Shingles

[angieloumc]

So I’d felt poorly for over a week, really sore and tingly aching around my left shoulder blade and round my breast. A friend suggested it could be shingles so on Tuesday went to go and was given aciclovir and anti viral medicine as had no rash.
on Thursday after work I felt like nothing on earth, really unwell chest pain and almost fainting so went to A&E. They did all the right tests as I’m 57 and there is a heart condition in my family but all was clear so the on call dr said it was probably shingles and gave me codeine for pain.
I now have a rash so it’s definitely shingles but the codeine isn’t touching it, nor paracetamol or ibuprofen. Same friend
as before who has had shingles said I should go and ask gp for gabapentin but not sure if that’s over dramatic but the pain is awful and I feel so
unwell I’m going to stay off work for the next couple of days. Any advice?

You have my sympathy. I had Shingles and it was bloody awful even with the antivirals.

Yep poor you, shingles wiped me out!

Shingles causes neuropathic pain which is why things liked gabapentin can be so helpful because of the way they act on the nerves. lidocaine patches can be helpful short term too.

You can also try cool compresses if you are trying not to use prescription meds.

You have my sympathy, shingles is horrid.

The pain is something else, it’s hard to know what will work as it affects people differently. Gabapentin didn’t do much for me unfortunately. You should absolutely stay off work - you are contagious for about a week after the rash first appears until it completely dries and scabs.

I was off work for a fortnight with shingles, I can’t believe you’re even contemplating going in! Gabapentin should definitely help, go and get some tomorrow and then take to your bed! Shingles is the worst pain I’ve ever had.

Why would you sit there in agony OP? Will you win an award for the most stoic person? Genuine question of why you wouldn't go back to your GP if you are in pain and ask for something stronger? 🤷‍♀️

To echo others, if you work in an office/with other people, DON'T return until ALL blisters have dried and crusted over. Anyone not immune to chicken pox can contract if from you and it can be catastrophic if caught in pregnancy.

Shingles only passes on chickenpox through direct contact with fluid from the blisters; its not airborne like chickenpox would be. If the rash is covered, and you feel well enough, you can go to work

Im definitely going to go back first thing to the gp as i am feeling worse as the evening goes on, thank you for the advice.

I’ve just had shingles over the summer and agree with previous posters it’s an awful pain. I went a&e twice as the first time the doctor didn’t give the anti virals and the next day I had really bad ear pain (was given ear drops) Paracetamol, codeine, cocodomol (prescription) dose didn’t work for me either - pain wise. I used a cold compress, lidocaine cream and calamine for the itching and soreness again with no avail. I’ve got nerve pain too still. I WFH and worked through it but wasn’t a good idea. I have an autoimmune condition too. I’m trying to currently reduce the scarring it’s on my shoulder / chest / neck goes to the back of my hairline.
It was horrible, massive sympathies for you - hope you feel well soon 💐

I can’t help the OP, but acupuncture solved my nerve pain (post herpatic neuralgia) when I had it, months after the original infection had cleared. I had to pay privately but it was a blessed relief. I think I had 3 sessions in total.

DH had it a couple of years ago and he was absolutely floored by the pain. Gabapentin was the only thing that worked for him, although Calamine lotion helped cool it down a little bit.

Thank you @PieonaBarm for the suggestion - I will definitely look into it ☺️

Lots of sympathy @angieloumc, I had if a coupe of years ago and was awful, though doc caught it early with anti virals.

I also got amitriptyline which is apparently good for nerve pain. I didn't like the effects much but did get a couple of nights sleep from it. Might be worth a try instead of painkillers.

I’ve never been so sick as I was 10 years ago when I had shingles - sympathy. Those anti virals are really only useful if they are started within 72 hours so probably missed the window a bit.
hang on in there, lots of fluid and rest. I found acupuncture useful too