I have shingles now

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I have shingles from what I been reading about the pain comes first and yes my pain did I thought it was from at work I work at a nursing home and I thought I hurt myself with the resident this would have been January the 25th Maybe no I got diagnosed January 28th so let's say the Friday before that is when my pain started probably sooner than that I just thought it was from work the rash came January 28th the day I went to the emergency room is the day I knew the blisters where there, this pain I wouldn't wish it on no one I couldn't imagine my little elderly women at work getting this but they have before, and from what I've read I truly believe that mines came about from a weak sis immune system and stress I've had chickenpox twice I've I'm 50ty I though I would have to be in my 60ty but guess not, this burning and stabbing sensation is terrible, I want to know it's been a week and two days for me I do have scabs on the blisters it's on my back on my left side but what I want to know is on my left side of my stomach all the way around to the left side of my back it's just pain I'm sore I know I'm healing but I haven't went back to the doctor yet my husband insurance at work all of a sudden they need proof of dependents sent that information in just waiting to be reinstated on his insurance and the day I go to pick up my medicine that's when I found out well he knew and forgot to tell me those pills we had to pay $232 I started taking my medicine on Sunday after I was diagnosed Wednesday on the 28th of January 2018, this is the seventh day no tomorrow will be, and they do have scabs on them but my back is so sore and swollen I'm so weak I want to know is anyone feeling the same way or when you did have this did you experience what I'm experiencing I don't have the strength the soreness in my back it feels like someone has beat me and I'm so sore, will the soreness ever stop and being so weak I understand shingles is dealing with the nerves and I guess all that pain and stabbing and burning wherever is it on your body it wears you out so just want to know some feedback you guys let me know you all have a good day I'm going to try to do my best.

2 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello Gwenn, sorry to hear you have joined our shingles club.....I have reoccurring shingles, but my original outbreak (3 years this June), was fairly textbook, very very painful, then the rash on lower back, up spine, around waist, up to belly button. Pain lasted for 3 months, but the most severe was the first 3 weeks. Rash lasted about 4-5 weeks. If you don't get the anti-viral medication within the first 72 hours the effects are not as effective, however take them all the same. I have a on going prescription, then I take one as soon as I even suspect another outbreak. These are never as painful and only a minor rash on lower back or buttock, however the exhausted feeling is intense and lasts for 3 weeks.  

    What has worked for me and seems to be effective for many of the sufferers is taking antiviral medication, some folks have found relief with amnitrypline or gabapentin, but these did not work for me. I find Trazadone effective for sleep and tramadol effective for pain. The most important thread among all sufferers is eating clean...lots of fruits and  veggies....nothing with preservatives...stay away from sugar. Take Lysine daily, vitamin B, tumeric etc.

    Try to get rest, and above all, minimize your stress!!! I put frankinsense oil on the rash and that seemed to help.

    Hope this helps and good luck!!!! 

     

  • Posted

    Hi Gwenn so sorry to hear you have shingles. I got them first in my 20s and have had them on and off ever since, I am now 65. Hopefully yours will be a one off. Yes the pain can be awful, I am suffering at the moment, I have it on both legs. My hips and back are also so painful. I cannot take the meds as they make me really sick. I also paid for the vaccine 2 years ago. It hasn't helped me. There is a new vaccine out in the US but not made it here yet. UK. Take vitamin B for the nerve ends. I am taking Gabapentin at the moment, just at night to help me get some sleep. I used to work in a care home and fe I t so sorry for the elderly people who got Shingles. Also look up foods to eat and not eat when you have shingles. This is a great forum with loads of info. People here know more than the Doctors. I really wish you well and the pain will pass honest. Godbless. Xxxx

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