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Exhausted post shingles

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MsM81
MsM81

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

453 Replies

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  • KGBaker
    KGBaker MsM81

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with shingles Monday. I am a caregiver and have Graves. I am sure stress brought on the shingles. I am not aware when I am stressed so I keep on going. I am type A and this really knocked me down. Thought I was just getting muscle aches from weight lifting. Urgent Care put me on generic for Valtrex and a pain med which I had to request. I took an oatmeal bath and seemed to relieve pain a little. Not use to resting. When people post to rest what exactly does that mean? Stay in bed?

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 KGBaker

      Posted

      It means whatever your body is telling you to do. Some people are fortunate and are not as fatigued as others. When I was having radiation and Zoster-Shingles at the same time, I slept 18 hours straight, ate and bathed, and returned to sleep...Usually the fatigue is not that bad..Before the Zoster appears, I usually am in an insomnia state as the Zoster is in the Central Nervous System, and affects my brain. After the pain of Zoster strikes, I become fatigued, and need the sleep and am unable to do as many tasks. Some of us have comorbid conditions such as immunocompromised diseases such as Lupus, Psoriasis ITP Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens Syndrome, and or Cancer, which only exacerbates the fatigue and other symptoms.

      I hope this helps...

      Merry Juliana

  • sierramar
    sierramar MsM81

    Posted

    Hello Everyone!

         I'd like to add a little good news to this thread. My husband, age 91 with advanced prostate cancer, experienced an outbreak of shingles 5 weeks ago. He had the shingles vaccine in the last few years, plus started taking Valtrex the next day. We think this helped a great deal. The blisters on his left upper arm were minimal. His pain was attenuated with one Tylenol every four hours, then ceased, but the fatigued lasted 4 weeks. Now after 5 weeks, he has recovered much of his normal strength (not great to begin with) after extreme fatigue, malaise, the blues. 

         Your contributions on this thread about your experiences were educational and comforting, and we are grateful to all of you. A special thank you to you, Merry. With your nursing background, you have shared and coached us. You have been our online angel.

         I wish the best for all of you. Some of you have suffered a great deal, and my heart goes out to you. Because we are all united, unseen and unknown to each other, we have a special bond, and care about each other. I do hope you share news about your recoveries.

         Sierra

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 sierramar

      Posted

      Sierra,

      I am so happy your husband did not suffer as much this time. I am glad to help anyone to alleviate the suffering from this dreadful disease.I am finished with radiation for the breast cancer, and regaining my strength, now. Life is returning to normal for me. I shall celebrate Thanksgiving, a family oriented, non-commercial holiday in the States, with my twin and family in a couple of weeks.

      Keep us posted.

      Best Wishes,

      Merry Juliana

  • lynn28429
    lynn28429 MsM81

    Posted

    This thread is scaring me a bit. I've had these shingles for about 2 weeks if pain/ headaches before rash is counted. I can't believe how painful they've been but rash is improving just occasional stabbing pain or if rubbed or pick up my 17mth old... Which is the bit that scares me. The rash and pain is going but I feel so lethargic. And still nauseous. I also have 2 other kids, my partner is gone all day I just cannot rest. Baby is up at 6am and oldest child not in bed until 7.30/8. I just got the all clear on recent biopsy so still in remission from thyroid cancer, I want to move on and live my life I so hope Im not knocked around with fatigue resting isn't really an option.
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 lynn28429

      Posted

      Dear Lynn,

      First, I am so sorry for your suffering from this excruciating disease. It sounds as if the worst is over. Perhaps, your partner could take over some child care duties this weekend and you could get some well-earned rest. Usually, the first two weeks are the worst, and your energy gradually returns.

      Where was the rash, if I may ask...Besides having a thyroidectomy for the cancer, are you receiving any other treatment for the cancer? I know that as I have breast cancer, when I received radiation, the fatigue increased exponentially. Obviously, caring for three young children saps anyone's enervy level. Can you ask a relative to help you?

      Was this the first episode of Shingles?

      I am a nurse practitioner in the States.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • lynn28429
      lynn28429 Merry19451

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply, the idea the fatigue could get worse is scary! This is my first and hopefully only attack. I only had my thyroid out no radiation so just on thyroxine now. Rash is on right shoulder blade. Today has actually been better - it's evening now in Australia, but I think taking it easy this weekend is in order. Unfortunately all my family are in Ireland so that's why I'm especially concerned at being out of action for too long the house is already a state!
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 lynn28429

      Posted

      Dear Lynn,

      I am glad to hear you are slightly better.

      Should this ever recur, please get on antivirals immediately. There are many ignorant clinicians who are unaware that shingles recurs. Demand the antivirals.

