Shingles. Do you want to see?

[ShinglesOuch]

I've got shingles, and I'm feeling sorry for myself and bored - work have told me I have to be off sick 'to take time to recover' even though I wfh.

So I thought I'd share my blisters with the interweb, if you're interested?

That looks well sorry for itself. Is there nothing the GP can do for you?

Get well soon.

Ouch poor you that looks bloody sore! Can you ask the GP for some emla cream? it was the only thing that got me through when I had shingles.

That looks sore!!

Ouch. Did you get anti virals?

That’s made my morning, thank you.

I had shingles a few years back and it was so hard to not pop.

It's not too bad if I don't move, it sort of feels like bad sunburn. Stings if my clothes move over it as I move. The worst bit is the horrendous back ache!

I've been given antiviral tablets - 5 times a day! - and I'm taking cocodamol for my back, which feels all painfully stiff and odd like I'm wearing a corset - so just have to wait for it to get better now...

My main concern atm is trying to stop DD (4) catching chickenpox from it. We were going to get her vaccinated, but couldn't because of covid, so that's a PITA.

Ouch. I get shingles about once a year (did you know you can get it more than once?!) but luckily mine is no where near as bad. Hope you get well soon.

I found a thin stretchy vest worked better than a loose top over it as the fabric doesn't move as much and brush the blisters.

Narsty. You could pretend to be a Victorian Lady in your tight corset!

I’ve had shingles twice in the past 6 months and I have a two year old who’s never had chicken pox and he didn’t get it! Bloody painful though the doctor thought I was being dramatic when she first saw me I only had around 2 blisters but the pain in my back was awful I saw her initially for the pain I didn’t realise what it was until she looked then she realised why I was in so much pain! I kept saying it felt like I had been badly kicked in the back multiple times

That's exactly what it feels like! I've been struggling to describe it. I fell down a flight of stairs quite dramatically once, and the pain is very similar.

I'm hoping I don't get it as a reoccurring thing, that sounds awful I'm immune suppressed through medication for something else, so I guess that's why it's happened.

The pain is awful with them. I still get pain in places where I have had them before.

Oh you poor thing, I rember when my blisters scabbed over they went really dark and looked like tree bark

Do they always pop? I'm wondering if I'm reeeeeallllyyy careful if they'll sort of heal from the inside?

I'm currently NOT TOUCHING THEM in a very deliberate manner. I feel like if/when they pop and they're open to the air it's going to be excruciating

Lordy! I only had about 6 and that hurt enough.
It was nearly 20 years ago and thankfully they haven't been back. Despite everyone gleefully telling me their horror stories.

Ow! I had shingles last year and couldn't believe how much it hurt in a 'Ive pulled a muscle' kind of deep pain

I think they're getting worse. Does anyone know how soon the antivirals should start stopping it get worse, if that makes sense? I started them 24 hrs ago, so not expecting miracles. Just wondering at what point I should go back to the GP...

Ouch that looks really sore. I hope the tablets work soon.

I think from what my gp said the anti virals only work if it’s caught within a certain time I’m not 100%. I was prescribed them but the doctor said it was probably too late for the full affect of them and to only take them if I really needed too and I didn’t end up taking them. But I always thought with the anti virals if you are taking them then it can’t get any worse it’ll just need to come out now. Mine were no where near as bad as yours and the feeling of being kicked was horrific so can only imagine how rough you are feeling. Have you got any camomile lotion? I think it’s that! Also heard if you put porridge oats into a sock and tie it and put the sock in the bath and then run the bath that can help

I've sent some pictures to the Dr, they say it's OK, in that it doesn't need extra treatment. Apparently if I get a fever, shortness of breath, or spots in my eyes (!!) I need to be seen, otherwise it's a case of toughing it out.

I really really don't want them to pop... I can just about imagine how much they'll hurt if/when they become open sores! I'm scared to have a shower in case I irritate them or make them start to burst.

So if anyone needs me I shall be here, carefully not touching them, and reading the information leaflet to see if I'm allowed gin with the tablets

I've done the oat bath thing for DDs eczema before, I'll keep that in mind, thank you!

I’ve had shingles multiple time’s too. Bizarrely had no spots from chickenpox as a child but my bloods showed I had immunity. My body is making up for it now. Hoping the patient information leaflet gives you the green light for a small gin.

They make a big black scab, like a cold sore on speed! My dad looked like the guy on Blake's7 (Travis?).

This is my single biggest tip for dealing with shingles
Care Virasoothe Chicken Pox Relief Cooling Gel 75g amazon.co.uk/dp/B075K98T3F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9MWWN3JBYK73H4AEH13Y]]

@FeatheredHope

This is my single biggest tip for dealing with shingles Care Virasoothe Chicken Pox Relief Cooling Gel 75g smile.]]

Thank you - ordered!