Shingles

[coriander2]

I've had shingles for about 5 days now and its not very nice I can tell you. It covers the left of my forehead and my face is swollen in front of my ear. I looked on the web and read some horror stories about people still suffering months or even years on. Has anyone else had a similar experience but got better much sooner please?

[jno]

I had it once - nothing visible but itchy round the eye - and it was gone in less than a week. This may not be any guide to how it will affect you, though.

It only hits one side of the face, my GP said - there's an invisible line down your nose it won't cross.

[Rosetta]

Mr R got it in January this year. The rash and inflammation lasted several weeks and the itching reduced gradually. He still gets itcing occasionally now. Have you had any medication from your GP as this can help quite a lot

[Androcles]

I know! I have had this too and ended up with a paralysed face (Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome) and the treatment was fairly brutal with electric shock treatment as part of it. I was told there was a 50:50 chance it would be permanent. Fortunately, the paralysis disappeared as quickly as it appeared, but I had problems with pain and irritation for several years afterwards. I am still petrified if being in contact with chicken pox! see http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1166804- overview

If you haven't already GET MEDICAL ADVICE!

[DEN53]

Mr. Den had shingles few years ago - it started with a slight itching around the back of the neck - he thought it was a label irritating in his shirt. He felt quite ill for a couple of weeks but didn't have no lasting ill effects.

The only thing that it left him with was a very freckly back - he never had them before. Strange very Strange.

Hope you feel better soon xxxx

[shaneystar2]

Poor you .I had shingles recently .In my breast ,under the arm and half way round my back . Very painful . Nasty blisters etc .The doctor gave me some aciclovir, anti viral stuff ..but I think I left it too late before going to see him .It took a good three weeks to clear up and I still got the odd twinge for a while .I think if you get the medication into you quickly before the blisters appear then it clears up pretty quickly .
Try dabbing with calamine that will help to cool it .Hope you soon feel better .

[Lil O'lady]

Poor you. My old ma had this but neglected it, consequently was in hospital as the virus got on her cornea as well. She was badly scarred and had pain for years.
The virus attacks nerves, which is why typically one upper quarter of your face is affected. If you take your medication and slother it in zovirax from as early on as possible you should be OK - provided the rest of your general health is OK. If it isn't treated it can leave you with permanently damaged nerves.
It seems to be a symptom of stress, so as well as getting proper treatment for the shingles perhaps also taking time to reassess your stress levels might help. Good luck and get well soon.

[coriander2]

Thank you all for your comments and good wishes..I've been taking aciclovir and strong pain killers since day 3 but I think it's still spreading as when I woke this morning my eye was half closed.I don't think I've been stressed - well not before this!!

[albaqwerty]

nothing helpful from me in way of experience, Coriander, just wish you a speedy recovery and no more flare ups

[mosesg]

I had it in my ear on in my hair. I lost my balance and felt nauseous all the time due to it affecting the nerve endins in my ear, I also had a numb face. I was off work for 3 weeks. It took a while for the nerves in my face to get better and I think i still notice a slight drooping when I smile after 10 years. I did as the doctor ordered rested up and didn't go to work, I was lucky we had an indian summer at the time so I just sat in garden and read books. I do still worry about catching it again

[mrsmurphey]

I had it in february but was lucky, only round ribs and back,Anti-virals made me ill so had to stop hals way through course and still get terrible itching. The only relief is by body brushing

[coriander2]

It's me again. 3 weeks now since my shingles outbreak. I've now got scars, numbness and intense itching which nothing seems to relieve. I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever feel back to normal again.