Shingles

My husband had it recently, asked me to look at an itchy patch in his side, and it was obvious. He had had the vaccine, and we managed to get a phone appointment, during which I had to take a photo and upload it! But the antivirals kicked in, and he really didn't have it to badly at all. I am sorry you are having such a rotten time 💐

Thank you B9 ❤️

A friend has shingles and the rash and lack of energy have lasted a couple of months so far. She was given anti-viral medication and was never very ill - just taking ages to clear.. She is on medication for arthritis which affects her immune system.

Son had shingles about 14 months ago
He reckoned the anti viral meds were worse than the shingles
Felt like a cross between being drunk and a hangover. Felt better for about half an hour before next dose was due

Poor you. Its very horrid. I had it 3 weeks after finishing chemotherapy when my immune system was very low.

The rash was over the base of my spine and one buttock so going to the loo was a nightmare and made an interesting photo to send to the GP who prescribed anti virals. The area where the rash was is still tender almost 2 years down the line and I was pretty tired for several weeks and felt generally unwell. I hope you got the antivirals I am sure they helped me.

Don't try and get back to normal too quickly. Take it easy.

My husband had it the other year. Had anti virals early on but was unwell for 2 - 3 weeks.

Ah thank you all, reassuring to hear the experiences of others . I thought that once the rash had gone that that was it, all better! But it seems not. Very frustrating when you have to keep cancelling things but am “ listening to my body!”

You are fortunate not to have severe pain as well. Unfortunately, it may be months rather than weeks before you start to feel like your old self. Please take it easy, I hope it avoided your eyes.

I have never experienced shingles before, but I suggest you use the prescribed creams and do not manipulate or scratch them in any way.

A close relative had them. Acupuncture helped.

Interesting re acupuncture thank you

Please, if anyone suspects they have shingles, get the anti virals asap. Insist on an immediate consultation even if it’s via the internet and get and take the tablets as quickly as possible.

I got the anti virals on day 3

I’ve had it and it was awful. The anti virals did help. The rash soon went but the dull ache carried on for weeks. I felt very tired for several weeks and still do. I seem to taking lots of painkillers.

Yes I’m still very lacking in energy three weeks on. The site of the blisters is still painful even though they’ve gone.

I had the vaccine Shingrix several weeks after I developed shingles.

Have you been vaccinated Cid24. If not discuss with your GP. You will have to wait until so many weeks/months after the rash was visible.
The sensitive area does last a long time. Two years on if I am sitting on a hard chair it can be painful. A friend who had shingles on her face said she sometimes has a painful face.

I suppose the nerves become very sensitized. When the rash first appeared I had the "stabbing" pains in my stomach, as well as lower back and buttock, and that can be sensitive still.
It's a truly horrible thing to have. Everyone who can should be vaccinated.

I've had shingles a few times but the first time was by far the worst. It took weeks for me to get over the tiredness and that was frustrating. I never took anti-virals because initially I didn't know that it was shingles, having never heard of it, and each time since then the symptoms are so mild I'm never sure, until it's too late for the anti-virals anyway. I'm vaccinated now, phew.

Helterskelter1 thank you, that was useful to read. I’m not vaccinated , I think you can’t get it till you’re 70( I’m 67) but I’ll certainly enquire.
Mizuna- I didn’t realise it was shingles at first either, thought I’d had an allergic reaction to a shampoo!

About 2 years ago after a 2nd bout of Covid, I developed what I thought was a spot in my eye brow. Then another and another all following a line through my eyebrow and down the side of my face. Itched like mad, looked awful and took weeks to clear up. The idea of it being shingles never occurred to me until a couple of weeks ago when I read an article in a magazine which mentioned shingles on the face. It left me feeling really low but I put that down to the Covid. It was the fact that they developed along a line that makes me think it could have been shingles.

I think I have it. Been feeling tired and washed out and haven’t eaten at all today. Noticed a rash on left hand side of tummy with watery looking blisters. A few mins ago I noticed more on same side but on back.

Primrose53 either ring 111 tonight or contact your GP urgently tomorrow. You must get and start taking the antivirals ASAP within 36 hours to 72 hours at the latest. Take a photo of the area which you can send to the GP if you can't get a face to face appt.
111 were very helpful and sent a request to the GP for antivirals which I got the following day. I expect you are a bit rundown if you are tired and washed out and that is why the dormant herpes virus in your body has sprung into life. If you jave had chicken pox in the past the virus stays in your body until your immune system is low and then virus wakes up.

I hope it's not too painful. Keep the spots as dry as possible. Anyone who hasnt had c pox already can develop it from coming into contact with your rash. Good luck.

cid24 who told you youcant get shingle til you are 70s

www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/shingles-risk-factors.html
given 50-65 at the latest
common 50 age here any one can get shingles any age
immune problems get the shot

Thank you both. Will be on the phone to surgery at 8am.

I had shingles in my eye in 2017 and for about eight weeks I looked as if I’d been in a car crash. My wonderful GP diagnosed it even though the presentation was very unusual, she gave me the anti-viral, but cautioned me to go straight to hospital if it got worse. I did that and was astounded when the Registrar called the Consultant out in the early hours of the morning to attend to me. My eye suffered some damage, but thank goodness the Registrar had the humility to call his boss as I do believe he saved the sight of my eye though I still need daily eye drops.