Shingles

[prue1956]

After contacting my doctor and her asking for pictures of the rash on my shoulder she came up with shingles,she gave me acyclovir to take 5 times a day but the side effects are terrible especially stomach pain I'm not sure I can take anymore as I already have IBS c,has anyone had shingles and what were you given? I think I will have to contact my doctor again on Monday.

[Doris69]

Hi prueI was diagnosed with shingles 4 days ago and my doctor gave me the same medication, 5 x a day for a week. I also ave really bad pains in my side and stomach, the shingles are on the lower part right hand side of my back. My doctor said the pain is bad and can last for weeks or months after the shingles rash has gone ~ not sure if this helps.

[prue1956 in reply to Doris69]

Hi Doris thankyou for your reply, goodness that's quite a long time after the rash has gone I've been up most of the night running to the loo.I know that medicines affect us all differently.I hope you feel better soon take care.

[Trinity7]

Hi Prue, I am recovering from Shingles ATM. I was advise amytripyline, also nsaids for pain. I only take 10mg of it couple hours before bed. It's an awful illness x

[prue1956 in reply to Trinity7]

Hi Trinity thankyou for the reply I'm taking amytripyline at night for sciatica if it isn't one thing it's another let's hope we all feel better soon,take care x.

[one-n-den]

Hi Prue,Sorry to hear that you’ve had such a bad experience.

I had shingles a few years ago and was prescribed Acyclovir as you were.

My shingles rash was across the right side of my chest (shingles never crosses the centre-line of the body apparently).

The Acyclovir worked quite well for me, and as a bonus, my IBS-d improved dramatically for a couple of months afterwards.

I realise that doesn’t help much, but it might indicate that it would be as well to persevere with the Acyclovir if you can.

Not sure if Acyclovir and Amitriptyline interact badly, but can’t find anything to suggest that they do.

Certainly, asking to speak to your GP again is the best course of action.

I wish you all the best with your recovery.