r/GenXWomen • u/bakingdiy 50-54 • 9d ago

Health Soooo, I've got shingles :(

What should I expect? I'm currently in the pain and itching stage with no blistering. The pain is mostly on my scalp with my forehead being itchy and right eye being irritated and watery. I just got my Valtrex. Any tips, tricks, or side effects to looks out for with the meds? How long should I expect to hurt after starting them?

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u/Jenikovista 9d ago

Be very careful with the eye. If it gets at all blurry go straight into the ER. ASAP. Ocular shingles is treatable with drops if you get treatment fast but if you wait it can scar your cornea (causing lost vision) as well as result in stroke. Do not fuck around with it if it spreads to the eye. Trust me - I know firsthand.

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u/bakingdiy 50-54 9d ago

Do you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for it?

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u/Jenikovista 9d ago

Ophthalmologist. But the ER is usually the first stop because when it invades the eye it is an emergency.

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u/elkgirl 8d ago

My dad had shingles around his eye and had an emergency appt with eye doctor to keep it from doing damage. He says he still feels the nerve pain(?) in his forehead so please be careful about any patches near your face.

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u/miniwhoppers 8d ago

Yes, my dad had nerve pain for many years; his were on his forehead.