Information on shingles

[Chynnamoss]

im on steroids for PMR and have shingles. I'm feeling ill, cold have no energy. Does anyone have advice please ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Think you need to get advice from doctor - sooner the better.

Hope things soon improve for you. 

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Chynnamoss, as DL has said your need to see your GP if you haven't already done so.  It is important to get in with the anti-viral medication as soon as possible when you suspect you have shingles, if only to help shorten the illness and reduce the risk of ongoing nerve pain.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How long have you had them? It is important to see a GP quickly as soon as the rash appears because being given an antiviral medication can reduce the severity to some extent - I would even call out of hours over the weekend but we're well past that now. 

It isn't surprising you feel ill - you have a viral infection so the usual applies. Paracetamol MAY help but then again, it's pretty useless in my book! Don't use ibuprofen alongside the pred. You don't say what dose you are on - but a bit more might help so it is worth speaking to your GP asap.

This gives a decent overview:

webmd.com/skin-problems-and...

[Chynnamoss in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply, I've had a course of anti virals. I didn't explain well enough, I apologise for that. I'm on 10 mg of pred and have taken paracetamol and codeine when the pain was bad. I didn't realise not to take ibrufen and have taken it but not often so thank you for telling me. My GP wanted me to take amytriptolin but it makes me feel awful.

The pain is improving but I feel spaced out and cold, sleepy and no energy at all. Is this normal and how long does it last. Apologies for the rant and thanks to all who answered 

[HeronNS in reply to Chynnamoss]

Haven't had shingles, but from what you say it sounds like your body is telling you that you need to rest.  If you had a cold or the flu you'd be feeling quite okay about putting your feet up and sleeping a lot.  I hope you feel better soon, but don't be impatient with yourself if your energy flags for a while.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Chynnamoss]

Treat it like flu - it's a virus and you are on pred which will probably slow down your recovery a bit even with the antiviral stuff. Some children with chicken pox feel really ill for a few weeks, adults usually get it worse. 

As Heron says - if it were flu you would accept feeling ill. 

[Hidden]

Hi Chnnamoss, as others are saying , recommend seeing your Dr.I had the same and eventually saw my Dr. who prescribed strong extra strong paracetomol ,as the normal gave little relieve. Pain continued less so and on seeing my Dr. again was sent for an Xray which showed Spinal Stenosis -lower spine. Am now awaiting  a spinal pain killer injection. In the meantime I am trying to reduce Pred to 11 going on 7/8 week 1mg drop.It is difficult though trying to differentiate between Pmr and pain in the spine effects. All I know is I have fitted a Sten machine on my back -helped initially -less pain killer but a very few weeks ago  pain has returned somewhat with fatigue  and less activity which I do not like- walking now with stick. I shall have to return to the Doctor, who was chasing up the Consultant for the spine injection. This is my  situation -everybody is different. Best wishes-John 80 years-was scubadiving 3yaers ago,!  

[Chynnamoss in reply to Hidden]

That sounds so painful, I really hope you get some relief very soon. It's difficult adjusting too, three years ago I was running around working as a teaching assistant and doing well but I'm only 68 . I wish you all the best John  I think you're doing great considering what you've been through and thanks you've made me think again about my situation. 

Good luck 

Elaine