Shingles and work
Posted , 22 users are following.
I was diagnosed with Shingles Tue. but actually had the rash at least on Fri. (how the ER AND Urgent Care didn't realize it was Shingles I don't know!) and I am on the anti-viral, gabapantin 2700mg and ibprofin 800mg.
I teach 5th graders and I have now missed a full week of school, I am in A LOT of pain, and taking 2-3 hour naps still. I really want to go back on Tuesday, but wanted to get people's opinions...I mean I guess I can be in pain at school just as well as at home, yes? I just don't know what to do about work...Please give me your opinions...Thank you!
4 likes, 67 replies
donna48911 rlyndecker
Posted
Rlyn, that sounds like a reasonable plan. It's too bad you can;t let your principal know. This was not your choice and you really are not well and support would be welcome. I agree with Goodwater Betty; getting that rest is so important! It has definately helped that I have been sleeping a lot. We had a snow day yesterday and I slept nearly 12 hours. I can't remember the last time I slept that long! But I think that it has really helped. I don't have as much pain. I am hoping that this will help. I do know that there can be continued difficulties with shinles. And I don;t think doctors really have all the answers, especially since it can express itself differently in individual cases. I do not have much pain, just fatigue, so I am less inclined to take antidepressants, but it does seem to help many and I would take it if pain was preventing me from sleeping or causing me stress and anxiety.
Hang in there, Rlyn!
babs99203 donna48911
Posted
I too found a good night's sleep gave me less pain, and pushing myself made it worse. I'm still trying to remember that as I over did it the last few days. Also, this disease is up and down, two steps forward, one back. You'll have good and bad days, but it will get better.
Aren't you covered by FMLA or sick leave? What about a doctor's excuse? Nothing is more important than your health. I had always heard that but it sure takes on a different meaning after 5 months of pain.
gail86945 rlyndecker
Posted
Was having a problem with my left eye. Felt like something sticking in my eye. Went to optometrist (that I've been going to for over 20 yrs). She thought that I had just scratched my eye & prophylactically ordered antibiotic drops. Over the next couple days, I thought it was getting better. Then the upper eyelid started to feel sore. Went back to optometrist, a steroid eye drop was ordered. She said I had Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis., possibly from contact lens use. Again, over the next few days, it felt better, no soreness noted. Then 5 days later, soreness again. I called the optometrist requesting a referral to an ophthalmologist. Got in that afternoon & have shingles under my left eyelid! No pain, per se. Occasional feeling of something being in my eye. But overwhelming fatigue!! Opthamologist put me on oral antiviral & Acyclovir ointment for my eye. So it's only day 3, don't feel any different. Noticing some swelling under both eyes (cheek bone area). Not sure if this is part of shingles or the meds? Also, wondering if I should contact my PCP? I have placed a call to him, waiting for a return call.
On the fatigue end of this, I am a RN, work in an out pt orthopedic surgery center. Very physical job. You would think a medical facility & the people in charge would understand how physically taxing & stressful the job can be & having a virus that knocks the wind out of your sails, but they're concerned about their staffing! I'm off the rest of the week. Not sure when I'll be feeling better? Guess I'm not very patient & have always been the reliable, dependable employee! Feeling anxious about all of this!
Merry19451 gail86945
Posted
First, I am sorry you are going through this process with Herpes Zoster Shingles.
The pain might increase to an excruciating level within the next week or so. The fatigue and exhaustion can continue for months after the rash and pain have disappeared. The only cure for the fatigue and exhaustion can is rest and sleep. You cannot power through this disease.
Second, you are considered contagious until all the vesicles-blisters have scabbed over. I would consult with the infectious disease expert in your hospital to see when you are allowed to go back to work. Your tears, and therefore, nasal secretions, contain the virus, BTW.
Herpes Zoster Shingles in your eye can be one of the most painful afflictions of mankind. Be patient with yourself, and give yourself time to recover.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twentyone years and twice in my eye.
Best Wishes.
Merry Juliana
gail86945 Merry19451
Posted
Thanks for your insight! I have blisters under my eyelid, not anything on the outside---as yet. Just wondering how long before I see some improvement? Eye is slightly red, lid is slightly swollen. Occasional periods of feeling like something is sticking in my eye, but not really painful. More itchy than anything else. I also have noticed that my scalp & upper back feel itchy. Don't see any rash. This is now day 4 on medication. Guess I'm just impatient.
