In need of advice

Hi Rachel,

So sorry to hear about  your struggle! It sounds to me like your life is overly stressed and from what I've learned perusing this site, stress can contribute greatly not only to a first time breakout, but recurrences as well. On another thread I learned that L-lysine is very beneficial - the suggested dose is 1,000–1,500 mg three times per day. Take at the very first sign of symptoms.

I got shingles on my forehead about 5 weeks ago. I woke up one morning to find 4-5 bumps (did not look like blisters at first) above my right eye. The week before I was nauseous, had a low grade fever, body aches, and fatigue. Six days after the painless, non-itchy break out I went to bed early - so exhausted, however, I was unable to sleep the entire night because I was in so much pain. I had an extreme headache which radiated from the rash. I went to the doctor next day and was put on Valtrex 1000 mg, three times a day for 7 days. I really feel like a dodged a bullet. I had a lot of swelling between my eyebrows (temporary fix for my wrinkles ha) and my right eyelid was swollen as well. Thankfully, the swelling went away within a few days and my rash is almost completely healed although I'm certain it is going to leave a scar. I am still somewhat fatigued but that is improving as well. 

I think its very important that you take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods. As a rule I take a good multi-vitamin, with additional supplementation of vitamin c, magnesium, calcium, D3, and a pro-biotic.I drink a healthy smoothie every morning. I really believe that my healthy habits contributed to my quick recovery. Looking back over the few months before my break out, I was extremely stressed - it was my last semester of school, I was working full time, plus doing an internship on my day off. As women we find it difficult to take care of ourselves, but that is precisely what is needed. Best of luck to you Rachel