Depression after shingles, what do I do?
Posted , 9 users are following.
I'm a 19 year old female, and have suffered from re occurring shingles. The first time was the worst, experiencing extreme pain and sensitivity and fatigue- it was wrongly diagnosed as impetigo and I was given anti viral treatment too late for it to be effective. The second time it was mild, with a smaller rash which appeared not only on my left arm but also right. This time it has come back without the rash, ofcourse I am experiencing numbness throughout where the nerve runs down my arm up into my fingers. I am also experiencing extreme depression, to be exact: isolated, depersonalisation, dizzy and sensitive to sunlight, anxious and useless, extreme fatigue so sleeping about 11 hours a night, memory loss, headaches and no appetite. If anyone feels this way I would greatly appreciate it if they let me know, so I don't feel like such an oddity! And maybe how you realt with it, when it subsided.
2 likes, 36 replies
Merry19451 Becca21
Posted
Hi Becca,
I am sorry that you are experiencing recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles, and also so young. All of your symptoms are common, especially the fatigue, need for increased sleep, depression, photophobia, malaise, headaches, loss of appetite- which goes along with the depression and viral infection, btw. Do you take antivirals when you get a recurrence? You should, as it stops the virus from replicating, decreases the severity of the symptoms, and the length of the episode.
The other suggestion I would recommend is to Google Lysine/Arginine diet. While others swear by Lysine supplements, they can be harmful to your body. I avoid food high in Arginine and eat foods high in Lysine. I love nuts, which are supposed to be healthy, right? Except that they are high in Lysine and were triggering worse ie more painful episodes, of longer duration Herpes Zoster-Shingles for me.
As you have Herpes Zoster-Shingles in both arms, I am concerned. Are you immunocompromised?
I certainly get all your symptoms, by the way, especially when I don't use the Antivirals in a timely fashion.
I have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twenty years and twice in my right eye.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.
Best regards
Merry Juliana
Becca21 Merry19451
Posted
Thank-you so much this was really helpful and also comforting. Wish you lived in the UK! Unfortunately I was told by my GP he doesn't like to prescribe me the antivirals more than once (?), and without the the rash this time I don't know if he will. I'm about to start university this year which I'm dreading now because of the shingles! I'm sorry that you've had recurring shingles for so long, I think I'll have to change my outlook to become more positive like yourself!
Merry19451 Becca21
Posted
Becca,
I am much better at coping now than at 19 years old, because I became more resilient. I realized that I had deep rooted depression, "major depressive disorder," and have been on an antidepressant for over two decades. This followed traumatic events that led to PTSD. I was in therapy for years, but am in a much better place, now. I share this, as I like to help others spiraling down into the deep abyss, and think there is no way out.
If your physician won't prescribe antivirals if he doesn't see the rash, he is sadly out of date. I would consider changing physicians. Shingles without the rash is called
"Zoster Sine Herpete.". You need to be on the antivirals as it might stop the vicious cycle.
The other news is that there is a new shingles vaccine Shingrex by Glaxo-Smith-Kline being presented for approval to your equivalent of the FDA, ?CSA hopefully this year. Zostavax had a dismal 51-37% efficacy rate, with declining efficacy in older populations. Shingrex has been more promising efficacy rate at 93-97% by using an adjuvant. For our population of recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles patients, it might prove useful for you to receive the new Shingrex, when it comes out.
Please keep me posted on how you are doing, shingles and emotionally....I lived in Germany for six years working in a US Army Hospital NATO FORCES and travelled to the UK several times...and cared for your country men many times as part of NATO FORCES.
Best wishes
Merry Juliana
Stephanie2811 Becca21
Posted
I'm so sorry you're going through this Becca. It is not pleasant at all. Very painful and uncomfortable. I want you to know that it will get better. Don't go it alone. Make sure your family doctor follows you closely, and be sure to get established with a counselor that works with someone who is experiencing an illness and the depression that can go along with it. Be sure to surround yourself with family and friends that support you and love you. This link has helped to reassure "me" that what I'm experiencing, is part of shingles while it runs it's course. I'm heading back to my primary doctor tomorrow because I now have swollen painful lymph glands in both armpits. Don't know if I need antibiotics now or not. I had back to work Monday after being off a week and a half. It's very stressful where I work and I think I got the shingles due to of lack of sleep and being worn down. I'm trying to do happy little things for myself & that helps a lot- going to Starbucks, lunch- listening to music reading and spending time with my animals. I have even applied for a different job position where I work, which would be a lot less stress on me. There's an old saying to try and take one day at a time. Sometimes that feels impossible , so I take it a minute at a time and that really works. 😄 Journaling is really really helpful and a positive outlet as well . Hang in there. You're not alone we are all here to help you . K?😊
Becca21 Stephanie2811
Posted
Merry19451 Becca21
Posted
Stephanie is absolutely right about seeing a counselor about the depression. It is a difficult illness to have, and then to get depressed on top of it makes it much harder to deal with....when people are depressed, they tend to isolate themselves.
