have shingles and I'm miserable

Posted by Martha @vyolet, 3 days ago

the rash is on my neck, face and scalp all on one side of my head. Went to urgent care than sent to Emergency due to infection in swollen ear and they don't know why so prescribed gabapentin for my comfort and insured me it would get well faster with other pills. Refused the vaccine shot but should have been talked into it although it sometimes doesn't help much. has anyone else had shingles in their nineties? Vyolet

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gently | @gently | 3 days ago

Vyolet, are you on antivirals? Acyclovir (Zovirax)Famciclovir, or Valacyclovir (Valtrex). They shorten the duration of the outbreak and help prevent long term damage. There a capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) and Lidocaine jells or creams can help by numbing. You could be given a cortisone shot.
You shouldn't have the vaccine for shingles until you've recovered because it stimulates the immune system and can make the symptoms worse.
Have you seen your primary.

minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | 2 days ago

Be careful with the gabapentin drug. I took it for about six weeks and my left leg swelled up in the doctors in the ER. Could not understand why.
My family doctor figured it out, and I had to tight trick off the drug as you cannot just stop it without possible side effects
Some states have this drug as a level one as an narcotic
Be careful with it. I had very bad reactions.

gently | @gently | 2 days ago

Thanks, minnesota10.

JVS | @lacy2 | 1 day ago

...sorry not sure if saying right thing, but i had a rash similar to but was no shingles - thankfully - had some pills to take similar to the name of ointments above... but am wondering about an old fashioned thing called Calamine Lotion to ease the pain and suffering from the sores etc...? I hesitated to mention this ... thing is it does dry on skin and leaves sort of a white coating ... perhaps yo could ask your pharmacist or doctor? I have found it really helped with my rash but again was not shingles.... in any case, hope you get better soon ! J

ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | 1 day ago

@vyolet

I am in my mid 70s I think it was 2 years ago was my last bout of shingles. I had both types of shingles shots .. the newest has two shots … before I had shingles. I still got the shingles. The first time was about 8 years ago .. all 3 times it was in same place you described, but less the last two times . The first time was the worst. It was near my eye. I was given scripts for an antiviral medication and drops for my eye to help prevent it from going into my eye. Not sure if I was given a steroid shot. The best ointment I found for relief was the over the counter store version of Neosporin triple antibiotic with Pain Relief medication on it. Being it has vaseline in it I had very little scarring. It really helped with the pain. Wash gently.

The second time it was on my cheek and a little into my hairline. The last time I only had it on my cheek.

I feel for you .. I know it hurts to eat, talk, smile or take a shower . My prayers you heal soon.

ZeeGee