Hello everyone. I've had PMR/GCA for 2yrs 4mths so far & was really beginning to feel better, eg no artery pains in head for once.

[optimist-ok]

Despite all the muscle spasms & usual morning stiffness I really felt I'd turned a corner for the better then the following week I went down with shingles. It is so painful! Last week I felt really ill but things are improving this week. My GP contacted my Rheumatologist today & it has been decided that I should stop Methotrexate for 2 weeks in case that has anything to do with the outbreak. At the moment I take 15mg per week with a daily dose of 6mg preds. Also on Omaprezole. Has anyone any info on this? Any other shingles sufferers? If so you have my sympathy!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I do hope your GP gave you antivirals as soon as it was diagnosed - because that does cut the agony a bit.

But ouch - you have my sympathy - not that that helps a lot. Hope you feel better very soon.

[polkadotcom]

For what it's worth I can tell you that the consultant/doctor advice for those on MTX differs greatly region to region (and probably individual to individual) under these circumstances. Not that I've had shingles but any infection/virus/whatever gets you either the 'must stop it NOW' brigade, or the 'stay with it you NEED it' lot. I was given totally conflicting advice at one point and just decided to do what I thought was right for me. I don't think it made any difference whatsoever, the outcome would have been the same whichever signpost I took.

Shingles is nasty, nasty and I am right there with PMRpro in hoping that you feel better very soon.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hello optimist

Having experienced shingles whilst on steroids for PMR/GCA, I can so empathise with the pain you have been going through. Like Eileen, I do hope you were diagnosed and treated promptly with the antiviral medication which does help to shorten the duration. Hope you feel better soon.

[optimist-ok]

Thank you for all your good wishes & sympathy. As ever it seems a trial & error business with the medication. Yes, I was given a 5 day course of Aciclovir last week & the rash is less livid now, although still extremely painful. It will be such a relief when the pain goes, it is in a very uncomfortable place, apparently unusual, but definitely shingles.

[NanaB43]

I have had shingles numerous times and was hospitalised on one occasion to have aclivior by infusion, I took aclivior in tablet form as a preventative, gradually reducing the dose until I was off but it took two years. I was stopped methotrexate and put on cell Cept which works for me and I am down to 2mg predisiolone. Hope things get better for you, they have for me.

[optimist-ok in reply to NanaB43]

Thank you NanaB43, sorry to hear that the shingles has been repeated so often. I was interested to hear about the change from Methotrexate, though. Its good to be down to 2mg prednisolone. I shall keep hoping ! The rash is certainly better today, after 2 weeks. Now hoping the pains will disappear.