Can shingles have an adverse effect on GPA?

[Skipper]

I have shingles along my sciatic nerve and wonder if it can affect my GPA. I am on Aciclovir which I hope will help with the symptoms and pain. Has anyone had any adverse effects. Thanks.

[fillyhome]

Hi Skipper, I have WG ( in remission ) . I got shingles last year in my ear. First thought to be an inner ear infection but was so poorly ended up in hospital for 2 weeks. Within 24 hrs of being admitted I got Bell's palsy but was first thght to be a stroke. However then the shingles was diagnosed and Aciclovir and very strong pain killers given. It didn't affect the WG but think symptoms were worse because of it. Still get pain from it even now. Good luck hope your's clears up soon xx

[BronteM]

At the beginning of last December I got shingles down two nerves in my right arm. Two weeks of Aciclovir seemed to clear things up well, and I have been lucky and had no lasting pain. But, I started a series of infections soon after - and they still haven't cleared properly. So I've had a rather a trying winter, and not yet felt as well as I was before the the shingles struck, but I've no idea whether to blame them or not!

But all sorts of friends and neighbours were happy to tell me horror stories of their attacks of shingles, and most said that it took them a good 3/4 months to start feeling well again.

So, not sure whether this answers your question or not, but if I were you I would be very careful until I was sure that the shingles had really gone. Does your consultant know, or are you talking to your GP? Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.

[Skipper]

Thank you BrontM. I saw my Doctor who prescribed Aciclovir. I am so sorry to hear you have had such a rough time with the shingles. Mine seems to be clearing up nicely with more soreness than pain so I will keep my fingers crossed it doesn't lead to more infections. It has certainly depleted my energy levels and I feel very fatiqued. All the very best to you

[Skipper]

Hi Fillyhome, Sorry you are still having pain and had a rough ride. Take care and thank you for your feedback.

[AndrewT]

Dear Skipper,

I don't know, the answer to your question specifically, HOWEVER- yes it's a big however- I was advised, some years ago to avoid Chicken Pox/Shingles like the plague! Apparently, if you are immune suppressed/compromised it can be highly dangerous, or even lethal! Ok 'things' may well have changed, in recent years, but still.....! I know this advice is nearly twenty years old, pre-historic really, but I thought that I had better pass it on, none the less. I wonder if John, or Susan, might have more 'up to date' information. It might be worth contacting him/them.

Mean time please take care, of yourself- great 'name' by the way.

AndrewT

[Skipper]

Hi AndrewT. Since posting I have spoken to my consultant over the telephone and as long as I am taking Aciclovir she did not appear worried. Apparently it is important to get this drug within72 hours of the rash. She did say that I would be more prone to shingles now. Yes, I am immune suppressed and am on 7.5 pred

and 100 mg azathiaprone.

The 'name' is the name of my daughters wonderful springer spaniel.

Keep well

[mrtmeo]

high dose vitamin C is proven effective against herpes zolster

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/224...