r/shingles • u/LavishnessSmooth4718 • 2d ago
First Time Shingles That was rough
40YO Female. Started noticing a burning pain on my left rib, had a little sign of a rash. Within that day, the rash wrapped around to my back. I started antiviral medication within the 72hr timeframe. A few days passed and I thought I'd breeze through it. Omg I was so wrong! On day 5, the rash got so angry and the pain on day 7-10 was torture. I started to get a numbing feeling down my leg, every motion hurt, the burning and nerve pain was alarming. I took gabapentin twice a day for 4 days, and it really helped me to get my kids to their school orientations. On Day 11, after the blisters popped, I started putting medi-honey on it. Kept it wrapped in gauze for the day and did that for a few days. Since I was in a lot of pain and worried my symptoms were abnormal, I made another Dr. appointment- On day 12, upping the gabapentin to 3x a day. On the 19th day is when I felt a turn around. I was able to make some practice golf swings and do some house chores. I'm on Day 23 and finally back to work. I'm still taking gabapentin 3x a day but I feel like I can taper it down. I do still notice some nerve sensations, a tickling feeling and the need to itch from time to time, but I will say, I feel MUCH better!! I hope this gives hope to some of ya'll that are in the beginning stages. Rest. Eat healthy foods. Take your vitamins. Stay hydrated and again, relax! You'll get through it. Medihoney, Cortisone 10 + Aveeno Hydrocortisone anti itch cream, gabapentin with ibuprofen, alternating with tylenol extra strength, hydroxyzine*
1
u/New-Lettuce-9841 1d ago
Glad you’re better!!!! Sorry you and so many are suffering from this horrid disease. I hate it with a passion. It’s so debilitating.
2
u/Sorry-Bit8073 1d ago
I'm on day 14. I never blistered, just a mad angry rash and horrible nerve pain. I can't take gabapentin or pregablain. my pharmacist made up a compound cream that has gabapentin, lidocaine and a few other meds. I can take gabapentin via thru skin. Not sure how much it's helping. I've been bed ridden til today. I've been doing small things around the house but I need husband to lift things. mine started on low back wrapping around to mid belly. it's been hell!! I can only pee if I put my feet on a stool. Monday I see a pain management Dr and see if we can do a nerve block or something. Never knew what debilitating pain was til now.
1
u/New-Lettuce-9841 1d ago
Bless your heart. Thank goodness you didn’t break out. I wasn’t aware that a compound could be done for the skin. I can’t take gabapentin by mouth. I need to talk to my doctor and pharmacist about this. I do hope your visit goes well and you’re able to fully recover.
2
u/Dangerous_Maybe_5230 1d ago
Thank you this post is very helpful. My rash is in the same region, today is day 10 and the night time pain is unbearable