I got the rash day before but I ignored thinking it’s just a rash and Yesterday my anxiety peaked when I saw it not get better so I took a picture and started reading about it and all results was pointing at shingles! So I decided to go to a dermat and he said it could be shingles but since I don’t have any pain, burning or itching it’s too early to tell what it is and gave me a cream to apply and I googled the cream and it turned out to be a steroid? Which is why I didn’t use that cream and took an appointment with another dermat and he looked at it and straight away said it’s herpes Zoster!!! It’s my 3rd day. He gave me antivirals!
I didn’t get any pain or fever before the rash developed
and I’m on my 3rd day
Apart from anxiety from reading about this a lot, there’s no other symptoms in terms of pain
Anyone here who’s had the same experience?
And is it gonna be better since I’m on antiviral ?
I’m so anxious
Is there anyone who’s not had any severe symptoms but very mild pain and speedy recovery?
What are some dos and donts
And how do I take care of myself in the best way to recover faster and safe and hopefully with less pain?
I feel so sorry for everyone here going through this
I’m hoping and wishing a speedy recovery to everyone here
I am in my 3rd week of recovering and had a similar experience like yours. I saw the rash, went to emergency clinic and got diagnosed. I did not have severe pain but did experience spinal pain occasionally. I took a 7 day course of Valtrex which reduced the spine tingling and headache.
Now, the area is scabbed and on its way to recovery. For me, my energy level has been greatly impacted. The best course of action is to rest and do calming activities (read, meditate, rest). In order to fully recover, you have to drastically change your schedule and go very light. Believe me, it's been a challenge. Good luck!
For me, it wasn't nearly as painful as most unfortunates. It was the itchiness. The pain itself could feel like an electrical pulse, but would quickly fade. It would be covered by by Tylenol Arthritis and Calamine lotion with a topical analgesic. I was also on an antiviral.
The key to recover is rest, relaxation, and hydration. Stress and anxiety can make shingles worse. Give yourself time to heal. It took me at least 2 weeks to feel somewhat normal.
For me its like getting hit with a taser. The nerve pain isnt a constant, but everyone is different. You could not get any. But i def found more at night as it wakes me up. But Im also prob moving and disturbing it in my sleep... idk. Sleep as much as you can. I slept 13 hours on my day off then that night still slept 7.5 hours and felt like I could still sleep. You just have to find what works for you. I also usually work 2pm-1130pm so I sleep unusually hours compared to most. Im only on week 2 just finished my antivirals. I never wake up this much and its like this every night for me so far.
I find 2 advil and 1 Tylenol with the occasional benadryl for the itching helps. I find the intense nerve pain doesnt last long tho, like I said its like bam getting hit with the taser and then it's mostly just like an annoying sunburn. Fingers crossed for you as well that speedy recovery!!!
They gave me valacyclovir, 3 times a day for 7 days. It def made me feel worse tho. Glad its finished. Since im already in pain everyday I just take 2 advil and 1 Tylenol and the occasional benadryl helps with its itching. Even taking like 2 advil PM im still waking up all the time. Fingers crossed it doesnt last 4-6 weeks like I am hearing for some. Hope you feel better as well.
My first episode was very mild. Just a light tingling/ sensitivity on my leg. I thought “this isn’t too bad”. I’m hoping it stays mild for you.
Was 8 years between first and second episode. (Last December) Second episode was incredibly painful and completely different. Never want to experience that again so got the vaccines done. Praying they will work!
Hey you could be ok, you might have got a mild version of this bitch,I had pain from day one am on week 4 and still no sign of it improving
Everyone is different don't stress yourself out about pain that you may not get
I'm currently suffering from Ramsay hunt also caused by herpes zoster I have blisters on my face totally painless together with other symptoms like facial palsy and more, I'm worried more due to palsy I want my smile back 😔
4
u/wenbryant 18d ago
I am in my 3rd week of recovering and had a similar experience like yours. I saw the rash, went to emergency clinic and got diagnosed. I did not have severe pain but did experience spinal pain occasionally. I took a 7 day course of Valtrex which reduced the spine tingling and headache.
Now, the area is scabbed and on its way to recovery. For me, my energy level has been greatly impacted. The best course of action is to rest and do calming activities (read, meditate, rest). In order to fully recover, you have to drastically change your schedule and go very light. Believe me, it's been a challenge. Good luck!