Shingles

[Sir Alec]

I wondered if anybody out there has ever had this awful complaint. I've had it for 7 weeks now. I can put up with the rib pain and even the sudden temperature spikes, but the crushing headaches and the nausea they cause are becoming very debilitating. I'm having to lie down a lot. Being a full time carer for my Dad, I just can't afford to be like this.
I googled it and it says that it can last for weeks, months or even years. I just wondered how long other people have had to put up with it?

[smart1]

I had it when I was a kid - for about 3 mths. Ask the GP if they can prescribe painkillers and anti -nausea tablets.

[Sir Alec]

I had to take a course of vile tablets, the size of bullets, 5 times a day to stop the spread of the rash. I'm now on co-codamol for pain and metoclopramide for nausea, but they don't seem to be doing much except constipate me.

[Sqad]

No I have never had it.

I assume, that the rash has disappeared.

You will be suffering from post herpetic neuralgia which although difficult to treat can be eased.

See your GP

[ttfn]

Bless you, I had it years ago and it still comes back from time to time. To experience it is to know it. Do see your doctor and see what can be prescribed.

[smart1]

I do sympathise. Suggest explaining to GP about your domestic obligations, and see if there are alternative painkillers and anti- nausea drugs. Just keep telling GP that what you have isn't working.

[LoftyLottie]

I have seen a grown man (and a tough one at that) cry with shingles. I feel so sorry for you Sir Alec. It often attacks when you are run down - I know what hard work being a full time carer is.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Sir Alec]

Thank you all for your suggestions and sympathy!
The doctor warned me that it could last a long time. I asked neighbours I bumped into and was surprised at how many had had it. One persons' only lasted a week, whereas anothers lasted 4 1/2 months.

[Mamyalynne]

Sir Alec, I do feel for you, as others have said, it will have it's time. Check with GP for better pain relief and above all try to eat well and healthily to keep up your strength, you are doing such an important thing in caring for Dad, but never neglect yourself.

Mamya ♥

[Hymie]

I suffered a short bout, lasting around 2 weeks – over 10 years ago. The worst for me was an intense burning sensation of the rash on my chest, that for some reason flared up as I lay down to sleep each night.

For what it is worth, my cure was to get drunk each night – which allowed me to fall asleep without an irresistible desire to itch the rash.

[garner]

Hi Sir Alec,sorry to say but you could have pain from time to time long after,infact it's been four years since I last had them and I still can get pain,it can occur if you are tired or run down.Painkillers will help from your GP.Some people are lucky and have little reaction,foothers a different story.

[garner]

sorry should read for others.

[andy-hughes]

My sincere sympathies, I had it about thirty years ago, once had, never forgotten!

You must remember that it can be brought on, and is certainly exacerbated by stress, so you need to get some alternative care for your dad so you can recover without worrying.

In terms of it lasting for years, it simply lies dormant in your system, and there is no reason why this should not simply be a one-off - i have never had a recurrence.

Hope this helps.

[islasmum]

My mother had shingles several years back. iIt started as a rash around her waist and worst round the side of the back - she said that it was the worst ailment she had ever had, and used to have to try so hard not to scratch, as it was just where her trouser (and knicker!) waistband went, so I have lots of sympathy for you, and hope that you recover very quickly. She found that putting some calarmine lotion on it eased it a bit - it was also a very hot summer, which didn't help, but did mean that she could sit around in a kaftan most of the day. She was recovered in about 3 weeks, if that's any help; she was also my father's carer as he was not at all well, but fortunately I was still living at home and my sister lived next door, so we were both able to look after them both.

[wilkesneil]

i had it and i had some cream to put on it, its been a while so can't remember the cream, i know its hard but try not to itch as this can cause it to spread.