I have Discoid Lupus, although this diagnosis is under review following the outcome of recent hip X-rays. Just been diagnosed with shingles.

[Wendy39]

Confused. Lupus means over active immune system and I thought you had to be run down to get shingles. Confused. Any other Lupus sufferers had shingles? On 200mg Hydroxy twice a day.

[TEDDYM]

Hi Wendy39, I have not had shingles, but I did get chickenpoxs for the second time (which is the same virus as shingles). My Dr said it is because I am more susceptible to catching infections due to my compromised immunity. I am also on 200mg hydroxy twice a day.

[Gradydane]

Hi I have had shingles for the first time . The blisters disappeared in two weeks but the nerve pains are still there (5 weeks now)! Normally if you were diagnosed quickly you would be prescribed an anti viral medication. Check out NHS online. I am on hydroxy twice a day as well. Stress sometimes can trigger off shingles.

[Wendy39]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I guess our immune systems are all over the place. Who knows what's going on inside. I have had a stressful time recently and haven't been sleeping well. Hey ho. Thanks again.

[Melinda]

I had the shingles years ago, a few years after I was diagnosed with Lupus. I know our immune systems are supposed to be overactive, but some of the the drugs we take do suppress our immune system. The hydroxyl should help.

[madmagz]

Hi I had discoid lupus for eighteen years before it turned systemic but still suffer from discoid leisions regularly. I have had Shingles a few times once of which it got so bad I was hospitalised for a few weeks due to the neuropathic pain that came with it as I had shingles internally as well as on my legs this was most uncomfortable and I am over it now but avoid stress and anybody with chicken pox as they seem to trigger shingles in me, as do other people with shingles so I avoid them big time! Lupus does mean over active immune system but in the wrong way it works against the body instead of protecting it so avoid any food or drinks that make it work harder as it will work harder against you. You do not have to be run down to get shingles once the virus is in your body anything from stress to contact with another can trigger it so be careful and I hope you get well soon as I know how uncomfortable it can be,

Madmagz x

[teaparty]

I have lupus just recently diagnosed. I have also just been told today that I have shingles. Im also having more problems with my hips too. looks like another problem to add to our long list of problems.

[Silverlady51]

Hi Wendy, i too have Discoid Lupus which I have had for the past 8 years. I have also had shingles twice (not pleasent) my meds have now been changed from Mepacrine to chlorequinne phosphate, unfortunatley I have had a bad reaction to these, now on nothing. Its all to do with our immune system, try and rest and plenty of fluids. good luck

[Wendy39]

Thank you everyone., for taking the time to reply. I am grateful for the support this site provides. I have been having a nap every day whilst the children are at school. It can still be quite painful and I have been taking the painkillers the GP gave me. I am still soooo tired though. But this could be Lupus or the shingles. I will survive though.