[Allerian]

How many of you have had shingles? Monday I had a fever, headache and just felt blah. Tuesday had pain over my abdomen where I developed a raised rash. I'm pretty certain it's shingles. Seeing a doctor later today. And it hurts when anything touches it. Did any of you get post-herpatic neuralgia? I read online if you are

 

[Zoi]

Hello Allerian,

I don't know much about shingles as I've never had them (hopefully someone will come along soon who knows more!) but just wanted to say I hope you feel better very soon and send a lot of healing hugs your way :grhug2: :grouphug:

Best of luck with your exams this week and with your doc's appointment today!

Zoi

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Allerian,

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well, especially during your exams. The stress during this time may have caused the outbreak, if that is what it is.

I have had shingles a few times. Only once did I have pain that lasted once the break out was over.

Let us know how your appointment went.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[germanshepards]

Hi Allerian,

Yes I've had shingles twice when I was 28 and then again at 30. I didn't have much pain but the blisters were very sensitive and then itchy as they crusted over (yuck). This was before I was on immunosuppresants. I really believe it was from stress because both times I was starting or quiting jobs. I did not have any post nerve pain. However, I did catch it early. It is very important to see a doctor immediately if you suspect shingles so they can start you on Valtrex asap. I hope you feel better soon. Take care.

 

[Allerian]

I got the rash last night and will be seeing a doctor today at 4pm. I think I read you should start anti-virals within 72 hours of getting the rash. So I'll definately be doing that. It is getting pretty sensitive to clothes and such.

 

[greenhaggis]

Hi,

Its good to start the antivirals as soo as possible!

How did it go at the doctors, were they able to diagnose Shingles?

Good luck and hope that the pain and itching passs soon!

Lesley

 

[karenj7777]

I had them when I was 28 prior to lupus. They said it was the beach sun or a flu like trigger that I did have which provoked the outbreak. Start the antivirals, i was two weeks in so it was too late for them to work, but I had a very swollen lymph node from the rash so don't wait! I wonder if we are all just immunocompromised since this isn't normal for people under 50-60.
Anyway, rest and take the pain meds. Good luck I hope you feel better.

 

[Allerian]

So saw the doctor and we do think it's shingles. The rash right now is more macular-papule (red raised areas) and are becoming more vesicular (clear and fluid filled). I'm really early in it and will be getting the anti-viral today. I didn't have time to get it yesterday. I'll be 48 hours out from the start of the rash when I start them. I am 90% sure that I got it from the amount of stress I was under this week. (Had three tests in medical school). How many of you were on methotrexate? I called my rheumatologist this morning and I'm supposed to hold them. And they're getting back to me on how long I should hold it. It's not too painful yet. It mostly is very tender and bothers me when something touches it like clothing. I don't have any pain meds but the doctor said she would prescribe some if it interferes with my sleep and so far I'm okay.

 

[Fairy]

I had shingles about 6 years ago - I was on high dose steroids and methotrexate at the time, and I wasn't told to stop/reduce either. Unfortunately it showed up around my eye and one side of my forehead - it all got pretty nasty because my eye swelled shut. I was given the antiviral tables, and also some antiviral eye drops, which I'm sure got rid of it faster. I had tingling on the eyelids and forehead for about two months afterwards, but luckily it didn't damage my eye, and I've been left with a semi-numb eyebrow (makes plucking it easier :lol

I think it was the position of the rash that made my dose more problematic - hopefully yours will go quickly!

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Allerian,

I was not on Methotrexate any of the times, only Plaquenil.

I hope the anti-viral knocks it out.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Meriel]

Hi

I've had shingles twice at 23 and 25 (I'm now 27), both times before I was diagnosed with lupus. I only had it mildly and it mainly affected my head and eye on one side but I can sympathise with you because it's a horrible thing to go through.

My advice would be to get to your GP asap. I actually went to A&E one of the times that I had it which was the advice my GP gave me on the phone.

Hope you get better soon
Best wishes
Meriel

 

[lullrich76]

I had shingles on my face 3 times about two years ago and 1 time on my back. It wasn't very bad, did itch a lot, but mine didn't hurt. I didn't have any nerve pain as a result. I really think that I had a mild case.

 

[Allerian]

Did anyone else feel sick with their shingles? I still have fever/malaise/fatigue and that general light headed feeling you get when you feel really unwell. I have one day left on the anti-viral

 

[tutublue]

I had shingles 10 yrs ago but the rash wasn't typical so was undiagnosed for a while and i spent 2weeks in hospital with Doctors lookin at my rear end!! where the shingles landed! Only when the rash was almost faded did it actually look like shingles then I was put on zovirax. The pain was excrutiating though so I hope the anti virals help get rid of it for you.

Hope you feel better soon.

tutu... xx