Shingles

littleblueparakeet2 · ‎10-11-2014

I currently have it and it s#cks.

I went to my PCP last Thursday after I developed a rash on the left side of my neck 2 days prior and was told I was having an allergic reaction from a bug bite. I was put on a course of oral and topical steroids, neither of which helped. I started to get much worse over the weekend and ended up at an urgent care center on Sunday and was diagnosed with shingles; now on Valtrex.

The burning pain is brutal and now bands of small vesicles have developed on the left side of my face. I called my doctor and was advised to see an ophthalmologist ASAP as a precaution.

If you have had shingles, how long did it take for it to resolve?

lulu2 · ‎03-09-2010

I had a bout with Shingles a few years ago. The outbreak was on my lower back. It was BRUTAL for about 10 days. It was at least a month before the sores were completely healed.

I feel your pain. Good luck!

momshan · ‎06-29-2012

The time varies greatly but the suggestion to see an ophthalmologist is a must since you have it very close to your eyes. This condition travels along the nervous system and not by bacteria or virus on the hands or skin. I have a co-worker who had the shingles in his eyes and it was very harsh. Please go as soon as possible to get started on a treatment to keep it out of your eyes. Your age and the severity of your case will determine how long it takes. Also, your general health and immunity system plays a part. I know you can knock this out! Good luck.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

I had it on my left arm. I woke up with the red blisters and my hand swollen to the size of a softball. It is so painful. Its to bad you got a.misdiagnosis becuse the antibiotics need to be started within seventy two hours.

littleblueparakeet2 · ‎10-11-2014

Thanks ladies for your posts--I appreciate it.

momshan: I'm only 41 and in good health, so hopefully this shingles episode won't drag out too much longer. Taking a shower while having shingles is a real joy. Feels like the affected side of my neck and face is being stabbed with shards of glass.

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

My husband found out he had shingles about 3 years ago while on vacation at the beach, needless to say it was not the best vacation. Hubby really did not have a horrible time of it, but still has some phantom pain where some of the sores were.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

littleblueparakeet2 · ‎10-11-2014

On 11/4/2014 I am still oxox said:
My husband found out he had shingles about 3 years ago while on vacation at the beach, needless to say it was not the best vacation. Hubby really did not have a horrible time of it, but still has some phantom pain where some of the sores were.

Sounds like your husband has PHN; that stinks.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

My son has had shingles twice, once at age 4 and once at age 20. I really felt for him. It lasted about a month each time.

littleblueparakeet2 · ‎10-11-2014

On 11/4/2014 lulu2 said:
I had a bout with Shingles a few years ago. The outbreak was on my lower back. It was BRUTAL for about 10 days. It was at least a month before the sores were completely healed.

I feel your pain. Good luck!

Yikes! Sitting and sleeping must have been a real issue for you.

My sleep has been greatly impaired because of the shingles, but I can only imagine how it was for you having it on your back.

littleblueparakeet2 · ‎10-11-2014

On 11/4/2014 ccassaday said: I had it on my left arm. I woke up with the red blisters and my hand swollen to the size of a softball. It is so painful. Its to bad you got a.misdiagnosis becuse the antibiotics need to be started within seventy two hours.

I'm actually concerned that the antiviral won't be as effective because it was started more than 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Guess I will have to wait and see.