Shingles

[ShirlyValentine]

Hi, I currently have shingles. It started off with my skin on my right side of my abdomen and back feeling really tender (I thought I had kidney stones), then feeling very itchy and a blistery rash appearing. Unfortunately I left it too late to go to the doctors (about a week and a half after the symptoms occurred). I've been prescribed anti-viral tablets and cream (aciclovir) which I have to take 5 times a day. I think I know why I have shingles, I've been feeling stressed and depressed for months now and think it must have weakened my immune system. I'm a single mum with no support and living in a new area and have few friends. I hate it here. I'm 41 years old. I was just wondering if anyone could advise me on how I can build up my immune system? I feel so fatigued and run down. Also, is it worth continuing with the anti-virals as it must have been about a week after the rash appeared that I started taking them. My GP really rushed my appointment and didn't explain much at all. Thank you.

Amitryptilline( an anti -depressant ) is often prescribed too to reduce pain.

When I had shingles, I was given a mild antidepressant to calm down the nerve endings (which tingle and sometimes burn a bit). I was told to continue taking the ADs for several months after the shingles went away.

It has now been a year, and I can still feel the tingling - though much milder.

Do what the doctor told you - take all meds, and use creme.

In terms of your immune system: get sufficient sleep, try to do some exercise every day (even if only a few minutes), limit alcohol intake, eat healthy food, don't smoke, take a multi-vitamin, drink lots of water. I also take echinacea the minute I start to feel even slightly unwell, and it seems to ward off most things.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Thank you for your replies. I will continue with the meds as suggested though unfortunately I was given only a tiny tube of cream that I'm meant to apply 5 times for 4 days and already on day 3 (third time applying), it has run out and due to the bank holiday my GP surgery won't be open til Tuesday so I will have to give up on it. Thank you for the advice re. building up my immune system, I will do as you suggest. As to the antidepressants, I am already taking antidepressants (a different type) and although I had terrible back pain initially, it has subsided now, though if it comes back I will ask for it.

Why don't you take the tube to a pharmacy and see if you can buy it rather than waiting for the GP to reopen? It might be available over the counter or the chemist may recommend something comparable

Thanks Ivor I will go to the pharmacy tomorrow and see if they can do this. I'm surprised I was given such a small tube when I am supposed to apply it 5 times per day for 4 days and my rash is quite large (which the doctor saw).