1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

Exhausted post shingles

Posted , 107 users are following.

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

Prev Next
  • kimberly05660
    kimberly05660 MsM81

    Posted

    I am so happy to have found this site!   For the longest time I have been feeling that it was just me who has these symptoms. cry   I was diagnosed with Shingles 1 month ago.  I too continue with the exhaustion, fatigue and general flu like symptoms.  I was started on Nortriptyline 2 weeks ago for the pain and have been off work for 1 month.  It seems like just taking a shower wears me out and the more I rest the weaker I feel.  Good luck to everyone!
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 kimberly05660

      Posted

      Hi Kimberly,

      I am so sorry for your suffering.

      Herpes Zoster-Shingles certainly takes a lot of time to recover. It is truly a viremia circulating in your body which accounts for the multiple symptoms, such as headache, joint and muscle aches, malaise, weakness, sweating, chills, and fatigue.

      The excruciating pain is exhausting, as well. Nortriptyline can cause sedation and indirectly make you feel more fatigued. FYI

      Hopefully, you were prescribed the antivirals immediately and have excellent pain control.

      I get Zoster-Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 20 years, so I am well acquainted with how to treat the pain and disease. I am also a nurse practitioner in the States.

      Please let me know if I may help you in any way.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • kimberly05660
      kimberly05660 Merry19451

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your response and kind words.  Yes, I was precribed (and completed) the antiviral medication.   The pain is under control but the other symptoms (headache, malaise, weakness etc...) continue.  I've been advised by my physician to rest and slowly increase physical activity.  I've being doing that and today it was all I could do to get out of bed.  I guess l need to have to learn to have more patience and allow myself the time to recover. wink
    • sandi01178
      sandi01178 kimberly05660

      Posted

      been 5 wks for me = still have a few marks remaining and don't really have much energy at all......with that said i DO have to empty the cat boxfrown take your time healing and have a good weekend!
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 kimberly05660

      Posted

      Kimberly,

      Thank you for responding. I do appreciate hearing from you. I am struck again by the Herpes Zoster-Shingles, and am resting. Fortunately, my family doesn't expect miracles from me regarding housework and meals, as they are adults. It is difficult to be patient with the fatigue, headache, malaise, etc, and whatever else one has.

      All the best.

      Merry Juliana

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 sandi01178

      Posted

      Hi Sandi,

      As I have recurrent Herpes Zoster every three to five weeks for the last 20 years, and I am in the middle of an episode currently, I just go with the flow. I rest during the day and take it easy.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 kimberly05660

      Posted

      Nail on the head Kimberly! We all have to learn patience with this illness, it's a b*****frown I've not been right since I had it last April. Still feel exhausted after doing anything so have to pace myself all the time. I suppose at my age (72) it doesn't really matter now since I'm retired but I feel I'm wasting my retirement now. Also seem to have developed all sorts of ailments since shingles came to me! rolleyes 
    • CatherineG
      CatherineG kimberly05660

      Posted

      hi Kimberly ...your not alone I've been wanting to have a bath for the past few days still haven't managed to get there it's so frustrating am trying to just take one day at a time and do what I can and that's not a lot lol and like merry says just go with the flow on it all it's easier that way not a lot else we can do ....😊 All the best hope your feeling better soon xxx
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 CatherineG

      Posted

      Hi Catherine,

      Was it you who made the comment about being AWOL?

      Presently, I feel like I am AWOL from my life, but I just try to soothe myself with this current episode. I have Pleurisy with the Zoster, even though the Zoster is in my ear...oh well...

      The UK Web site keeps me chipper.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • CatherineG
      CatherineG Merry19451

      Posted

      Yes it was Merry....I'm always AWOL I'm very rarely at home in my own body. Lol the one thing I'm trying to do is live in the moment in the here and now and try not to think about tomorrow or next month etc. If I get through the day it's a victory for me at the moment......you take care Merry xxx
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 CatherineG

      Posted

      Catherine,

      Well,

      Miss AWOL...You make me laugh with you...and that is a wonderful thing...I visualize my mind, atomic size, trying to find and capture it while in outer space...an outer body experience as it is...

      Hopefully, Sunday is better for you.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

  • CatherineG
    CatherineG MsM81

    Posted

    Funny you should mention Atomic Merry we live not far from a Nuclear establishment lol radioactive particles have been found on the beach where we used to walk our dog. Little wonder I go AWOL lol I'm trying to get away from it all, wish theyd get there act together and stop all the pollution etc and here was me telling Pollyanna there's very little pollution where we live I'd forgotten all about the Nuclear Power Plant just up the road .....see what they've done to me already little wonder I've gone AWOL ...hope your having a good day too xxx
  • CatherineG
    CatherineG MsM81

    Posted

    Yesterday I was talking to a neighbour of mine ...she came to our door but she didn't want me near her, I said to her it's okay shingles isn't contagious. She said yes it is...she told me she was visiting her in laws her mother in law had had shingles, she gave a t shirt to my neighbour and she felt she had to wear it to please the MIL ....next day she had shingles it was around her eye then spread to under her rib cage ....she's never had chickenpox or any other childhood illnesses? And she's also a nurse. 🤔 X
    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 CatherineG

      Posted

      Hi Catherine, she could have developed chicken pox as she'd never had it in the past. It's more serious in older people than children. From what I've been reading on this website and forum it cannot be passed on as shingles to anyone else. It is classed as infectious though. I was not allowed to sit in the main waiting room when I saw a doctor about it, in case there were any pregnant women or others who had not had chicken pox in the past. Not many people get through childhood without getting it or other 'childhood' illness'. Maybe that's what your neighbour meant. If the blisters have dried up scabs fallen off, you're not infectious anymore. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Pollyanna. confused
  • debbie27015
    debbie27015 MsM81

    Posted

    I felt very fatigued as well when I had shingles for at least a week. Not a good thing to get. : (
    • jazzyanne
      jazzyanne debbie27015

      Posted

      I know every one is different , ive  felt fatigued for about a month , seem too be abit better now x
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 jazzyanne

      Posted

      Jazzyanne,

      I love your name! Fatigue is a huge part of the disease, besides the pain. You simply can't get enough rest. Little tasks seem like monumental undertakings. I have had to relax my standards, as I have been a perfectionist. Actually, when I became a mother at 37, I realized that you can be an excellent mother, or an excellent housekeeper, but not both. I decided to enjoy my son.

      Feel better soon.

      Merry Juliana

    • jazzyanne
      jazzyanne Merry19451

      Posted

      Thanks Juliana does it do any good taking the anitvirals once the spots have came out x
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 jazzyanne

      Posted

      The criteria for the antivirals are start the antivirals within three days of the onset of the rash, not the onset of the symptoms. Most individuals do not recognize the symptoms as Herpes Zoster-Shingles. If the rash has just appeared, definitely get the antivirals immediately.

      It will keep the virus from replicating!

      Merry Juliana

    • Azbella
      Azbella Merry19451

      Posted

      Yep agree there are choices we need to make. I too used to go it all .. But now I'm okay just getting done of it done. 👍❤️ Hugs
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.