1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

What's your opinion?

Posted , 8 users are following.

silversmudge
silversmudge

I was diagnosed a week ago with a minor case of shingles (about 3-4 days after rash first showed up).  So I've been on antivirals and Lyrica for just about 7 days now. I still have the rash, but since it was so mild, I can't tell if it's crusted over or what. All I know is it still hurts.

I've been home from work not only because of the discomfort, but because there are pregnant women and an immunocompromised person in my office.

I don't want to play risks with anyone else's health, but I also can't stay home forever. 

What's anyone's opinion--when can I absolutely safely go back to work?

Thank you, I appreciate any feedback.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Fheatherly
    Fheatherly silversmudge

    Posted

    Hi silversmudge,

    I currently have the horrible rash aswell. Going on week two And it hurts like hades. From what i have learned is you are only contagious when the bubbles pop And the liquid is transferred. As long as you dont touch the rash And then touch Work equiptment you will be fine. I wear an ace bandage when i go out just to be safe. Hope you feel better soon And can return to Work quickly.

  • ingrid01846
    ingrid01846 silversmudge

    Posted

    Silversmudge, I am in the same situation, in fact I'm going to see Doc to confirm that it is safe.

    Ingrid

  • annie1002
    annie1002 silversmudge

    Posted

    I don't have the answer to your question, but I was discouraged to hear that you've been on the meds for 7 days and still have the discomfort. I've been on the Valacyclovir HCL for 2 days and I was hoping to feel the benefit soon.  I haven't developed a rash, and have only the back and abddomen pain on the left side.

    My MD didn't order Lyrica - is that something that is normally ordered for shingles?

    Thanks!

    • annie1002
      annie1002 ingrid01846

      Posted

      just found out that Lyrica is used for nerve pain for shingles.
    • Shoe_Lady
      Shoe_Lady annie1002

      Posted

      The lyrica helps with the nerve pain, which is what you are experiencing from the shingles virus attacking your nerves. Get something ordered for the pain. The antiviral keeps the virus from progressing, but it already attacked the nerves causing the pain, so you need to treat the pain. If this happens to reoccur start the antivirals at the first signs of pain. This can prevent nerve damage. Take care.
    • sandi01178
      sandi01178 Shoe_Lady

      Posted

      just so you know - one of the side effects of lyrica is bed wetting....just wished i would have known that before i started the drug for nerve pain from protruding discs (was taking it then shingles popped up so stayed on it until the side effect happened several nights). prayers your shingles clear up soon. my rash cleared up fairly quickly but the fatigued lasted and lasted and lastedfrown
    • Shoe_Lady
      Shoe_Lady sandi01178

      Posted

      Good to know. I use neurontin when my pain gets bad. Have not had any side effects from that. However, the longest period of time I took it was 3 months.
  • avey
    avey silversmudge

    Posted

    After more than a year and a half I still have remittant fatgue and muscle pain everywhere to boot.  Definitely shingles was mild but not the ost shigngles, plus i have had fibromyalgia which was diminishing in frequence. Lyrica helped in both instances but affected memory and I therefore I discontinued  but now feel so 'out' I may have to restart it...the same with Gabapentin.  One I may need to work with as I do not sleep well.  Age does not help!

    Now I will be traveling a far distance, 10 hours and caring for a brother who will have surgery.  My mistake in answering "Yes" as we must take care of selves first!  Cannot change flights now!  Any thoughts as to increase energy for the trip?  I've rested almost totally for two days but still feel the exhaustion.  Also have nausea and a shooting headache now and then,plus the general pain or muscles...earache has gone!  I needed to take anti-bacterial for a UTI which may have exascerbated all symtoms.  It has been a week since I took the last anti-bacterial.

    I would not suggest going back to work until your exhaustion is gone and then go lightly in all you do when you become tired and edgy.. 

Back to top

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.