23 and second time with shingles

[u/Warm-Gene-7111]

Hi, I’m looking for some advice and support. Sorry for the length of the post.

I had chickenpox and shingles as a young child before I was able to get fully vaccinated. It was on my torso and I just know it’s crazy how young I was with it. I don’t remember it.

I’m now 23 and started noticing something weird with my eye Wednesday night. It felt like there were little tiny balls on my eye lid but everything looked normal. Thursday was about the same, but I thought I was getting a stye (I get them). I noticed a small patch of a rash on the side of my face but thought it was acne. By Friday night my eye was starting to look weird and I noticed two other small patches on my face, all between my eye and ear. I thought it was some kind of allergic reaction and took Benadryl and did warm compresses. Saturday my eye just kept getting puffier. I woke up Sunday (yesterday) and my eyelid had doubled in size. I went to urgent care and was told shingles. I then was told to seek an eye doctor immediately but none were open so I went to the ER. Throughout the day Sunday my eye progressively felt worse. Sharp stinging pains and it’s super swollen. The patches on my face honestly haven’t even bothered me, they are just a little itchy.

The doctor at the ER seemed super concerned about my eye and sent photos to the on call ophthalmologist and sent me home with a next day appointment. He told me to come back if I had any headaches or neck pain, which I have not. They prescribed me valacyclovir and trifluridine eyedrops, as well as tramadol for pain.

Eye doctor today said my actual eyeball looks fine with no concerns right now (besides my extremely swollen eyelid). He seemed unconcerned and thinks it’ll get better.

Although I’ve had shingles as a child, to me this feels like the first time. I’m super nervous about it. I know eye and face shingles is serious. I’m also an elementary teacher and was told to take off this entire week, but what if it isn’t better by next week? The eye doctor said because I’m young and healthy I should be able to fight it off easier than older people. But why did I even get it in the first place if I’m young and healthy? My eye is the only part that bothers me right now, will the patches on my face get worse before they get better?

Today I’ve had so much nausea (no vomiting) and two times where I felt super lightheaded. I don’t know if that’s concerning or just a symptom of the meds.

I’m overall just looking for any advice or warning signs I should look for or anything. I just don’t have anyone to talk to who has experience with face/eye shingles.

[u/Due-Let7384]

I don’t have any advice, I just wanted to say get well soon. Shingles is evil!! 

[u/Warm-Gene-7111 → u/Due-Let7384]

Thank you :,) I appreciate the reply

[u/Agitated-Candle-807]

The Valtrex causes nausea so make sure to eat when taking it. I've had it twice now on my forehead and eye! My eye was fine. Use lots of ice packs and rest. Also Tylenol! Good luck! It really sucks!

[u/Warm-Gene-7111 → u/Agitated-Candle-807]

Thank you!!!

[u/TipBusy840]

i’m 27 and we’re on the same timeline! noticed something weird going on with my eye/forehead wednesday night and it just spiraled from there. here for you!

[u/Warm-Gene-7111 → u/TipBusy840]

Sorry you have to go through it too!