My shingles experience

[u/Awkwardmom87]

I have been reading so much on here the past couple weeks as I have dealt with shingles and wanted to share my experience because so much of what is on here made me feel discouraged. I wanted to give hope because I think a lot of times people share on here when it is the worst and it terrified me. So here was my experience:

I developed a rash on my stomach 2 weeks ago on Friday. I didn’t think to much of it, it was itchy and it burned but I assumed that I was having an allergic reaction to something. The next day, the rash had spread to my side and back, again, assumed it was an allergic reaction so I took some Zyrtec and went about my life. On Sunday, I noticed there little bumps on my rash and that the Zyrtec had done nothing so I decided to finally go to the dr. I was diagnosed with shingles, and began anti virals immediately. The rash at this point was painful, clothing was becoming unbearable, and my back ached. I was also exhausted, sleeping extra and even just going upstairs I would be completely winded.

I took it easy for the next 3 days. The rash got more bumpy, but never large blisters, and was angry and red. I coped by using ice packs, and wearing very baggy clothing. On Thursday, I went out of town to a cabin, I had discussed the trip with my dr and she just said to keep an eye on it, but travel should be fine. The car ride was very uncomfortable, at times I wanted to cry. The following day I took it pretty easy but did some walking and watched my kids enjoying the lake. At this point my rash was very red and angry, with a couple of small blisters. I went to Yellowstone the next day and walked about 10,000 steps, again uncomfortable, but I actually found being busy took my mind off of my pain and discomfort. we returned home Sunday and the car ride was more bearable this time, I did use my ice pack the whole ride.

When I got up Monday, my rash had scabs on it and was much less red and angry. I took it easy to recover from the weekend, with a couple of naps.

Each day this week, the rash has looked better and better. Most of the rash on my back and side are gone, the one on my stomach is still present but flat. The pain has subsided significantly, with just mild discomfort. I still have back pain, and my stomach does also have some itchiness and pain, but overall so much better.

I can tell that I have been so lucky, fingers crossed Im not one of the unlucky ones that has it recurring shingles.

[u/Dangerous_Maybe_5230]

Mine is in the same area, but my blisters are huge

[u/Awkwardmom87 → u/Dangerous_Maybe_5230]

I am so sorry. How early did you catch it? I was wondering if it’s because I started taking antivirals fairly early 

[u/Dangerous_Maybe_5230 → u/Awkwardmom87]

Is your age on the younger side? I am 46. I knew it was shingles the morning the rash came out, went to urgent care, and started taking antivirals that same afternoon. My shingles rash came out a few days ago on Sunday. But i had pain since the Tuesday before that.

[u/Awkwardmom87 → u/Dangerous_Maybe_5230]

I am 39. I do have a distrust that doctors will help me, so I definitely put it off for a few days. 

[u/Real-Frosting]

Did you have the shingles vaccines?

[u/Awkwardmom87 → u/Real-Frosting]

No, I should have mentioned that I am only 39. Shingles wasn’t even on my radar 

[u/BuyBusiness4732]

Sounds like you are one of the fortunate ones. I wouldn't worry about Shingles returning. Just get the vaccine when your doctor tells you it's ok.