[zygopetalum]

Has anyone here ever had this? I don't have a very bad case but I don't feel too well.

thanks,
Judi

[mrsD]

Yes, hubby and I have both had them.

When I had mine I was working midnights, and it became a
very nasty thing.

First I had cellulitis, then I started with a high fever (104), which turned into viral pneumonia. I was very very ill.

My doctor in fact, made me quit midnight rotations entirely.
I was in my late 40's.

What happens is that the shingles overwhelms the immune system and other things come along... so if you develop fever, or redness/swelling where the lesions are, get back to the doctor ASAP. I only had one small outbreak on my upper arm, but the other additional things were very very severe.

You need to be on antivirals NOW. You might need more than one month's treatment too, if the outbreak is severe.

Be careful.

[Lara]

Hi Judi,

Yes. I had shingles about 5 years ago.

Please go immediately to your doctor if they've just started. There's a window of opportunity with the anti-virals. I think it's up to 72 hours. It won't cure them but can help ease the pain and duration of the outbreak. Just remember that the blisters contain the virus so you need to be careful. I hope you've already been to a doctor!!

[zygopetalum]

Thanks for the responses. I did go ot the Dr but didn't go in soon enough and was too late for the antivirals. The Dr didnt seem to be very concerned and acted kind of like I was wasting his time since I was late coming in and didn't want any pain meds. I've developed 2 more areas since then but they are small and don't hurt as much as the initial one (that wasn't as bad as some neuropathy pain I've had though ).

The secondary things are what I was worried about. I did have a fever but that is gone now, lesions are red and nasty looking (A pox on it!) but not hot and don't seem to be infected. My eyes have been huting a little which is scarey but don't know what to do about it besides wait to see if anything developes.

thanks,
judi

[Lara]

Judi, I was also too late getting to the doctor for anti-viral medication when I had mine.

I'm glad the pain isn't too bad for you. Mine were absolutely excruciating. Drove me nuts. They are a bit poxy aren't they. lol I like what you said "A pox on it!".

It varies from person to person how severe it can be. Do keep an eye on your eyes and face. I was lucky mine wasn't on eyes or face. My old neighbour spent a week in isolation in the local hospital because hers were so bad and they are infectious while still blistering you know.

Even after the blisters healed I had little painful areas (nerve endings I guess) for a very long time afterwards. I also had some gel that I applied as they were healing over to help with the itching. I really can't remember the name now but was something used for chickenpox. Had the consistency of Aloe vera when you break open the leaf of the plant.

take care

[Koala77]

Hi Judy, I'm sorry to read you've got shingles because I know they can be nasty. The reason you don't feel well is because the disease is caused by a virus, and all of those have the potential to make us feel ghastly.

My husband and I have both had shingles so I have a good idea of how you must be feeling. DH had them on one side of his waist, and mine were on my face.

My husband was lucky in that I got him to the doctor when his first blister appeared because he'd been complaining of a painful tingling in that area for a few days, and I was already on alert. He was put on antivirals straight away, and ended up with an extremely mild case of shingles.

I wasn't so lucky as I was already in a major flare of another chronic medical condition, and my doctor was limited in the treatment he could offer at the time.

Because you don't have any of the antiviral medications you will have to treat the shingles yourself, conservatively.

Here are a few suggestions :

*Keep the area clean with mild soap and water.

*Don't scratch the skin where-ever the rash is located. Scratching will only increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection and scarring.

*Ask your pharmacist about one of the over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Phenergan, or a topical cream such as Lidocaine cream or similar, to help relieve the itching.

*Another option is taking a bath with Pinetarsal added. Pinetarsal is good as an itch reliever, although it smells rather horrid.

*Try using a compress of cool tap-water to any weeping blisters, say for 20 minutes several times a day. That should soothe and help dry the blisters. This also aids in removing the scabs and decreases the potential for bacterial infection.

*Application of petroleum jelly can aid in healing.

*Wear loose clothing to avoid extra pain from clothing rubbing against the rash.

*Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with others who have not had chickenpox, are ill or who have a weakened immune system. Remember that weeping blisters contain the virus and are contagious until they've scabbed over so avoid individuals who are susceptible to the chickenpox virus.

If you want any more information, this site is rather informative: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/shing...m.htm#Shingles Overview

[Lara]

Thanks Koala. Excellent advice posted for you Judi.

p.s. I'd love to see that post in the stickies somewhere, somehow.

[ginnie]

Hi Judi, sorry you got this. My neighbor had it, and it was not good at all. I got vaccinated this year, and I hope the $179 shot works. Our health dept. will only give the shot to those older than 60. However I know pleanty of people who get this at a younger age. My house mate is 57 and can't get the shot. I think this injection should be available to all those who had chicken pox. Get well soon. ginnie

[Kitt]

The vaccine is most effective in people aged 60 to 69. This site explains it.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/...-need-know.htm

[ginnie]

I will read the article. However, all those who I know who have had the shingles are younger than 60 years old. The statistics may show it, but I know a number of folks who have suffered at a much younger age with it. ginnie