It is better if you talk to a close friend, your mom, regarding this. Also see a doctor about the symptoms you have.
I am a master at Depression, meaning I have had it most of my adult life. The good news is that it is treatable. You need to make that step and talk to someone you love and trust.
Many hugs...
Merry Juliana
Elsabe13 Merry19451
Posted
Hi Everyone- this forum is the best thing ever - thanks for all the advice - Merry, I wish you were here in Oklahoma City - you'd be my doctor 😀 I had a single row of spots going down each side of my body from my shoulder to my waist - they were not extremely painful, just sore to touch. My doctor said they are bug bites, shingles don't occur on both sides! I told him last week I read that they can - so he said " well I've never seen it"!! Always when I get a rash now I have face pain from the right corner of my mouth to my nose. I had this "zoster sine herpete" on my face since 2009, the first rash was on my face and occurred January this year. August 10th was the first time I had a rash on my body, now 3 weeks later August 31st I got the same body rash again, though not as many spots. There were also about 5 spots on my left thigh. I also started it with what felt like a cold/cough this last time, felt extremely sleepy. I still don't feel well. Three days ago I started feeling as if I'm going to fall over when I bend down and feel dizzy even when I turn over in bed. Today I bought some Lysine, kefir, plain yoghurt, various cheese, mango, apples, beets, salmon and potatoes - what I could understand would be lower in Arginine. Thanks for making us aware of this! I'm extremely stressed out at work and I too applied for a new job, I can't go on like this. To feel down is natural, this has been the worst year of my life, so take heart, you're not alone Becca. Hope with all this advice you'll get better and have less episodes - sorry that you're so young to be going through this! Big hugs to you all xox
Merry19451 Elsabe13
Posted
The smart clinicians learn a lot from their patients and go home and read. It is well-known that Herpes Zoster-Shingles can occur bilaterally, though not as frequently as unilaterally, and also reoccurs. Too many of us are living proof. It also occurs in different dermatome and is accompanied by many symptoms, not just the pain. The support on this site is great, but there is no cure, unfortunately...
Best wishes
Merry Juliana
Elsabe13 Merry19451
Posted
Merry, the support is priceless! 💕
Merry19451 Elsabe13
Posted
Elsabe,
You are absolutely right! Sometimes, when bad stuff has happened, the good that has resulted has been worth it, and then some!
You are a spitfire!🌸💫
Merry Juliana
jane97743 Merry19451
Posted
I still have a sore eye and awful itching, also around my eyebrow and forehead a few times a day  6 months after shingles in  right eye etc ,  nothing helps, drops, gel etc, is this common when people have PHN? I have no pain now though, but the itching is driving me mad!!
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looloo43 Merry19451
Posted
Hi Merry, just a question, can a shingles outbreak be resistant to anti virals? i finish my 2nd course today & am hoping it won't start to spread again in a couple of days like it did after i finished the first lot of anti virals. i know i shouldn't "what if" as it may not even happen, but i would just like to be informed about what to do/what should be done by doc if it does spread again after i finish this 2nd lot of meds. Many thanks Merry. x
Merry19451 jane97743
Posted
Dear Jane,
Unfortunately, this happens all too often. Did you try to get a prescription for Doxepin or Sinequan? It is a great anti-itch medication pill that dermatologists use in the States. It does make one sleepy, so you take it at night. Before I figured out my allergies to sulfites, pravastatin, mangoes, cherries, bananas..etc, I was taking it with great relief as benadryl and atarax were not helping.
I am sorry I didn't respond to your earlier email, but I had yet another bout of Herpes Zoster-Shingles...you know how that goes...I needed to think about your problem with a clear head, ie without a huge headache....
I also suggest you see an anesthesiologist who does nerve blocks. He could possibly block the nerve causing the problem. Usually, they are pain specialists.
This is all I can think of right now for you.
I hope you try the Doxepin... Google the name for the UK name. Also go to a University anesthesiologist. Give it more than one try. Nerve blocks are tricky, but totally worth it!
Please keep me posted. I am with you in that itching is far worse than the pain.
