Posted , 107 users are following.
I was diagnosed with shingles 2 weeks ago. Compared to some, it was a mild case with just a small rash on my back. I caught it early and was given antibiotics which I finished last week. The rash has pretty much cleared but now I have overwhelming bouts of fatigue. Yesterday I literally couldn't move. Is this to do with the shingles and if so, how long does it take to be 100% better?
13 likes, 453 replies
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donna48911 MsM81
Posted
As the other persons who have commented suggest, ignore them. Your body is under assault and you are exhausted as a result. Slleep alot and don;t feel badly about it. The muscle pain decreased when I rested. Like you, I did not have a very bad rash, but my muscles ached and I was so. so. so tired. I was sleeping full nights and napping during the day, after teaching. I told my students that grading was going to take longet than normal and I also took a few days off. Do what you need to do and don;t apologize about it. I hope you felel better soon.
allison44219 MsM81
Posted
I'm sorry you're going through this! I'm 29, female, and have just been diagnosed with shingles. Since mine appeared on my face, I thought it was just acne at first but it wasn't going away- went to the doc for something unrelated and she diagnosed me immeadiately. My symptoms were not nearly as severe as they could be (doc said that's because of my age) however I, too, have been experiencing MASSIVE fatigue.
Almost like I have the flu.
I'm glad this is normal...
And an upset stomach as well...
rachel47940 allison44219
Posted
Hi I have had shingles over 3 weeks ago and I too have been suffering extreme bouts of tiredness which exactly how you described as almost flu like. I also been suffering with upset stomach sickness & severe headaches. I can be well for a couple of days then get exhausted for 1 & then cycle continues. Being very active and busy this is not me & is extremely frustrating. Have you been given any useful advice what can be done to improve this or even how long this is to go on for.. I would very much appreciate anything that could help me.. Many thanks
babs99203 rachel47940
Posted
I'm so sorry Rachel. Many of us were or are in that boat with you. Everyone varies but some things to know are that the sooner you got the anti-virals the more likely you'll feel better. I don't know if you got them in the first 72 hours, but it almost doesn't sound like it. As far as how long it lasts, generally after 4-8 weeks you'll be much better. The most important thing to do is take care of yourself. Where is your rash or your pain? I had almost no rash, but my nerve at the bra line was the one affected. So for me, I learned (and still do as I've got nerve damage called PHN now) to avoid twisting, lifting and bending. All these things increased the pain. The virus affects many parts of the body, the outward rash is only one symptom.
Many of us were very active and understand your frustration. It's also difficult to say how long it will take to heal. Are you on meds for pain? Some drugs can cause extreme fatigue too. Neurontin/Gabapentin is often prescribed, it has a long list of side effects but can help with the pain. Try to not push yourself, again, rest, try and distract yourself and not focus on your frustration and changes to your life. I know this sounds trite and unhelpful, but it can help. Try and notice even small victories. It's a good way to remember that you are getting better, even if it takes a while. You can't rush this unfortunately. Take care.
teresa83432 allison44219
Posted
Hi there! I had shingles back in July. Just a small little rash, it wasn't even very painful. But oh my at the fatigue and flu like symptoms!! Still today I have severe fatigue, stomach aches, joint pain, headache, etc. I am ready to get to feeling better, that's for sure!! Good luck and like the others said, rest when you can.
Teresa
jacqueline68130 MsM81
Posted
sharon47101 MsM81
Posted
Week 6 and I feel lifeless at times. And for some reason I now have a low grade fever. Maybe it's not shingles...its exhausting just waiting for the end of tunnel. Also very emotional. Cry over anything. Try to pack your patients and allow yourself to be I'll. Seems like it has deep claws
Westofireland sharon47101
Posted
Merry19451 sharon47101
Posted
I am so sorry you are still feeling so sick!
At week 6, the acute phase of Shingles is over and you should not have a low grade fever. The rest of the symptoms do occur, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, malaise. I suggest that you see your Physician regarding the fever.
Some other malady is occurring.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
ruth12256 MsM81
Posted
hi my luv, yes shingle virus causes lethargy and can last until the virus leaves your system. its very unpleasant to have. drink plenty of water and rest as much as you can and avoid stress as this will weaken your immune system and could cause a reocurrance of the shingles. im a sufferer ive suffered since age 18 and im in my 40's now and im suffering at the moment with worst case ive had on my face. worse than wen i was admitted to hospital as it went into my eye. its worse this time as the blisters are massive instead of tiny like before. so i understand how you feel. take care and rest up x
jacqueline68130 ruth12256
Posted
How awful Ruth. I am now 14 months post a horrible outbreak leaving me with PHN that has seriously interfered with my quality of life. It's hard to know when the virus has ceased being active - especially if one wants to get the Shingrix vaccine. Does anyone have advice on this? I do remember the lethargy and exhaustion that went on for at least four months. Cheers everyone - d rest as much as your body tells you too and take active steps to boost your immune system. I am taking st Francis Deep Immune (which I think is a Canadian thing), plus B Vitamins with extra Vit 12 and D3.