      Remember you have had a viremia, causing flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache, aches and pains, possibly a low grade fever prior to the onset of the pain, and the rash at your shoulder. Hopefully, your partner is compassionate and can help you with the child care and house work...I know, as I was a single mother, no rest for the weary...

      Best Wishes in healing!

      Merry Juliana

  • terrific76
    terrific76 MsM81

    Posted

    Hi.

    I had my first case 5 weeks ago now. I think I had a bad case. The soreness beforehand had me confused as I hadn't done gym or anything. Then the first blister was on my back with no rash, about an inch diameter. I kept rubbing it as it was tingly and itchy and right on my back bra line. I was grumpy as at the time anyway, it wasn't till a few night later it was red on my back and a bit of a line that I twigged as to thinking what was happening. By then it was spine to chest about 4 inches wide and I had 3-4 huge blisters. This was my left side. My left breast was numb, which is not so great for the feeding toddler. I'm still numb around this whole area. I'm 39, living in stinking humid North Queensland so absolutely hating it at the moment. It took me three weeks till I felt comfortable -ish enough and wearing clothes not making me feel absolutely awful. I have two young boys 4 & 2 so enough on my plate. So glad they both still nap during the day. Week four I woke up & felt so much better with energy one morning. It's only now week 6 ish I'm starting to pay attention to the house again eeeek. To say a lot of jobs waiting is an understatement. Slowly but surely. If only my partner can keep the kids occupied while I try to do things with the AC on. Getting hot & sweaty does not help me.

    I've found with the numbness, my hyper mobility issues are not liking the lack of feeling in my back. My left shoulder has just knotted up and it affects my left arm & neck. Never had this issue till now.

    • terrific76
      terrific76

      Posted

      I was put on antiviral a as soon as I worked out what it was & saw a doctor. Famciclovir 500mg, lyric for neuropathic pain and pain meds.

      Rotten timing as I was weaning off cymbalta meds for chronic pain. I whacked on 10kg in 2-3 months with it. So would rather not have that & decided to stop those meds. Then Shingles happened along the way.

  • Puddenpop67
    Puddenpop67 MsM81

    Posted

    I'm three weeks from a diagnosis of Shingles.   I had a pretty severe case with terrible pain and blisters.  I still have a few spots left.   I went back to work Monday after being off entire time for the holidays.   I'm really confused also if my nausea and fatigue and issues regulating my body temperature is also I side effect of this horrible illness?  I'm home today as I just don't feel well.  Any input from others.  
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 Puddenpop67

      Posted

      Hi Puddenpop,

      First, I am sorry for your suffering from this excruciating disease. The Herpes Zoster virus causes a viremia circulating in your body. The effects of the pain, nausea, fatigue, etc can take several weeks to dissipate. Hopefully, you were placed on an antiviral within the first three days of the onset of the rash. As you are still suffering from the pain and nausea, I am hoping your physician gave you strong Opioids and an anti-emetic for the nausea. If not, see him now before the weekend begins.

      Please tell me where the rash is and if you have a lot of other medical conditions.

      Do you have family that can help you a bit more. I know it is difficult to ask...

      If you are immunocompromised with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Psoriasis, ITP, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens Syndrome, and / or cancer, or on corticosteroids, it predisposes you to shingles.

      I am a nurse practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 19 years.

      I hope this helps.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • jane97743
      jane97743 Puddenpop67

      Posted

      Hi, It was 8 weeks ago that I was diagnosed and had the woest kind, head forehead and right eye! Although I have had the all clear at the eye clinic, I do sometimes get brief double vision when I look to the left , and I hope this is just a side effect of the meds I have been on, mainly Pregabilin, I am feeling so tired compared to how I was before I had shingles, always very active with lots of energy! One of the worst things is the terrible itching I get in the areas that I had the shingles, this just seems never ending!!! I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy.
  • CatherineG
    CatherineG MsM81