All my best
Merry Juliana
jane97743 Merry19451
Posted
Thank you, i will look up those meds, very kind of you to help. I'm so sorry you have been ill again, hope you feel better soon! x
Merry19451 looloo43
Posted
Dear LooLoo,
Herpes Zoster-Shingles isn't resistant to antivirals, but in certain circumstances in which the individual has a lower immunity, ie immunocompromised due to autoimmune diseases, cancer, bowel disease, taking corticosteroids, etc the patient might need a longer course of antivirals, and the Herpes Zoster-Shingles might be more severe and more protracted. Also, I find that Famvir works best for me, others find Valtrex is best for them. If the shingles is disseminated, some need to be hospitalized for IV antivirals and supportive therapy.
I am a what if person, as well... LOL
I hope I answered your question....
Obviously, if you continue to have vesicle-blisters, see your physician immediately!
Best regards
Merry Juliana
Merry19451 jane97743
Posted
Herpes Zoster-Shingles is part of a way of life for me... LOL. I just wanted to explain myself...I do feel for you as itching a is untenable..
Again,
Best wishes
Merry Juliana
looloo43 Merry19451
Posted
Hi Merry. Thankyou so much for answering, & I'm so sorry to hear you are unwell with it again.
What is disseminated shingles? & is famvir another anti viral med?
Thankyou again.
xx
looloo43 Merry19451
Posted
Also Merry, my bowel conditions mean that i have diarrea daily at least 3 times out 5-8 bm's a day. could that possibly hinder optimum absorption of the anti viral med?
xx
Merry19451 looloo43
Posted
If what goes in comes right out literally 30 minutes later, yes, then that could definitely limit absorption of the medication. Good thinking!
Dissemination of Herpes Zoster-Shingles is wide spread distribution of the rash over several dermatomes. It usually crosses the midline and patients are very ill. It is often seen in patients with HIV.
FAMVIR is Famcyclovir, another antiviral.
Merry Juliana
looloo43 Merry19451
Posted
Merry19451 looloo43
Posted
I am better now, but thanks...
I hope you are recovering from the scourge!
Merry Juliana
Stephanie2811 Elsabe13
Posted
Merry19451 jane97743
Posted
I was doing more research on your problem, the itching...which is considered PHN and quite common BTW.. the only thing regarding medication that helps is topical anesthetic eye drops. I would ask your ophthalmologist for some. The issue, of course is the detection of something wrong with your eyes when you administer these anesthetic eye drops.
Please let me know what happens in regards to your ophthalmologist...ie if he prescribes the drops, and if so, do they help...
Best wishes
Merry Juliana
jane97743 Merry19451
Posted
Thank you, very kind of you to go to the trouble of finding something! I will ask about the drops at my next appointment which isn't for a while, I have broken a bone in my wrist so I can't drive for a while and don't like to keep bothering people to take me, as I am always at the eye clinic for around 2 hours!
Merry19451 jane97743
Posted
Jane...
I am sorry you have fractured your wrist! If it isn't one thing, it is another! I had read regarding eye itching after Zoster-Shingles before, but this was newly introduced...I am determined to help you.
It is very difficult to be dependent on others for rides....my very best wishes to you...
Merry Juliana
jane97743 Merry19451
Posted
I slipped in the rain on a wet drain lid!! It doesn't hurt now, I have a wrist brace on as at first I had a plaster, I would rather have that than the eye itching any day, as i am managing, apart from the fact I can't drive!! Thank you for always being so helpful, It's good to know that the itching problem is quite common, as i haven't seen many posts from people on here that still have it 6 months after shingles!!
looloo43 jane97743
Posted
I agree with you Jane, wholeheartedly . Merry is a super fountain of knowledge & very kind to give up her time to reply to us all in here in such a detailed & caring way, even while she is still working & not well herself. THANKYOU MERRY - you're a legend. xx I hope you feel better soon too Jane; not being able to drive can be very isolating. xx
Merry19451 looloo43
Posted
It is indeed a pleasure to help others in the same predicament as I was twenty years ago. As a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse for 43 years, it is part of my genetic makeup. My father was a physician and my mother was a registered nurse. They met during WWII on a US Army Hospital Train and were in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland Campaign, etc, caring for the wounded from the battlefields and transporting them to field hospitals. They had five daughters, two became physicians, two are registered nurses of whom one is a Nursing Professor, and I became a Nurse Practitioner. My father did house calls, and never charged clergy or the poor. We were all born to serve, so to speak...
Best regards
Merry Juliana
jane97743 looloo43
Posted
I am lucky as i have a lot of friends nearby and lots of lifts! I also have 2 sons, one who drives and has been really helpful this week taking me to get my plaster on my arm changed! I also live right next to a bus stop so it isn't too bad, Thank you for your kind wishes, hope you are ok too! ( yes, Merry is a star!!)