General Chat

Help, i've just been diagnosed with Shingles - any tips would be greatly appreciated. Every sympathy with anyone that has or had shingles. Been given 7 days supply of tablets and told to apply calomine lotion. Hope it works.

Kind regards
Paulene x

I heard mention on TV today that this is the time of year, ie. winter / spring for chicken pox and shingles.
I hope you feel better soon.

Well done for getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.
My friend was told that the earlier you start treatment, the better, and indeed her symptoms were not too severe or long lasting.
Avoid getting too hot or too cold, which seems to irritate the nerve endings more.
Clothes made of natural fibres will probably be most comfortable.

Gwyn

My granddaugher (two and a bit) stayed with me last weekend, had phone call today as she has Chickenpox - poor little love.

My mother had Shingles many years ago, when I was at home - seem to remember it lasted for ages, but hope treatment had improved since then.

Take care Paulene.

Thanks Gwyn and J*Near M3.Jct4 for your kind thoughts - i am still feeling a bit rough, still applying the calomine lotion and taking the tablets - trust me to get ill during the school holidays (i work as a mid-day supervisor).

J* - hope your granddaughter is feeling better and getting a lot of TLC.

Kind regards
Paulene x

Just for interest in case people don't know.

Is shingles contagious?
Yes, you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before. (You cannot get shingles itself from someone who has shingles.) The shingles rash is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed and are dry. But note: most adults and older children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune. Also, if the blisters (vesicles) are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others. This is because the virus is passed on by direct contact with the blisters. (Therefore, if you have a job you can return to work once the blisters have dried up, or earlier if you keep the rash covered and feel well enough.)

However, as a general rule, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox should avoid people with shingles. (Also, if you have a poor immune system, you should avoid people with shingles.These general rules are to 'play safe', as it is direct contact with the rash that usually passes on the virus.

Also, to play safe and not risk passing on the virus to others who may not have had chickenpox, you should not share towels, go swimming, or play contact sports such as rugby whilst you have a shingles rash.

I just had 4 months off with shingles
Never had the weeping blisters,asked the Doc why,and was told it was because I was taking Aciclover tabs,5 daily
It stoped the spread in its tracks,but it would not go
But was still very painful

I had shingles when I was 8 months pregnant. I caught it from my friends daughter who had chickenpox. I'd already had chickenpox when I was little, so ended up with shingles instead. Only a small patch, but one I couldn't get to, not even to put calamine on...I couldn't reach it lol

Mine was on my back,awkward place to reach

I looked up on the internet for chicken pox, and it says you cannot get it twice, but i have spoke to mums who swear their kids have had it twice!!!

I have heard of children getting it twice too. In fact Jude's little Grandson has it at the moment and he's had it a few weeks previously, although mildly.

Ann
Glos

Oh Paulene, am sorry you have Shingles, very uncomfortable.

Yes, you can catch Chicken Pox twice ... my son did, first time as a baby in nappies then later, OH has had Shingles.

Thinking of you

xxx Shimms xxx