More on HELP #3 Day in Hospital Possible Giant Cell Arteritis Biopsy Tomorrow. San Antonio Rose

[SARose]

All, More to add- after much discussion with Ophthalmology late yesterday afternoon, it was decided, based on pictures I sent them, that I might have shingles and they will postpone temple biopsy until more is known later,, Now trying to reach PCM and Rheumatologist for guidance on what to do for # 1 pain and #2 steroid dosages. 50 mg at the present. Don't want to revisit the ER again so soon. Advice?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As mentioned by Rugger in previous post - have you been offered antiviral treatment for shingles? If not, please chase that up as urgent.

You obviously need Rheumy's/PCM's input for steroid dose etc, but until you get that, the only thing you can do is remain at 50mg.

[SARose in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you and agree. Trying to reach them now Phones are busy but will keep trying

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They should at least try an antiviral - even if it might be a bit late. You need it asap though. Nothing wrong with the pred to cover all bases - it does help a lot with shingles pain.Is acyclovir available OTC?

[SARose in reply to PMRpro]

All, Sorry for delay in response back to your advice. Which is excellent by the way. Rheumatologist called right after my last post and dropped me from 50MG down to 10. See him in 2 week's and keep him posted, Was able to get into my Primary Care Manager (PMC) the afternoon . After her exam she put me on acyclovir, 5 X day for 10 days, 800 mg each time. They got me a walk-in appointment with the Ophthalmologist Team and after seeing 3 of the staff, ruled out GCA for the shingles. Take meds as directed and follow-up in 2 weeks. Very tired and painful, has spread to my scalp and eyelid is swollen when I wake up. This morning it was under my eye. Again, thanks for all the advice you gave.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SARose]

Glad it helped. There is someone else on the forum who has been struggling with shingles around the eye - Griggser

healthunlocked.com/user/Gri...

who may have some advice - though hope to goodness you don't have as hard a time.

[S4ndy]

I had shingles in my eye this time last year. Saw a Consultant Ophthalmologist and was prescribed antivirals (acyclovir) and some antibiotic/antifungal eye drops. Saw the Consultant again two weeks later and she was pleased that something had worked and the lesions were healing. Had another bottle if eye drops and then told to use over the counter eye drops to keep my eyes hydrated. Final appointment showed an area of scar tissue on my cornea. Advised to use eye drops for dry eyes for life. Blurring has proved over the past year and is no longer an issue. Hope this helps you to know what treatment (in the UK) is given for shingles in the eye. Hope you get better quickly as it's frightening thinking your sight may be permanently affected x