Thanks.
Merry19451 gail86945
Posted
The entire process, barring any complications takes approximately one month. The issue is, my sweet and fellow RN, that the eye area is extremely complex, takes longer to heal, and that medical professionals are terribly
Impatient patients... LOL! They also seem to have more complicated outcomes.
The scalp itching is part of the nerve root dermatomes affected by the Herpes Zoster Shingles.
May I ask your age? My Zoster started at age 44.
Please take excellent care of yourself.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
babs99203 gail86945
Posted
It's common to connect the presence, or lack thereof, of a rash. That is only an outward sign of what's happening INSIDE your body. I had almost no rash--only a couple tiny bumps that were almost invisible, but the pain was intense. You can also have shingles with no rash at all, which explains a lot of back and chest pain that doctors can't diagnose. (I wonder how many cases or costochondritis were really shingles). This is a long process, but it's hard to understand or accept it. Believe me, I'm 10 months out and now dealing with PHN in my back and chest. There are the lucky ones who get the meds, have almost no other symptoms beside the early rash, like my husband, and feel fine the whole time. He's had that twice, and only mild twinges once. It was the exact opposite with me. Hang in there.
dianne1967 rlyndecker
Posted
I'm grateful to have found your post. I am a middle school math teacher (grades 5&6). I was diagnosed yesterday (9/12/17) with shingles and started medication (Acyclovir & Prednisone). I have been at have been home for three days total. But was planning on going back on 9/14/17.
I have shingles on the back of my left hand, left side of my upper chest and it wraps around to the back of my neck. I also have places on my scalp with blisters.
So far the pain is intense. I want to cry but know it won't do me any good. My doc gave me hydrocodone but it's only taking the edge off. I'm struggling now with waves of double vision, an intense headache and I think I have a new area erupting on the left side of my back in the shoulder blade area. My other areas are oozing now and slightly bleeding from scratching without realizing I was doing it.
Is it even logical or possible for me to go back on 9/15 and teach all day? My doctor said I could go back when I felt like I could handle the pain and itching. He suggested being home only one day to get the medicine into my system. But after reading your posts I'm wondering if one day is just not enough time. My heart goes out to you all. This is a horrible condition. I welcome any advice or thoughts on how to manage teaching and healing at the same time. Thanks.
babs99203 dianne1967
Posted
Dianne, I'm so sorry, you seem to have a rather extensive case of shingles. For the anti-virals to be effective, they need to be given within the first 72 hours of symptoms, even sooner is better. It doesn't sound like that happened in your case. Usually there are a few drugs offered to help with the pain of shingles, opioids are only one. There's mixed opinions on their effectiveness or danger. Usually Neurontin or Lyrica are prescribed. They disrupt the pain singles to the brain. They have their own side effects of fatigue, problems processing etc. However, they can work as the meds are slowly increased. Some suggest going to work as it may take your mind off of it--but they may not be teachers. I honestly think your doctor may not know how difficult shingles is. This pain may last for days or weeks. That's why I suggest other meds. I've used Neurontin (the generic is gabapentin), Tylenol, my current RX anti-inflammatory I've been on for years (it seems that may help the other meds work better) and Aspercreme roll-on creme with Lidocaine. I was fortunate to not have any itching or actually almost any rash, so I can't personally suggest something for the itch. Some people get relief from cold, others heat.
Personally, I tried to work the first week, but then had to quit for two months because of the pain and the side effects of the meds. My pain was back and chest so I couldn't lift, twist, bend without a lot of pain. The most important thing is to rest. This is also a virus, not just an external rash, so the headaches and feelings of being sick are from that. Those may lessen soon or it could be from the other meds. There's some school of thought of giving steroids (Prednisone) for shingles, but the side effects can be dramatic and are not often prescribed. Some feel they may not help.
I'm sorry I've got some rather discouraging comments, but we've all found that some doctors or popular views of shingles are either not very accurate or totally wrong. I worked in healthcare as a medical secretary for almost 30 years and I'm grateful that it helps me deal with medical issues. I'm sure you'll get a lot of other good advice here.
Personally, I wouldn't plan on going to work at least this week. You need to rest and get a handle on how to deal with this. I'll be thinking of you. Take care.
