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shingles treatment question

Posted , 12 users are following.

craig05490
craig05490

On Tuesday evening this week, I came down with a rash which resembled, and indeed turned out to be, shingles. Prior to the rash emerging, however, I had about a week's worth of advance symptoms, mainly very mild pain which was diagnosed by a doctor as a muscle strain due to the lack of any other symptoms besides that. However, I went back to a doctor on Wednesday morning, just 12 hours after seeing the rash for the first time, and was put on acyclovir right away.

However, in reading about shingles to try to understand what I'm in for over the next few weeks, I'm seeing some conflicting information: some sites say that antiviral treatment for shingles is most effective if it's begun within 48-72 hours of the rash (which I did meet), while others say it's only effective if it's begun within 48-72 hours of the initial symptoms (which I missed due to the initial misdiagnosis.)

So I wanted to know if anybody could clarify that one way or the other. 

1 like, 37 replies

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  • wylee
    wylee craig05490

    Posted

    Craig, I developed Shingles (of the Ear-RHS) 8 years ago.  All of the medical literature that I have read state that the timing of the "golden window" starts when the RASH first appears.  The general consensus is 72 hours after the rash starts.  Don't worry too much about that.  There are recent findings that show that antivirals started at the 72 hour mark work better.  Now they are even talking taking them for 21 days instead of 7-10! Go figure!  It's the dose of antivirals that is important. Shingles dose is different than other herpes viruses.  

     

  • joyce01872
    joyce01872 craig05490

    Posted

    Hi Craig,

    I had flu symptoms and severe low back pain several weeks before the rash. (I was diagnosed 1/30/16) I started antiviral the day I broke out; pain was horrible for 2+ months, but I started

    L-Lysene500mg daily when my meds ran out, it's supposed to help with pain...I have been pain free for 2+ months, but have all the typical post shingles symptoms, the worse being extreme fatigue and brain fog.

    Apparently everyone is effected somewhat differently. But, the Herpes Zoster virus is circulating in our system so we need plenty rest..,I feel better if I get 10-12 hrs sleep. If I try to do too much and push too hard, I wind up getting knocked back down with classic flu symptoms.

    This site is great for sharing, learning and support.

    Take care and I hope you're feeling better. Remember, this too shall pass...😊

    Peace and blessings,

    Joyce

  • Rudyredrose1127
    Rudyredrose1127 craig05490

    Posted

    I woke up Saturday with horrible burning/tingling sensation on my Right arm, Right side of chest, Right shoulder, Right side of my face. I knew then what I had......THE SHINGLES!!! I knew something was going on in my body, just felt so tired, headache and nauseous for a couple weeks; but never this. Due to my poor immune system, I had to quit working because of my other illness. I have had 2 children C-sections,hysterectomy, and a Total Left Hip replacement with femur stem, and Fibromyalgia! I will NEVER forget this type of pain, burning/tingling sensation with tiny needles stabbing!! So, I've had this since Saturday, got my antiviral medicine and Pain medicine and have rested, rested and rested!They are some that is starting to get dry, some are still blister. My question is: how long for the recovery time; when can I get out without being infectious to anyone. Thanksgiving is coming up and the home will be covered with all different ages, some will be toddlers and school age children; can I get out of my bedroom to visit with my family! This is NOT fun!!!!!

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 Rudyredrose1127

      Posted

      Hi Rudy,

      I am so sorry you are suffering with this disease.

      Regarding your being infectious during the Thanksgiving Holidays, when the vesicle-blisters have all scabbed over, you are no longer considered contagious. They may or may not be completely scabbed over by Thanksgiving. You do not transmit Shingles, but chickenpox to individuals who have never had chickenpox. This would include pregnant mothers with unborn children.

      If you cover up the vesicle-blisters with clothes and Band-Aids on your face, you are allowed to mix with public. You then are not infectious. Do exercise Excellent Handwashing.

      I would not, however, due to your disease status and poor immunity, help at all with the meal prep, clean up, or child care. Your children and husband, if around, can make their own beds and your grandchildren's beds. This time, you absolutely need rest and sleep.

      The vesicle-blisters should be scabbed over within the three to four weeks from date of onset. Those with known impaired immunity, or extensive rashes may take longer.

      How is your pain control, BTW?

      The accompanying symptoms of malaise, fatigue, and exhaustion can persist long after the rash and pain subside.

      I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States. I have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles every 3-5 weeks in my right ear for the past twenty-one years and twice in my right eye.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

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