shingles

[Crochetgardener]

hello, I am currently on 4mg of pred. and have adrenal insufficiency. Just been diagnosed with shingles. Any help, advice, increasing steroids etc , anything would be so helpful . Thank you ( and my uninvited guest for Christmas ! )

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Oh dear.. what a pain.. hope you soon feel better.

Plenty of info in this link - from FAQs.. but most important is to contact GP and get antiviral drugs...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

When diagnosing you I trust the GP provided antiviral medication? That is essential and needed immediately.

I imagine the Sick Day Rules should be applied - upping the dose t 8mg at the very least. Also something the GP should advise on (if they even know what SDRs are!)

[Crochetgardener in reply to PMRpro]

thank you. It was a pharmacist who diagnosed it as impossible to get an appt. She said I must see doctor and get anti virals so……the Gp is phoning me today and hopefully giving me a prescription. Think he should actually see me though ,

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Crochetgardener]

Dunno - they have this idea that the pharmacist can manage. I have yet to be convinced on the basis of the pharmacists of my acquaintance over many years! Though some doctors leave a bit to be desired too ...

[PMRrunner]

I had shingles in July for the second time, GP prescribed antivirals and they definitely helped as I wasn't as ill as when I had it in 2011. Was adviced to stop the methotrexate but didn't need to take up my prednisolone. Was advised not to reduce the dose till I felt fully recovered. Hope you got your prescription for the antivirals. Take care

[Crochetgardener in reply to PMRrunner]

thank you so much it is lovely to hear a direct account ; a second time ! Poor you

[Wizards in reply to PMRrunner]

FYI: In Canada we can get a shingles vaccine, it's called Shingrix 2part injection . I hope I got spelling correct.You can get the vaccine 8-12 mos after having shingles.

I hope you can get it there.

[PMRrunner in reply to Wizards]

Only from 70 here, just too young!!

[Wizards in reply to PMRrunner]

OMG I know 60 here possibly 55. 70 is way to late.I'm so sorry.

[Amkoffee]

If you have adrenal insufficiency the shingles could send you into an adrenal crisis. Do you know how to recognize the symptoms? Do you know how to treat a crisis if you have one?

[Crochetgardener in reply to Amkoffee]

not really to be honest ! Thanks for rep,Yong

[York54]

Hello , I had shingles last year. Rang GP , receptionist said she would send me a link to send photo, which I did. GP rang me back and diagnosed Shingles and sent a prescription for antivirals to my local chemist. Important to take them straight away. I took paracetamol for the pain as couldn’t have gabapentin as I take other drugs. Pred stayed the same , I was on a low dose then. I had the rash around my middle and used calamine cream to soothe the rash. I kept it in the fridge so it was extra cool. I hope you manage to get the antivirals quickly , then rest ,rest and more rest. Difficult at this time of year I know , but it really knocks you about. Take care x🌺

[Crochetgardener in reply to York54]

thank you so much. Have the antivirals and amitriptalline for pain receive. Carol

[York54 in reply to Crochetgardener]

Glad you have them , I hope you recover well. Yes it was amitryptiline I couldn’t have ,not gabapentin. X