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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 21:05:58
I just feel the need to act "young" for a minute and whine. I dont expect any of you to do anything about it... I dont know why I'm doing this really. In fact, you dont even need to read the whole thing. Summary: I'm sick and I feel bad. That's about it.
...commence whining...
I feel crappy. I have shingles. And it SUCKS.
It started last tues night and the itching has been absolutely incredible lol. It itches so bad sometimes I cant think of anything else. And the creams dont seem to help much.
The thing is, I havent really had the pain that is so typical of shingles. The first doctor I saw on Wed thought it was a fungal infection so up until today, I was using a cream too, in case it was that. I found out through experimentation the cream was making it worse. The second doctor said it was shingles so I'm on antivirals for that.
The rash is starting to lessen a bit, I can tell. The itching has gotten a little better since I stopped the anti fungal crap. But then, you know what? Well, shingles usually comes sort of in rings, it follows your nerves.. and tonight, I've been very sensitive and hurting a little on my side, a few inches from the other rash. Often people get pain for a day or 2 before a rash develops.
I dont want any more to show up!! And if it does, I bet it's going to hurt this time. I guess I'd rather be in pain than itch... but it's just not fair (whine whine). I'm young, in good shape, healthy overall.. this shouldnt be happening. None of the risk factors except I guess stress.
I'm just so frustrated that I want to cry. I feel like just throwing myself to the floor and crying and kicking and who knows what - temper tanrum style. I wont of course. But I just want it to go away. I want someone to take care of me and care that I'm feeling crappy.
It comes down to this I think: I try SO hard at everything and things STILL go so wrong. Hah, I know - disease has nothing to do with how hard you try. I know.
I'm supposed to see Ginny Tues and with the one rash, I'm just fine to go. But if another develops, it'll still be in the nasty phase and I wont be able to. I need her. Being sick and frustrated intensifies the aloneness.
I'm trying to take really good care of myself. Wear comfy clothes, do things I enjoy, all that.
Thanks for listening. Sorry to do that. I just had to get it out.
/end whining
Posted by Phillipa on January 20, 2007, at 21:47:04
In reply to I just need to whine (long), posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 21:05:58
Wishingstar I'm sorry you have shingles and yes they follow a nerve and can be painful. Important did you know you get shingles from the chicken pox virus? Important you stay away from anyone that could be pregnant. I know you're suffering. How bout a shower or bath would that feel better on the rash? It will scab up and go away but pain probably for a few days. Usually just one nerve or side of body involved. Good luck. Hope they go away fast. And your're not wining you're sick and in pain. Not pleasant. Wish I could help you. Love Phillipa
Posted by Gee on January 20, 2007, at 21:50:39
In reply to I just need to whine (long), posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 21:05:58
Have you tried an oatmeal bath? It should help with the itching some. Or Calamine lotion?
Posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 22:02:06
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » wishingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 20, 2007, at 21:47:04
thanks phillipa... I've done a lot of reading about it since my doctor diagnosed it. It doesnt do much to calm my fears. Hah.
The shower does seem to help some, as does laying flat on my back. The rash is on my back, but the even pressure seems to calm it down a little bit. The itching from the first part is bearable now.. but the tenderness on my abdomen area is making me thing I'm in for round 2 very soon. Thats whats so upsetting right now. I dealt and made it through the worst of #1... I dont want it any more!
Thanks for saying I'm not whining. And for understanding.
Posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 22:04:20
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long), posted by Gee on January 20, 2007, at 21:50:39
I've been hesitant to take any baths because of the small possibility that it is a fungal infection. They told me that if it is, the moisture could make it worse or take longer to heal. I really do believe its shingles, especially with this new pain in the different area, but I dont want to take any chances.
I did try an off-brand calamine lotion-like thing I got at CVS. It didnt really seem to help any more than anything else. I also have perscription strength hydrocortisone cream and have been taking clairtin and benadryl. I've really loaded up lol. The benadryl seems to help more than anything. But the itching is starting to get better, thank goodness.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on January 21, 2007, at 3:30:19
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » Gee, posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 22:04:20
Don't worry about the whinging....I think anyone how has had shingles understands!!! I got last year, yuck. It was swful! I didn't take anything for it, just got my bf to dab calamine lotion onto the areas. It was very painful and itchy at the same time.
Well my fullest sympathies go out to you. It does get better through!
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by Poet on January 21, 2007, at 10:35:08
In reply to I just need to whine (long), posted by wishingstar on January 20, 2007, at 21:05:58
Hi Wishingstar,
My mother had shingles last year and said the itching and pain were horrible. Oatmeal baths did help her. She got it into her head that I had never had the chicken pocks (wrong child, it's the mumps I never had) so she wouldn't let me come over and see her.
I hope you feel good enough to be able to see Ginny.