    Posted

    Hi ..I have shingles it started off before Xmas with a fluey type illness saw doc after new year as I wasn't getting better She spotted a rash at the tail of my spine and got another doc to have a look they both said shingles the next day it was all down my left leg I've never felt so ill before. Was given an antiviral along with co-codamil for the pain plus ibuprofen. The rash has gone the pain is unbearable it ripples right down through my buttock it's in my groin my knee my calf ankle foot my toes are so numb and sore I can't bear to touch them. That along with the nausea, fatigue, headaches, depression is driving me nuts. I've spent most of the time in bed haven't got the energy to do anything ...felt so down today as I was up most of yesterday now I'm back in bed again all day...I googled how long does this last for and found your page and after reading all of your replies I didn't feel quite so bad as I couldn't understand what was wrong with me seeing that others are and have gone through similar gave me a bit of a boost knowing that I'm not alone. I'm 68 and have other health issues but this has floored me, doc did say it was a bad case I'm afraid I'm not a very good patient don't like being in bed would rather be doing something, since reading your replies I realise I have to accept this illness and take it easy and do what my body is telling me rather than fighting with it. I started with it about a week before Xmas so that's 6 weeks ago now....some days are good some are bad and this is a bad one ...hoping it's going to get better soon. Thankfully I don't have children to run after anymore or work to go to like some of you ....hope your all getting better day by day xxx
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 CatherineG

      Posted

      Dear Catherine,

      I am so sorry for your suffering.

      As a long-time fellow patient with Herpes Zoster or Shingles, I do understand and empathize with all your symptoms. I have had Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 20 years.

      I would like to make some comments and suggestions to you.

      First, I am a nurse practitioner in the States, as well and am experienced in treating Herpes Zoster.

      You have a viremia circulating in your body. The effects of the disease last usually 2-3 months, especially in a more severe case.

      I would suggest the following:

      If you have no drug allergies or contraindications to the medications...

      Ask your physician if you can change from Cocodamol, which is basically codeine and Tylenol to Oxycodone 10mg. Codeine might be causing nausea and is not very strong compared to Oxycodone.

      Also, ask your physician for either Neurontin or Lyrica. These are additive medications that will help reduce the agonizing electrical pain.

      If you still feel nauseated, ask your physician for an anti-emetic so you don't feel like throwing up. You shouldn't have to suffer. I suffered terribly through my first bout, and don't wish anyone to go through that nightmare.

      Also, Rest Rest Rest, and Rest some more...

      If you have family to help you with some household chores, now is the time to ask for a favor. (I hate to be a burden, but my son helps me gladly.)

      Please let me know how you make out and how else I could help you. I truly care about my friends across the pond.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • Cookiemom
      Cookiemom CatherineG

      Posted

      HiCatherineG I am pleased I seen your post not because you are not well but because I am having a lot of the same symptoms after having shingles about 3 weeks ago . I am 46 and we moved house on 8th Jan after a long our house was sold it wasn't sold getting a mortgage people letting us down etc horrible time that had been going on since last June and when we did finally move the house was left filthy and it took me 3 weeks to clean . Like you I had pain in my leg and I thought it was after a fall I had and kept pushing myself a few weeks later I spotted the rash and went to docs and got the aclivor and given gapbatine (sorry for my spelling) for pain . I only take it sometimes as it makes me even more tired and I have a 10 and 15 year old so need to be up and about for them. Roll on a few weeks later till now and I'm so tired I could cry I have a dull pain in my lower back/buttock going down my leg the rash startrd on this leg but lower down I know it's not a urinary infection as I suffer from these and I don't think it's sciatica as it doesn't go right down I was beginning to think I was crazy till I seen your post and realised it's probably todo with the shingles and not resting etc . My husband is so excited about the house and is doing loads of work on it and can't understand why I can't be bothered I think he thinks I'm being lazy I want to do stuff but I am just so sore and tired but seeing your post has helped . Hope you are feeling a bit better now .  Xx
    • CatherineG
      CatherineG Cookiemom

      Posted

      Hi Cookiemom.....I feel for you. People don't understand this illness the only ones who'll understand are those who have had it. Plus the severity of it varies from person to person. I'm in the elderly group and apparently it hits them harder and takes longer to get over. I'm now around 11 weeks with it I was trying to ignore it hoping it would just go away and  I was ignoring all the advice I was getting...that was to rest rest rest and more rest. That's what I'm doing now. I get up in the morning potter around for a bit within 30 mins or so I'm pouring with sweat and feel so weak I'm back in bed for the rest of the day, I'm fortunate that I can do that I don't have children at home anymore plus were retired. I hope you get the support that you're obviously needing so that you get the rest that you need to help you recover from this. With regards to Gabapentin I believe that it has to be taken on a regular basis for it to work properly, I started of on one per day for a week, then two per day for a week and so on I'm now on 5 per day going up to 6 next week. Since I started taking Tramadol and the Gabapentine I'm not in so much pain it's made life a bit more bearable even although I'm sleeping most of the time, that in itself will help me to recover and heal from this horrible illness. I hope you get the help and support that you need Cookiemom, and I'm glad that my post helped you in some way. Take good care of you xxx
    • avey
      avey Merry19451

      Posted

      Merry Juliana, thanks for your posts and all whopost.  I'm now in the States and feeling very tired with little rest and sleep,  I will need to restart meds and soon be up and about to help with my brother's surgery.  I am almost 80 and yet all family everywhere seem to depend on me not realizing how exhausting this is. And I need to care for myself.  The flight relaxed me although very, very time consuming and now I have memory problems... did I bring x amount of money with me or did I lose it and have no one to ask.  Organizing when feeling well enough is important!!!I  Also I​'m nauseous maybe due to trying to take eneergy bars or such... Even food does not sit well. I have headaches and the ususual pains in my back which. plus I always always am feeling cold and have constant pins and needles in my feet now going up my legs.

