Chicken Pox or shingles?

[kira000]

A couple of weeks back i had a really horrible throat infection, with swollen glands. It lasted over 8 days, then dropped to my chest. Since then i've felt permanently knackered, with it getting worse over the last 4 days. The glands in my throat and neck havent quite gone down, and i just dont feel right. I noticed this morning 2 raised rounded spots on my tummy, red round the outside, with yellow centres, and are starting to feel quite itchy. They look extremely like the chicken pox spots that i had in the past. I have had C/pox twice before- but each time only had a few spots, 3 the first, 5 the second, which my doctor said the second time, means that i probably wont have a full immunity. What do you reckon. Could it be either mild C/pox again or mild Shingles?

[sqad617]

kira, my love....could be either.......too early to tell BUT are you having any stabbing pains in that area?

If yes......my money goes on shingles.
If no....my money goes on chicken pox.

Good morning....by the way.

[sqad617]

kira.............,forgive me, I have forgotten........did you have blood tests to sort out your throat and gland problem?

[kira000]

Mornin' Sqad my dear fellow.

No, no blood tests. Just sat it out. I think cos' my history has throat infections/tonsilitis/strep throat so often, they just kind of go, oh, you again, that again, you know what to do, off you go, Bye!

Had multiple blood tests for glandular fever when i was 17, but they could never be sure either way. Hey Ho.

No stabbing pains, so i guess not shingles. But i seem to get such mild versions i'm never sure which symptons i'm going to get!

Hope you are well? Good weekend?

[sqad617]

Thanks kira.....
Shingles 200-1
Chicken Pox........1-5 on favourite.

With your symptoms....blood tests ESSENTIAL.

[kira000]

Hmm, decsive odds. Why do you think i need blood tests? Not arguing with the wise one, but my GP would need some persuading of the fact!

[sqad617]

Try this for starters:

Feel tired....recurrent sore throats....cervical lymph gland involvement and more importantly.......recurring varicella infections.

Go on...you know it makes sense.

[kira000]

Hmm. I guess so. But with recurring throat things being a feature of a grandparent on each side of my family, i'm resigned to the fact that thats the way it is - and not much that can be done.. other than run like hell if anyone comes near me with a lurgy!

Tonsil extraction was mooted years back when i was 18, but they decided they didnt think it would do enough good to make it worth doing!

But if Sqad says, then i'll moot the idea to GP when i'm next there!

[tamborine]

calamine lotion applied to spots relieves itching. Have you had antibiotics recently to build up resistance - you could do with a course.

[Razzle09]

Have you considered the possibility of post-viral fatigue? With prolonged infection your whole immune system maybe compromised and only having bloods checked will indicate the current state of health. Left untreated things may get worse. With your immune system under par your left open to further infection. Don't let GP fob you off.