Co codomal prescribed. Please may I have some advice

[TheWanderingUterus]

So on Tuesday I was diagnosed with shingles above my left hip. I also fainted and came down hard on the bathroom door handle. I have aciclovir 800 and they helped but the patch has been growing bigger, redder and sorer. It is now about 5 inches by 8 inches. Went to see a doctor today, they said the nasty bruise next to the shingles is feeding into it. She said not infected and gave me cocodamal 15/500.

I have never taken cocodaml before, read the leaflet and am terrified of vomiting or fainting again as I am on my own. Given the location of the shingles I am certain a vomit would be excruciating, but the pain itself is pretty damn sore (cried in taxi, cried in hospital, cried in Asda getting script, cried in taxi). I am responsible for getting my own food etc so cannot be incapacitated (no help currently available). Is there a codeine thing that's lower that I can buy at a small sainsburys local (all I have access to today) to see how I get on? The only side effect that sounds good is the constipation as the aciclovir is giving me diarrhea.

So sorry if this doesn't make sense, tapping it out on tiny thing.

[TheWanderingUterus]

Also can I take ibuprofen if I am also taking cocodamal?

[PickAChew]

OTC co-codamol is 8/500

Take one of you prescribed ones plus one plain paracetamol (to the max of 8 of either a day) for the same dose.

[TheGirlWithTheArabStrap]

I'm sure you will be fine with the co-codamol. Have you taken codeine before?

[Floralnomad]

Yes you can take both together and that is the non prescription dose of cocodamol so is already the lower codeine dose . Prescription only is 30/500 . Hope you feel better soon .

[PickAChew]

And yes. Alternating with ibuprofen is a good strategy.

[Badders123]

Yes you can but eat if taking ibuprofen
Co codamol is my pain reliever if choice
Never any issues

[FruitCider]

Take one co codamol and one paracetamol if you are worried.

Ibuprofen is usually fine as well, as long as you can normally take it?

[Jayfee]

Phone a pharmacist. I would phone a local one but otherwise any that have a late night service. They are really knowledgeable and usually very helpful.

You poor thing. I hope you feel better soon.

[Katymac]

i think you can get 6 (or maybe 8?)/500 over the counter - but 15 might not be too strong as it also comes in 30/500

You can also try just one tablet & see how you feel?

I often take my 30/500 1 every 3 hours rather than 2 every 4.....it reduces the pain & makes it more manageable for me

[TheWanderingUterus]

I have never taken codeine before no. I haven't really taken painkillers at all really, maybe five paracetamol in the last five years. Ibuprofen maybe once a year for a bad period pain.

Thank you for all the advice, I think I might just take one tonight and hope it knocks me out enough to sleep.

All the good wishes are lovely, much appreciated X

[hugoagogo]

That sounds like a good plan. I hope you are feeling better very soon.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

If you do take it drink plenty of water as it can constipate you . Hope you feel better soon .

[RoosterCogburn]

Drink lots of water.

Could you organise a Tesco (or other supermarket) home delivery to save you going out?
I'm sure the last thing you want to do is go shopping.

[TheWanderingUterus]

Thank you all. I am not compos mentis enough to manage an online shop., very confused, thinks aren't staying in my head and typing is taking a long time. Hoping a friend will be available tomorrow afternoon to go for me, I have a small amount of money in my purse.
I have some crackers and bananas on my bedside table. Not really hungry, they are just to fill stomach for ibuprofen. I have a fridge full of fresh food but I can't cook it right now. Propped up in bed watching tv

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

Codeine isn't that intense unless you are intolerant to it somehow (it makes my mother turn bright red and throw up).

I used to take 50/500 for an ongoing pain issue. It's in Nurofen plus and other easily available medication.

If you have it available you should take it.

[CatherineDeB]

No advice as I am clueless about these things but poor you OP, it sounds thoroughly miserable and I have been there. Spent my 31st Christmas alone in my house with shingles feeling much as you have described.

I hate being really poorly on my own, I really hope your friend can help you tomorrow .

[TheWanderingUterus]

Drinking lots - tick. Have a big water bottle I refill when I use bathroom. Have to do it for the aciclovir. Found another bruise on left shoulder blade, think bannister when I fainted on Tuesday.

I will take the codeine.

[TheWanderingUterus]

Poor you Catherine, Christmas shingles is a bloody wankbadgery thing.

I'm glad its cold enough to be naked and not have to have things touching the fucking thing.

DH took the kids away, tiny house, too much noise. Mum is fussing from a distance (not a fan of ills).

I have accidentally shown my boobs to two doctors, a nurse and a vicar since Tuesday. I suspect in two weeks I will be hugely embarrased but right now it is very funny.

[Oly5]

Co-codamol is fine OP. Take what you have been prescribed but I wouldn't take with other painkillers.
Hope you feel better soon ... But if you don't go back to the doc!

[TheFairyCaravan]

You poor love. ((Hugs))

Codiene can make you feel a bit rough especially when you're tired and haven't eaten much. I'd take one co-codamol and one paracetamol tonight and see how you go. It might make you sleep well, it does me.

[TheWanderingUterus]

Thanks for hugs and stuff. I'll cry again and get you all snotty if you aren't careful

[chough]

OP, I've been taking the stronger co-codamol (30/500) after an injury, and I've been fine with it.
The dr must think you need your 15/500 dose if that's what was prescribed for you.
Shingles is known to be extremely painful and debilitating, so don't suffer unnecessarily.
(Just be aware to keep an eye on bowels and address that if needed).
Hope you are better soon.

[TheWanderingUterus]

Thanks you. Nice friend bringing frodo tomorrow . Just need list

[Shallishanti]

it's a good idea to write down what and when you take, it's easy to get confused/forget- alternating with ibuprofen is a good idea but don't forget the co-codamol contains paracetamol, so if you take paracetamol alone you need to total those two together so as not to go over what you should take in 24 hrs