      ​I'd like to see a doctorher who is especially knowledgable about this post shingles illness as it has been 2 years since I had shingles.  Should I be atking the anti-virals again. Has all been exacerbated due to taking meds for urinary infection?  Did I say i stopped Gabapentin?  Should I start taking it agin?  It is the exhaustion that is really getting me!!!  Can you contact me personally?  Thanks

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 avey

      Posted

      Dear Avey,

      We are not permitted to post our personal information on this Web site due to safety and privacy issues. Please let me know where you are in California and I can suggest where you might go. Perhaps, your brother or his family might suggest an internist you might see.

      Merry Juliana

    • avey
      avey Merry19451

      Posted

      Thanks, Merry,  I'm in Vista, CA.  I am seeing a nurse practitioner today and will let you know how it goes.  My brother is on his own with no family and why I have traveled so far. As an elder peson he is independent of help and is now depending on me,  I've felt so exhausted this past weeks and other times in life.  It is a delicate balance.  I read of you and others gong through what I have gone through and keep hoping something new will be more effective.  Right now I have taken zolpidem for four nights and last night I slept almost 6 hours.  (I woke once and was sleepimg on a chair).  I am getting only 4 hours at night and lie awake other times a day when and if possible since I arrived and back home for months.  My brother doesn't understand the severity of the problem and unfortunately does not think of care for others!  I'm in a dilemma as he does need a well person to help him through this stage of life.  I'm just not the person I was and have family and a Parkinson patient at home!  He has appaerntlynot believed people are handicapped for they can walk and talk a friend has mentioned of a comment he has made,,  This is making my illness and life more difficult!
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 avey

      Posted

      Avey,

      Certain individuals can become more self-centered as they age, and your brother sounds like one of them. I know Vista, California well, as I used to live in San Diego. If you are going to a federally funded clinic clinic ie community clinic, they adjust the payment accordingly. They do not check out your stated income. I am certain at your age, you live on a fixed income.

      Does your brother have enough money to hire someone to help him. I realize Vista is not a wealthy area. If he qualifies for medicaid, the federally funded health program, he would qualify for a home health attendant, taking the burden off of you.

      I hope the nurse practitioner helps you with your current symptoms.

      Keep me posted!

      Merry Menden

    • avey
      avey Merry19451

      Posted

      Merry, I wil bring this up with him and he is most self-centered.  I do not know if the clinic is federally funded and will ask for myself.  My brother should qualify for home health attendant but would not accept as yet.  He does need to be preparede however. Your posts are a great help and care. with much we need.  Thanks  I will be.

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 avey

      Posted

      Avey,

      You are obviously a nurturing individual and care very much about your family. When someone qualifies dues to his poor functioning in activities of daily living, and his financially eligible, it is not your responsibility to fly from the UK to care for him. Your health is also precarious and you need your rest, as well. Certain family members can be bullys and know exactly what words to use to manipulate someone into coming. At a certain age, you also have to care for yourself, because ver h few people are going to care about you.

      Merry Juliana

    • avey
      avey Merry19451

      Posted

      Merry Juliana. I really did need to hear this from someone.  Today we learned his surgery will be put off to have a procedure for a just discovered large aoric aneurism.   We will learn more this coming week.

      ​The nurse prctitioner has said I also have a stomach virus that has to work itself out as does the post shingles this time around so it is rest and more rest.  Interestingly, I was told that since the other meds as Gabapentin did not appear to alleviate the various symptoms best medication would be none for now and wait and see the lab work. The lidocain patches worked and they are very,very expensive. I'll go back to Salonopas patches for pain for now.

      ​It is so comforting to have someone who understands well and who can help when help is needed.  May you continue to stand by and be here for all who need your expertise in so manyways.

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 avey

      Posted

      Avey,

      I am happy to help you and others as it is my calling as a nurse practitioner. I am so sorry your brother has a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. Please take good care of yourself...neither of us are getting any younger.

      All the best!

      Merry Juliana

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