When I got a red rash the size of a quarter at the corner of my left eye, I assumed I had scratched myself. After a week, it began to get worse, swell and even burn. I went to the doctors on Thursday. The doctor lifted my hair with a pen (Not a good sign) and diagnosed me with Shingles. WHAT?? Yep, Shingles!!!
I'm sure you have seen this commercial. This man portrays exactly the pain I am having.
How did I get Shingles?
My doctor told me that after you have had the chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve roots and remains inactive until it flares up again. When the virus becomes active again, you get shingles instead of chickenpox.
Why did I get Shingles?
There are many reasons. One of which having a weak immune system creates vulnerability to reactivation of the virus. My immune system is very low right now. I have been sick with different illness since the beginning of December.
Am I contagious?
Being exposed to shingles will not cause someone else to get shingles. If you have not had chickenpox or the vaccine, you can get chickenpox if you are exposed. However; you must come in contact with the fluid in a shingles blister.
Lucky for me (if you can call it lucky), I did not have oozing fluid. I have the blisters that feel like I got burned.
Why does it cause pain?
Shingles attaches itself to the nerves in your body, which causes pain. I may only have a mild case of shingles, but this pain is horrible! I can feel a stabbing pain from my eye down to my jaw.
Is there medication?
I am on a medication called Valtrex along with a topical cream to apply. After two days I am noticing the blister turning into a pink color instead of the flaming red. It still f-in hurts though!
oh tami, i am so sorry to hear!! i've heard they can be so painful. i'm glad you got medication. i hope it all passes very soon. you will be in my prayers!!
ReplyDeletehoping tonight is tons of fun for you!
xoxox
maria
I'm sorry I hear it's painful....not just old people get it anymore. A couple of Katelyn's classmates got it before finals...stress induced sometimes! Take care of yourself...I think new shoes is a definite cure...I'm sure I read that somewhere! lol! xo
ReplyDeleteHere I am leaving a comment that won't post I'm sure 'cause it's the google form again.
ReplyDeleteYou've done your shingles research, girl!
I had shingles on our last trip to Indiana. But I'm such a spoiled baby, my brilliant medical hubby was with me and got me on the Valtrex within the first 24 hours of the rash appearing. I never had any discomfort whatsoever.
Mine was at the top of my right thigh.
This is me, Keetha
Oh I'm so sorry for you! I've heard shingles can be horrible, hopefully you don't suffer too much and it passes quickly.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the game tonight!!
¤´¨)
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(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤... Jennifer
http://jennsrandomscraps.blogspot.ca/
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I had shingles 8-9 years ago. I thought I got to the doctor in time to get started on the meds to minimize the pain, so while the pain I had wasn't as bad as some have had (if mine wasnt as bad as some have had, I feel so sorry for those who have had serious cases because it was awful), it lasted for months. Hoping you will get relief soon.
ReplyDeleteMy father who will be 90 this year was just told to get the shot for shingles. I'm glad he did, I would hate to think he would have to go through this. Ouch....it sounds horrible. I am so sorry you are going through this. Hope the pain goes away soon. On a different note my brother tried contacts and couldn't do it. Had issues getting them in and taking them out. He gave up!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer. It looks like my husband will be going to the game with a friend. Between the shingles and a sinus cold, I am just not up to it. :(
ReplyDeleteYes, I am giving up the contacts. I really don't like wearing glasses, but it looks as if I do not have a choice.
ReplyDeleteI have a mild case of shingles. I cannot imagine having a bad case, young or old!
Too funny! I went to find new shoes today! Didn't find anything I liked AND the cold wind blew on my face where the shingles are and put me in more pain! It would have been worth it if I found a pair of shoes! LOL
ReplyDeleteThat sounds quite miserable! Hopefully you are feeling better as more time passes :)
ReplyDeleteI wanted to invite you to join our weekly Meet & Greet Blog Hop! It runs Friday night thru Monday. Come link up if you have time this weekend! :)
http://createdbylaurie.blogspot.com/2013/02/meet-greet-blog-hop-weekend-12.html
I heard about the chickenpox connection but for some reason I thought it showed up on you legs. So this rash just popped up on your face? I hope it clears up quickly for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, and only in one spot. It could be worse though. I'm glad it isn't because this hurts really bad!!
ReplyDeleteSounds awful. I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteGuess what. I never had chicken pox.
Lucky you live in Germany then!!
ReplyDeleteOh, no! You poor thing!!! :-( :-( :-( I hope you don't have a really bad case and that they go away soon.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, though...I never really knew what shingles were--except they were painful!
Hey, if it makes you feel any better...your team won tonight ;-)
Oh NO! I'm so sorry! I've know 2 people who had shingles - my niece as a child, and an older man. I know it's terribly painful. So sorry you're going through this.
ReplyDeleteShingles are very painful. So sorry to read you've been unwell. Hope they go away very soon.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I can't imagine but my mom got shingles once and I imagine it's because she's always stressed which I'm sure lowers her immune system. I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh no Tami you poor thing!! I hope you get better real soon, it sounds horrible :(
ReplyDeleteOh you poor baby!!! That is just awful Tami! I hope it goes away soon.
ReplyDeleteIt does suck! And I am having a major pity party for myself!! :)
ReplyDeleteStress can cause shingles along with a low immune system. There are other medical reasons too or certain medicines you take.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cyndy. It's no picnic, that's for sure!
ReplyDeletehi, i'm following the "meet and greet weekend" blog hop . i would love for you to visit my blog and follow if you like it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.blackinkpaperie.blogspot.com
thanks
new follow bev
ps sorry about shingles
My oldest is recovering from a case right now. Hers is on her spinal nerve. . She's doing better but was miserable early on. Feel better!
ReplyDeleteMy mother and a good friend both had this and it was no fun. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to have a mild case of it. I can't imagine having it worse. Ugh! Thanks for stoping by my blog! Nice to have you as a new follower!!!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness. how awful. I had such a mild case of chickenpox that the dr said I could contract it again. which I am hoping for since this sounds terrifying! Get better soon my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a DRAG! Ihope you're feeling much better now.
ReplyDelete