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March 14, 2016
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Shingles hurts. Individuals with deficient immune systems are especially at risk. You have to of had chicken pox as a child/young adult to get it. The herpes virus that caused the chicken pox that has been dormant for years becomes active. No known specific cause.

I had it in 2005. It's very painful and never lets up. The ugly rash and pain usually lasts well over a month. Treatment is available. It's very dangerous and must be treated. I took Valtrex, an antiviral. Doctors are also prescribing lotions with lidocaine for the pain. Some tricyclic antidepressants also calm the inflammed nerves. Here's a nice summary of shingles to look over in the next panel. I have ptroblems with copy/paste with my phone. Please see a doctor.

March 14, 2016
A MyLupusTeam Member

My thoughts are with you @A MyLupusTeam Member. Glad your doctor is on top of it. Rest as much as you can. The constant pain can be exhausting.

March 16, 2016
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member I went to the dr and it is confirmed to be shingles. He did say that my autoimmune diseases contributes to me getting this wacky stuff but shingles is just one of those things that lays dormant in us. He gave me 2 shots plus Lyrica, prednisone, valtrex and lortab for pain to take. He said it may take 7-14 days for my rash to heal over before I'm not putting pregnant ladies or babies at risk of contracting chicken pox from me. But the pain can last maybe longer in the nerves. The rash is now spreading from my side to my stomach and back. I get tired of always being sick. If it's to be caught, I seem to get it. 😒

March 15, 2016 (edited)
A MyLupusTeam Member

Good call, @A MyLupusTeam Member. Shingles is contagious until the lesions "crust over."

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/s...

March 14, 2016
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you. I am going to the dr today. My husband who has medical training is almost certain it is shingles. The pain is out of this world. I haven't slept in 2 days. I'm hoping to get some relief and also want to be sure it is that because I'm afraid of infecting my grandbabies with chicken pox.

March 14, 2016

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