Thread: Has anyone suffered through a case of Shingles?

I am sorry your not feeling well and have to deal with such trouble. God Speed to you for a quick recovery.

Sorry to hear that Chris. I had the misfortune of shingles in my mid-twenties. Not as bad as yours' but localized on my back and wrapped around the right side of my rib cage. Just the natural motion of my arm swing while walking was painful. As others have said, there are some antiviral medications that may help if started early. Acyclovir is one of the generics in pill form that is available. There is also Zovirax in cream or ointment that can help with the pain and itching. Unfortunately, the cream and ointment are Brand name only in the U.S., so if your insurance does cover them, the copay will still probably take a bite out of your wallet. Talk to your doctor if you have not done so already to see if any of these medications would benefit you, speed your recovery, and at the very least ease the pain. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for all the well wishes, guys. When I was diagnosed, I was prescribed an antiviral pill that I've been taking. Apparently that's most effective if the drug is taken within 72 hours of getting the rash. Unfortunately I think I had more time than that elapse, so I don't know how effective the antiviral will be. Today for the first time, the pain, although still constant, is not to a level of being debilitating like it has been. I took a shower for the first time today in five days. I've found, hands down, that the best relief has come from cold wet washcloths on the rash. Calamine lotion was largely ineffective. I'd upload a pic, but it may not be for weak stomachs.

The cause for me was extreme stress or my reaction to it. We're relocating within the state and that, on top of doing everything that's been required to prep our home for sale as soon as possible, etc put me over the edge.

Chrisl

Hi Chris

Sorry to hear of your shingles.
Yes. Same virus as chicken pox (herpes zoster), glad to hear you've got the anti-virals.

Never had them but treated them a number of times in my career as a physiotherapist.
Not sure what healthcare you are able to access and the cost of this where you are living.

Therapeutic ultrasound (as used by physical therapists on soft tissue injuries ) and acupuncture can both have benefits in relieving pain and speeding healing.

All the best

If cold and wet helps: try levomenthol gel with or without lignocaine added. Alternative would be mentholated shaving cream. I have used Proraso green as a cooling cream with good results.

Kees: Do you think camphor oil would work? I have some of that. It may have a cooling effect?

I do not know camphor oil by experience. I usually prescribe levomenthol/lignocaine gel or cream for topical treatment.