Lillyta dianne1967
Posted
I am sorry you are going through this. Shingles do not last just for few days it is usually weeks. See if you can take some time off work to look after yourself.
As for itching and pain, I used Gold bond anti-itching/pain that I bought at Walmart. It is quite soothing. However, I would really suggest that you try a blend of essential oils, it did wonders to me. You can always try them and see what happens. I would just rub the oil mixture all over my body even in the spots where there is no rash.
You can use either of these 2 recipes. I tried them both and helped a lot with the pain and the healing process.
Receipe 1:
In 30 ml oil (Coconut, olive or almond)
8 drops of teat tree oil
6 drops of lavender oil
Few drops of Eucalyptus oil
OR
Receipe 2: shingles should disapear in 4 days
Dilute in 10% carrier oil of Equal amount of
Clove
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Peppermint
Tea tree
I wish you a fast recovery.
Lillyta
kimberly22826 rlyndecker
Posted
I'm Kim new to this club, I'm 20 and somehow I managed to get shingles, I don't know much of the subject but I work in retail and I'm a hard working individual but this pain has me in the dumps, feeling exhausted and just irritated, yesterday was my 6th day with them, I powered through the first 2 daysat work (Target as a cashier) the 3rd day I went to a small clinic were the doctor said it was alright to go to work (I didn't) but I have missed 3 days! I am sure it doesn't seem like a lot but as a college student that is money down the drain. I was planning to go today but yesterday I had such a "power thru moment" I decided to paint my new house which needs a ton off remodeling by the end of the month. How can I stop the shingles from spreading on my body? It's on my upper arm, hand, and back. How do I prevent getting NHP?
Merry19451 kimberly22826
Posted
I am so sorry you have this disease. I know how exhausting and painful shingles is.
One of the worst prolonged symptoms of shingles, besides the severe pain, is the exhaustion and fatigue. It is a virus that is circulating throughout your body now. Hopefully, you received an antiviral and effective analgesic.
What physicians fail to tell their patients is how exhausting this disease is and the need for rest and sleep. If you need to work, please try to curtail other activities, as you will pay for it. There is no powering through shingles. You absolutely need to rest and sleep. The more physical activity, the more pain.
The more pain, the higher the risk of Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN or recurrent shingles.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
rajiv54551 rlyndecker
Posted
babs99203 rajiv54551
Posted
Yes, I have several answers for you. First, this is a self-selected group. People with shingles come here for help. Two, the vast majority of people who come here don't give their profession, so you just happened to find posts from teachers. Third, teaching is a high stress field.
linda46536 rlyndecker
Posted
During a recent holiday in Cambodia I felt a sudden stinging sensation on my L breast on our return I noticed I had a spot rash on my back was diagnosed with shingles . I was put on valtrex 6 tablets a day. I am now 20 days from being diagnosed, my itchiness has stopped but the pain in my L breast and middle back is sooooo painful. Dr prescribed lyrica for nerve pain 25mg 4 x times a day w pain relief but I feel like my breast is going to explode.... Next appt is 26 feb. I'm not back at work yet have not got my strength to work 8 hour shift as chef in aged care facility ..
Merry19451 linda46536
Posted
I am so sorry you are suffering with this disease.
If your breast feels like it is going to explode, you are not adequately medicated for the pain. During your next appointment, I would ask for an Opioid to ease the pain to take in addition to the Lyrica. Shingles pain is considered one of the most painful afflictions of mankind, in addition to cancer pain.
Any increase in activity will increase the pain. I would request additional weeks off, as the exhaustion and fatigue are also typical symptoms of this disease. You cannot power through this.
Many younger Physicians are unaware or are unsympathetic of the devastation that Herpes Zoster brings upon the patient.
Lyrica and Gabapentin may help slightly with the agonizing pain,
but are no substitutes for Opioids.
I would also try cool compresses or ice.
Lidocaine ointment or cream is beneficial as it numbs the nerve endings. I use Auroguard in my ear, which contains Benzocaine. I also take Topiramate, which is similar to Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant. I am on Venlafaxine, an SNRI, which is also used for Neurogenic pain. During the recurrent acute episodes, I take Oxycodone for 3-4 days. I get recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twenty one years and twice in my right eye.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.
I hope I have helped you.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana