I have Shingles!!

[mcdreamyfan]

I'm 37 and I have Sjogrens....  I got a small rash on my back on Tuesday.. I went to the doctor on Friday (today is Saturday) and I was told I have Shingles... I just sat there and cried.. I can't seem to catch a break... I was in the hosptial a few months ago due to a reaction to Suflatrim (which I read people with Sjogrens can be allergic to sulfa)... I hurt so bad today from the Shingles..
I was wondering, has anyone else on this board had Shingles since being told you had Sjogerns?  Could the Sjogerns be causing the Shingles?  I read that people with immunosuppressed (sp?) bodies are more likely to get Shingles.. Being 37 I thought I was 'too young' to get Shingles...

HELP!!!

[Scottietottie]

Hi mcdreamyfan,

I'm sorry to hear you have shingles. What have yiou been given for it? I believe there are anti-virals you can take but they're best at the beginning of an episode.
SjS has not given you shingles but it might have made you more vulnerable to it. as far as being too young - well my son had a nasty dose of shingles when he was nine - so I don't think age has a lot to do with it.

I know that shingles are painful and I hope you've been given something for relief.

take care - Scottie 

[Katybarstool]

Hi Mc

Sorry to hear you have shingles. Did you have chickenpox whenyou were younger, as it is the same virus that lis dormant and then flares up again. My hubby deeloped it a few days before the birth of our first child. He was not allowed into the hospital due to having having it and didn't see the baby until we were discharged when the little one was three days old. We believe the stress of the impending birth triggered it, but that may be completely wrong.

Hope you do not suffer too much.

Kathyx

[Anji]

You have my sympathy.
I just got over shingles about 2 months ago.  It hurts like H*LL!! 

I still have nerve damage from it.  It still hurts and itches on my chest, under my arm and on my back where the shingles was.  I still can't wear a bra w/out pain.  (I wear camisoles w/ the shelf bra inside.) I understand it can take up to a year to completely heal from the nerve damage

Unfortunately, people w/ compromised immune systems, such as us, are more likely to get shingles.

[Skylar]

Oh no, you have my sympathy. I hope your outbreak is of short duration and not too painful. 

Skylar

[modistee]

I had shingles on the right side of my face.  Eye also on that side.  It took over a year for it to quit hurting.  But the medication I got did help especially the eye drops I had to put in that eye.  Was not too bad then.  I hope they did give you something to help.     *hugs*

Modistee

[eyeamdry]

I had shingles just prior to being diagnosed with Sjogrens.  I was very sick with Sjogrens, but didn't quite know what was wrong.  I was put on prednisone and took Valtrex, ugh.  I also had some potent pain med to help me through the week or so it was the worst.  I was afraid mine would go to my eye, but stopped at the ear.  I have no lasting effects like long term pain.  I think I should get the vaccine, though.
Lucy

[Pooh]

Sorry Mc to hear you have the shingles.  Yikes!! they are sure painful.  I know one our members has had several real severe bouts with them and they really put her down with the pain. 

I hope yours will subside quickly and that you have some meds to relieve the pain. 

Take care,

Pooh

[lynnmarie219]

I'm so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with shingles. I had a very minor case years ago long before I was diagnosed with Sjogrens...I was very lucky....just a few patches on my one arm. I caught it early and it was treated.

I hope you have received meds that  help you and this bout is short lived for you and with no lasting effects.

[mcdreamyfan]

Thank you all for your comments!!! I don't post often but I do read this board weekly... You guys are awesome... Today I feel like my back in on fire and once in a while I'll have a pain that feels like someone is stabbing me in the back... I'm trying really hard not to get depressed over this but I can't stop crying... Woest me and all of that... Thanks again for your comments...
Mc

[Scottietottie]

Hi Mcdreamyfan 

I don't think you're necessarily depressed - I think you are really hurting! Shingles is horrible. What have you been given for it? Lynnmarie mentions treatment.

The vaccine looks like a good idea for the future.

Take care - Scottie 

[LenV]

Macdreamy,
Did they give you the antiviral??!!  It is important to start it early.  Otherwise it could leave you with permanent damage.  I had the shingles about a year ago.  Fun they are not.

Billye

[mcdreamyfan]

The doctor gave me an anti-viral... We are hoping we got it in the first 72 hours.. if not, then the med won't work as well... I noticed the rash on Tuesday got to the doctor on Friday... How long will this last?  Right now it's headed around my boob... SEXY huh?  and it hurts!!!!!!!!!   He also gave me Darvocet for pain (ain't working btw)....

[irish]

The course of shingles seems to last a little differently for people. Have you tried putting caladryl lotion on it? That is what people used years ago. Also, they do use the antiviral cream and a tablet frequently. If you are not getting relief from the Darvocet call the doc and get some other pain pill. Also, some people have problems with nerve pain in the path of the rash after the rash disappears and the docs will order amitripyline(Elavil) at bedtime. This a an antidepressant that really works well at a low dose to curb the nerve pain. Good luck. Irish