More shingles. : Couldn't understand why I was so... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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More shingles.

polymy profile image
18 Replies

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.

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polymy profile image
polymy
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18 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

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 profile image
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 profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to polymy

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

polymy profile image
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 profile image
HeronNS

Can you get an antiviral treatment right away?

polymy profile image
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 profile image
HeronNS in reply to polymy

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

polymy profile image
polymy in reply to HeronNS

Yes it would make sense.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Oh poor you! As PMRPro says get anti vitals!

lindaoquilts profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
PMRproAmbassador 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 profile image
Gypdyp45 in reply to PMRpro

Thank you. I should have realised!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Gypdyp45

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

Gypdyp45 profile image
Gypdyp45 in reply to PMRpro

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

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