ruth12256 jacqueline68130
Posted
thats awful Jacqueline, the numbness is unbearable isnt it? yes its good to boost immune system. and the exhaustion that comes with the virus is awful. i suffer with pernicious anemia have to get intramuscular injections but they dont seem to make a difference, as ive had an injection in the past and the next day i ended up with shingles!??!! i thought it was the b12 causing allergic reaction as it can cause hives, redness of skin, painful sore muscles, sore tongue etc etc. ive not had an injection in over 6years as both me and my doctor wanted to see if it was causing this shingle reaction. b12 stores in your organs and i had enough storage from having injections evry three months since age 18. i havent had a shingle breakout in over for years sinec stopping that injection but now i have this breakput and its a severe one. maybe the storage of b12 has become non existent now and my immune system is lower than low and thats caused this!?? its a worry as if i get the injection i get could get shingles and if i dont get it i could get them anyways?!! its a vicious circle for me. and living with facial numbness since 18yrs old and worse each time i have a breakout and now i cannot hear out of my ear or see properly out of my eye! im interested to see this new GP on friday to see what she makes of my face. if it was anywhere else on my body id put up with it coz nobody can see it but when its on your face im very self concious of it!!!!!! i am numb from top of my head down to my breast as its attacked my nerve endings. getting really fed up of it all now.
isnt there any tablets we could take on a day to day basis to STOP breakouts?? i wont be allowed the vaccination even if i paid for it as people with weakend immune systems are not allowed it....is this TRUE????????
jenny32504 MsM81
Posted
I had internal shingles but it was misdiagnosed for about three weeks and ended up developing into Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome. It's been about six weeks since initial symptoms started and the throat ulcers/blisters are practically gone; I'm still having some pain (definitely not the "I'm being electrocuted" sensation I had in the beginning) and most of my muscle function in that half of my face has returned, but I'm EXHAUSTED. A few hours of work and I feel like I need a nap; the past two days have been hectic schedule-wise and I've spent almost the entire day today trying to recuperate. The more active I am the more the pain seems to flare up as well. Today was my last day of steroids so I was hoping most of my symptoms would be gone. Anyone have advice for treating the fatigue? I can manage the pain, but I honestly don't have the time to spend so much of the day just resting. Stuff is piling up and it's stressing me out; coffee only carries me so far-- help! lol
Merry19451 jenny32504
Posted
Hi Jenny,
I am a long-term recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles sufferer of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome x 23 years every 3 weeks. My best advice to you is you cannot power through this disease. When you try to take on too much, it will recur. It certainly did for me. If you have too much stress, it will come back. As your body is telling you to rest and sleep, get the hint and get the rest and sleep you need. Also, if you are in the States, get the Shingrex vaccine. It has attenuated my Ramsay Hunt, and prevented other's from recurring. If you are in the UK, you must be at least 70, unfortunately.
Of course, you can eat the correct diet, etc, but you really need to ask for help regarding housework, childcare, if necessary, and take some time off from work, if necessary. I was a single mother struggling to make ends meet, and certainly have paid the consequences. Of course, my Ramsay Hunt was not diagnosed in a timely fashion, and hence, not treated with
antivirals.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States. Please be kind to yourself.
Merry Juliana
jenny32504 MsM81
Posted
You're a nurse in the states!!! Any advice for convincing insurance to cover the vaccine early? I'm a 29 year old trying to pay for grad school at the moment. o.O
I'll do my best to rest when I can. Would you say the pain flare-ups are normal for a few weeks following, or is that a sign that I'm starting to overdo it?
I barely kept it together when I had this during finals week. I can't imagine doing it over and over! Lots of empathy and respect being sent to you from Iowa. 😃
Merry19451 jenny32504
Posted
If you have insurance, it is covered! You need a doctor's statement stating that you already have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles, and then I would then wait six months after the initial rash. Go to a pharmacy that has the Shingrix vaccine. It is a series of 2 injections 2 -4 months apart. There is a Co-pay, depending on your insurance, but I would have paid thousands, never to have it again.
I just waited three weeks, as six months waiting between episodes was never going to happen for me.
Please know Shingrix can cause symptoms similar to influenza, without the respiratory symptoms. It is better to get Shingrix, than Herpes Zoster-Shingles, as the vaccine is 93% efficacious, and has markedly improved mine and others quality of life.
After Shingrix, you often are sick for three to five days with a fever, aches and pains, sore arm, head ache, exhaustion.
I hope this helps.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
Merry19451 jenny32504
Posted
The copay is 50 - 150 dollars.