I was just informed the other day that I have shingles on my back. They hurt something terrible and the itch is very bad. I am taking antibiotics. The blisters are starting to dry up and the pain and itch are getting worse. If anyone that has or does have shingles could give me some tips on how to calm the itch down I would appreciate it very much. I know that there probably isn't anything besides my pain pills for the pain. How long do the shingles usually last? After the blisters are gone do you still have the bad pain?
I have asked my doctor all these questions, but I was just wondering if someone on here could share their stories with me. I guess you could say I am looking for a first hand experience.
Thank you to all who take the time to answer all my questions.
2006-10-07 10:27:50 · 6 answers · asked by M.S. Mom 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I guess you could say I have had alot of stress lately. I also have MS ( 4 yrs now). I was in a car accident 2 months ago. So I would have to say that I do have a fair amount of stress.
2006-10-07 10:52:44 · update #1
My brother has had shingles. Well, Calamine lotion will help with the itching. If that doesn't work, you may want to take some benedryl. My brother was also given Lortab for the pain and an antiviral called Valtrex. You may want to get that since you have MS and you really do not want more stuff messing with your nerves.
It may take a few weeks for these to go away and you will always be suspectible to an attack. Kinda like cold sores, the stuff lies dormant in your body. Are you in a MS Flare right now?
Good Luck!
2006-10-07 12:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by hello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I hope you are a younger person because you can handle the awful pain better than the older people that usually get shingles. It often shows up in people whose immune system is compromised for some reason or another, often because of some stress you are undergoing. It is related to chicken pox as the previous answerer said, and you will usually get the shingles in the same spot(s) where the pox came out the worst. The virus affects the nerve endings is why it is so painful. You should ask your doc if there is a topical anesthetic he can prescribe for you until the virus runs its course. The Valtrex is a pretty inspired suggestion, too. Possibly some topical help similar to cold sore medication like Abreva, might bring some relief, too.
Good luck. I expect to get those anyday now, myself. Stress stress stress, pre-chicken pox vaccine, etc. I'll be thinking of you.
2006-10-07 10:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by desperatehw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, everything Jmensch above said is right. If you are going to try the capisin, this is the stuff in peppers thatmake them hot, make sure you wash your hands real good before you rub your eyes or nose. It will cause tremendous pain if you don't, of course you will forget about your back for a bit.
Now I have had severe neuralgia pain for years, and have been taking anti-convulsants - Neurontin, Lamictal or Tegretol might work, talk with your doctor, Tegretol caused some really bad side effects for me, when I took it, I would get lost driving around, could not remember peoples names, stuttered so it is not among my favorite drug.
I did not have shingles, but my friends husband did and she said the pain last about 5 months, He went to a pain management center for help.
I know what you are going through and wish I could help more, but at least you know yours will go away. There is a comfort in that.
2006-10-07 10:41:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shingles is caused by nerve inflammation due to a virus. The pain is known to be horrible. Normal pain medicines can help but mostly numb you up.
Topicals seem to work the best, lidoderm patches or CAPSAICIN cream is over the counter, works great for neuralgia.
2006-10-07 10:32:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom had shingles. You can take stuff like Valtrex to help with outbreaks, since shingles is related to chicken pox, which is related to the herpes virus.
2006-10-07 10:29:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-08-29 06:26:17 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