Shingles mark 2

[vivdunstan]

I’ve got shingles again - last time was in 2010, following chickenpox before in 1998, all when immunosuppressed after my cerebral vasculitis diagnosis in 1997.

Anyway this time I’m doing vastly better, and I wonder if it might be because I started anti virals within just a couple of hours of first noticing the rash. This time the rash is on my torso, and very easy to spot. The previous time it started behind my left knee (and then spread all down my leg from waist to toe), and I probably didn’t notice it for at least a day. And even when I got to out of hours on Friday night they didn’t have any anti virals, and I had to get them the next day from a Saturday chemist. This time I noticed the rash just before 12 noon, was seen in my nearby health centre at 1.45, and started my anti virals just after 2pm.

My rash was looking fierce on Tuesday evening (diagnosed at 1.45pm on Tuesday) but a few hours later it started to calm, and it never exploded in the usual full shingles way. So I think we caught it very fast. Anti virals are normally recommended for immunosuppressed people within the first 72 hours after the rash develops, but the sooner the better, and I think I’m doing vastly better this time cos I started them so much quicker (probably 36-48 hours quicker).

Anyway I wanted to post this, mainly to warn fellow immunosuppressed vasculitis patients that if you get shingles, get medical help fast, and start anti virals ASAP. The sooner the better, and it might save you a lot of pain and discomfort, and possibly long term nerve damage that does not go away. We can’t fight shingles well with suppressed immune systems, and it can end up very unpleasant. Best nipped in the bud ASAP.

Oh and remember you can’t catch shingles from anyone else. Shingles happens when the existing chickenpox virus trapped in your body from a previous chickenpox bug reactivates. If you have shingles there is a risk you can pass on chickenpox to other people, but it’s a long shot. But you should keep the shingles rash covered up until it has healed/crusted over, and avoid sharing towels etc while a rash is still weeping.

[PMRpro]

And you never said a word on the other shingles post!! Get well soon!

[EOLHPC]

Aside from the rash itself, what other warning signs convince you it’s shingles in your case?

Glad you’re totally on top of this! Take care ❤️🍀 Coco

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to EOLHPC]

I also had a strong painful burning sensation across a larger area of skin (including where the rash first appeared) on the right side of my torso. And I felt very feverish. The rash was pretty unambiguous though. And I don't have any skin involvement in my brain vasculitis.

[EOLHPC in reply to vivdunstan]

Thanks! Awful stuff!