Shingles and RA

[modoogan]

Hi all 3wks ago developed shingles right hi and buttock very painful. I have RA, OA, Fybromyagia since 2011.anyone out there experience the pain that goes with this how long will pain last, I'm taking pregablin and antibiotics, get a few hours respite then pain starts again. Will be able to mix with 3year ol granddaughter on Xmas day or too risky, my daughter also has a compromised immune system. Any advice would help.Happy Xmas to everyone stay strong and positive❤️

[medway-lady]

I don’t have Fibro or OA just RA etc. I’m sorry to say your question can’t be answered as it varies from person to person. My Shingles was in same area and down outer leg back into inside leg to groin. For me it was a gradual lessening but in truth several months before it went completely. But the Pregabalin worked well and once the scabs have healed Deep Freeze was good. Pregabalin is addictive but I didn’t care and came off gradually. I spent a few days in hospital when they tried to get the pain under control so I do understand. It was agony and it’s returned since despite being vaccinated and GP said it’ll be back onto Acyclovir again if it returns a 4th time. The vaccine has helped though. Sorry and I tried all sorts of stuff, including Cannabis cream that’s vile and it never made any difference despite costing a fortune. Best thing was the Pregabalin and Ice. I hope you’re feeling better soon. I was told once scabs are healed kids can’t get Chickenpox from you but Shingles isn’t contagious anyway.

[modoogan in reply to medway-lady]

Hi medway lady thank you so much for replying at least I know what to expect, the pain is excruciating and I can tolerate pain ill stay with the pregablin and ice it definitely helps. I'm fortunate that I'm retired. Thanks so much medway lady a day at a time I quess. Sending Xmas wishes to you and yours stay well mo. 🥰

[Lizard28]

I know what the shingles pain is like, it’s agony, mine I hate to say lasted about 6 months, mine was at the lower left hand side of the body and every time I sat down it seem to stretch the nerves endings, I had to lie flat to ease my pain. I hope your heals quickly, I recently had my shingles vaccine as I wouldn’t like to go through that again, I hope you have a nice Christmas, best wishes xx🤗

[modoogan in reply to Lizard28]

Hi lizard 28 thank you for replying my shingles all down right thigh and groin pain is bad. I'll get the jab soon as I can. Just taking meds and ice packs on it never felt pain like it. Take care have a lovely Xmas 😊moxxx

[stbernhard]

So sorry that you got the shingles. I can't advise on the course of action. I would put that question to a medically trained person. We can't give medical advice. I hope you recover soon and can enjoy Christmas.

[modoogan in reply to stbernhard]

Hi thank you for replying I know you can't give medical advice I only wanted to hear from som who has experienced shingles. Medway lady kindly gave me info I needed. Take care have a good Xmas x mo

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. Sorry you’ve got painful and horrible shingles. I had it some years ago down the right side of my back and under my breast to my midriff. Came on quite suddenly and hurt like hell. Stinging, and burning pain and I couldn’t bear any clothes to touch that area so wore a very loose cotton shirt which I could keep away from the blisters. Must have been Summer……

I was given Acyclovir almost straight away and I recall that it was very effective and got rid of the worst of the pain within about a week but it did hang about for some three or four weeks afterwards and the whole of my side was really tender. It also made me more bad tempered than I usually am. The pain is very localised to the area of skin related to the affected nerve so it doesn’t tend to spread.

Calamine lotion and Deep Freeze gel helped and I was pleased I learned that then as it helps with the nerve pain I have from neuropathy in my feet now - same vile burning, stabbing and tingling. Not a cure but it definitely takes the edge off so worth buying a tube or three. Paracetamol regularly and your Pregabalin ( which turned me into a zombie) should go a long way to curing you but you will feel tired due to the shingles and the drugs so don’t overdo it if you can manage not to until Christmas.

Others can catch chicken pox from you if they haven’t already had it. You are contagious until the last blister has scabbed and dried so you’ll have to thinks about your family mixture over Christmas. Hope you are feeling much better by then! All the best.

[modoogan in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Hi there thanks for replying, it's probably worst thing I've ever had beats having a fractured femur that I walked around with for weeks. I've had the antiviral and ordered more gel and ice packs all the things you mention the pregablin are a bit lethal hey ho just taking day at a time and hoping it eases thanks so much hope you have a lovely Xmas and a good 2025! Xmo Doogan. 🎄😘🤗