It was like a red rash.

For two weeks I have been trying different strengths of contacts, trying to get the right script.   I was having trouble getting the contacts in and out.   My eyes became very sore.

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!