More shingles.

[polymy]

Couldn't understand why I was so lacklustre and in so much pain around my back and under my armpits. Well today there they were! Blistery spots all around where the pain is. I was cursing my PMR but for once it wasn't to blame. Oh well! Could be a lot worse.

Liz.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Tomorrow asap call the doctor and ask for antiviral medication which may shorten the length and severity of the attack. But it must be soon.

Get well soon xxxx

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks PMRpro. Got the antiviral this evening. As soon as I saw the spots I rang up and they saw me straight away. I believe it has to be given within 72 hours so did it immediately. Very uncomfortable but there are worse things.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

Well done - yes, only a small window. Glad you got a sensible doctor too!

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

I'm very fortunate with my GPS. I rang as soon as I saw the spots and was seen within 2 hours. Quite a busy practice in suburban Nottingham. Very sensible GP.

[HeronNS]

Can you get an antiviral treatment right away?

[polymy in reply to HeronNS]

Yes Heron. Have been to the surgery and got Acyclovir this evening. The gp said they only give the antiviral to those over 75. I thought there must be some benefits in being over 75 and at last I've found one. 😊

[HeronNS in reply to polymy]

Good. Although you'd think the immune compromised would also be eligible. 😉

[polymy in reply to HeronNS]

Yes it would make sense.

[SheffieldJane]

Oh poor you! As PMRPro says get anti vitals!

[lindaoquilts]

I had a bout of shingles last spring. Mentioned my PMR to the doctor on call and that I was on Prednisone. The response was "the shingles weren't because of PMR, you got shingles because you are on Prednisone". Anyone else ever hear of that?

[CT-5012 in reply to lindaoquilts]

Yes, because the immune system is comprised, I also had two ear infections around the same time, good fun this illness. 😩

[Gypdyp45 in reply to lindaoquilts]

Hi. This is probably a very late reply but have been away for over a month with no internet access. I too, had shingles but in my mouth and side of face. The Dr said this was because of my high dosage prednisolone and NO IMMUNE system. I have since developed Post herpetic neauralgia and that could continue for well over a year! So...keep peddling.

[polymy in reply to Gypdyp45]

So sorry to hear that you have had shingles too. Were you given Acyclovir? My GP gave me the Acyclovir to prevent long term post herpetic pain. The first time I had it it was on my face but this time it is down my back and under my armpit and breast. Very uncomfortable. I feel really poorly this time with an awful pain down my back. The steroids are great for controlling my PMR but they come with their own problems. I hope your neuralgia resolves soon.

Liz.

[Gypdyp45 in reply to polymy]

Gosh, I am so sorry. No I was in Southern Ireland at the time and I saw a Dr under the EHIC card, he gave me Zovirax, which I presume is an antibiotic. Said it would clear in a few days which the initial infection did but I still was not well. I am doing OK at the moment and on 12.5. Fingers crossed.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gypdyp45]

Zovirax is the brand name for acycolvir. It is an anti-viral medication, not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are anti-bacterial medications and don't have any effect on viral infections.

[Gypdyp45 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I should have realised!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gypdyp45]

So what does he tell his patients with shingles who AREN'T on pred?

[Gypdyp45 in reply to PMRpro]

Pass! Folk do get shingles so.....!