex from the chemist which I think helped me to recover more quickly than I would have.
So, my advice is to stay off work, rest as much as you can, get strong painkillers from your GP and take them as prescribed along with about 3 times the recommended daily dose of vitamin B complex for about a week or so. I do not think the vitamins even in high dose will do you any harm for a short time and they might help.
Good luck. I feel very sorry for you as the pain is awful.
But it will pass.

[Jackdaw33]

My sincere condolences. I caught them when I was 36. There were no anti-viral tablets then. I was laid low for three weeks, unable to rest or settle. I wouldn't wish shingles on my worst enemy.

[NoMercy]

I had Shingles at 9. Doc couldn't believe it and called 3 other Drs into the room for their opinions.

I barely remember suffering at all.

Get well soon, Jourdain x

[murraymints]

Hope you are better soon xx

[anthro-nerd]

Oh no!! No advice I'm afraid, just get well soon!!!