It started with high fever, a recurring headache and red welts across my chest. I hate being ill - and hospitals - so begrudgingly went to the local hospital with my wife only to be told I had shingles and should be put in a ward immediately.

However, that hospital did not a full-time skin doctor, so we were instructed to go to another hospital nearby by taxi and where we promptly registered.

I was confirmed as having shingles but after a few days (and a lumbar puncture) another doctor confirmed I had developed viral meningitis. This meant a two-week regime of acyclovir three times a day intravenously which ruined my appetite. During this time, I couldn’t walk, had a catheter inserted full-time and struggled to pass any bowel movements.

After three weeks, I was basically booted out as the hospital was not geared for long-term fixtures and then prematurely sent home. Once home, I hopped on the scales and was horrified to see I had lost 10kgs down to 65. For the next four weeks, I struggled with headaches, not being able to go the toilet without invasive measures, chronic stomach pain and ongoing urine retention. I also could not walk without the aid of crutches as the muscle in my legs had wasted away from being immobile in hospital but I also had a funny tingling sensation from the waste down.

It has now been Week 10 since I first was diagnosed with shingles and have gone back to work for the first time. I need a walking stick to keep me balanced and my gait is still wobbly, with constant pins and needles from the waist done. I finally had the catheter removed successfully yesterday but urinal flow is still slow. Constipation remains an issue.

I have scoured the internet but have not found symptoms or an experience that is close to mine. Is there anyone out there?? Would love to hear from you!