Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Shingles???

Good Morning...

Have any of you ever had shingles??? I think I might have them now.. I had this blister like rash develop on my upper back (near my left shoulder blade) and under my left arm.. At first I thought it might be poison ivy.... but man .... does it itch and hurt... kinda like needles sticking me..

I was reading on WebMD where you can get shingles sometimes when your immune system is compromised. It also said that the nerve pain is sometimes treated with Neurontin (which I am already taking) so maybe that's why the pain is not as severe as it could be..

I hate to call the doctor AGAIN... seems like I am constantly complaining about something... I feel like a hypochondriac..

Can any of you offer information??

Denise

you need to get to the docs, shingles is a form of chicken pox that only adults get and it can lead to many serious problems....oak

I am older then I look and I feel older than I am

Hi Denise,
Go to the Doctor's immediately!!!!! My Dad had serious problems from shingles which all can be avoided(mostly) if you have it treated immediately. Good luck!
Liz

Denise,

Listen to everyone, get to the dr. Shingles are not fun and you need meds to get rid of them before they get worse. They will travel along the nerve line.....

linda

Everyones advice is good.

Exercise some caution, I believe that shingles is contagious. Wash hands etc before touching anyone or parts of your body you don't want to be scratching.

Anything you could apply to help stop the itch would be helpful.

George



Breb Assyl

Ihad shingles in 1999. They are contagious only to those who have not had chicken pox. Chicken pox and shingles are caused by similar viruses. Shingles travel on one nerve path and will always come back ( if they come back ) on the same path. Mine came out of all places in my right eye. I thought I had gotten something in my eye at work, boy was I wrong. Came close to losing the sight in that eye. There are antibiotics avalible that if taken soon after the onset will hasten recovery. By all means see your doctor as soon as possible.


Steve

Getting it in your eye sounds pretty ugly Steve.

I've just been reading about shingles (actually, another form of herpes) and I see that old goats like myself are particularly vulnerable to getting it. Since you had it in 1999, has it come back again?

I saw on one site that the shingles can present itself just about anywhere on your body.

Thanks for the info re when it can be contagious.

George

Breb Assyl

Hey Denise, sorry to hear about your bout with shingles, I remember when I was in Durango Co, doing some work, when I broke out real bad on my back, I was under a lot of stress at the time ,but like old George said, my doc said it was "herpes", I freaked and all the medical personnel wan't to take a look~~~talk bout being outa place~~don't know bout the chicken-pox thing~~but anyhoo good luck~~It hurts, I know that!!!...Bill

Hey Denise,

Are you taking Bextra? There was a post recently about how some people have a reaction to Bextra that makes them break out in rash. If you are taking Bextra, then stop immediately and get to your doctor.

Good Luck'
Michelle

The "more medical name for shingles is "herpes zoster".

There are some very descriptive sites on the net that give you more detail than you would really want to see. Some chilling pictures.

George

Breb Assyl