Poet
Posted by wishingstar on January 21, 2007, at 18:07:41
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » wishingstar, posted by Poet on January 21, 2007, at 10:35:08
thank you both.
Its slowly getting better. Still bothering me some, but it's not unbearable anymore. But my mood, that was so good pre-shingles (better than id felt in a long time) is back to depressed. I'm watching suicidal thoughts creap back in and I feel powerless to stop them. SO frustrating. It feels like JUST when things were FINALLY going well, BAM. Like some kind of twisted joke. I'm so frustrated.
I'm sure I'll be able to see Ginny on Tues unless I develop more blisters or this freezing rain we're getting makes things to terrible. I think it'll be fine. Thank goodness.
Thank you both for your support and well wishes... it helps!
Posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 18:56:24
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet, posted by wishingstar on January 21, 2007, at 18:07:41
Oh you have the freezing horrible rain too? Well at least you picked a good time to not be able to go out. And isn't it funny when something happens it seems to take your mind off depression as least it does for me. Snuggle up warm. Love Phillipa
Posted by wishingstar on January 21, 2007, at 20:08:09
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » wishingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 18:56:24
Yep.. snow earlier today and now (or last time I checked anyway), freezing rain. Not more tham maybe 2 inches total, but we dont get much snow here so everyone really panics at the slightest storm. I'm in Virginia.
Sometimes things happening can take my mind off the depression, but this time I think it reminded me of it.
Hope the nasty weather wherever you are!
Posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 20:18:38
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » wishingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 18:56:24
I lived in VA Beach and Chesapeake near Centerville Turnpike and Laskin Rd. Now Charlotte NC. Love Phillipa
Posted by wishingstar on January 21, 2007, at 20:51:51
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » Phillipa, posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 20:18:38
Neat.. Va beach is a nice area. My ex boyfriend had family down there and we used to go a few times a year. I really liked it.
I live in Harrisonburg now in the Shenandoah Valley area. An hour outside Charlottesville. I grew up in the Northern Va area, near Fairfax.
Posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 22:01:45
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » Phillipa, posted by wishingstar on January 21, 2007, at 20:51:51
Wishingstar beautiful there. Aren't you close to DC? In the lovely area? Love Phillipa Or is it near Williamsburg another lovely area
Posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 7:56:44
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » wishingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 22:01:45
I grew up about 10 minutes outside DC.. only a few mile drive from the Pentagon and all those things. I think DC is a better place to visit than it is to live. It's too busy and crazy for me most of the time.
Harrisonburg, where I'm at now, is 2 hours south from DC and about 3 hours from Williamsburg (not sure which direction, sorry). It's where James Madison University is located, if you've heard of it. But yes, its beautiful here. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive are right nearby. Very nice. But today it's all ice.. yuck.
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 22, 2007, at 10:54:23
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) - meri, poet » Phillipa, posted by Phillipa on January 21, 2007, at 20:18:38
Hi Wish,
I've gotten shingles twice. Both times the pain was intense. felt like I'd been hit with a baseball bat over and over again. My rash was limited to a small cluster of blisters the first time, and only a half dozen blisters the second time.I'm SO sorry you're going through this. It REALLY sucks big time. Which steroid creams have you tried? My husband has a whole assortment for his "itchy leg". they all work really well for me. I had sunburn and about 10 mosquito bites on the back of my hand during my recent vacation and ended up VERY happy that I had brought the itchy cream with me.
fluticasone? I don't remember the other one meta something. I'll look it up later.
apply cool compresses, and distract yourself (whining is okay too)
best,
Ll
Posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 11:40:48
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long), posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 22, 2007, at 10:54:23
Thanks llurpsie.. I'm sorry you've been through this too. Twice even. You're right, it's no fun. I also only have a small little cluster, maybe the size of a half dollar.
The itching has mostly stopped. It comes and goes, but I can pretty much ignore it now. Now the pain has started though. Luckily it's not terribly intense... it's bearable.. but definitely uncomfortable. Sort of a burning tingly feeling. And the dryness of the skin/scabs against my shirt seems to make it worse, so I've been laying around with my shirt half up a lot. Luckily I live alone. :)
The steroid cream I have is clotrimazole and betamethasone combined. I believe the second one is the steroid, and the first is the anti-fungal, since the first doctor thought that was what the problem was. The doctor who diagnosed shingles said I could keep using it for the itch anyway but it seemed to make it worse. Could have been the anti-fungal part doing it. When I stopped using it, the itch mostly went away and the pain appeared. I prefer the pain over the itching. I used hydrocortisone cream a few times as well and it helped some. I was also taking clairitin and benadryl at night, but I'm not anymore.
I'm taking acyclovir (anti-viral) five times a day for another few days also. I dont know if it's working, but it doesnt hurt I guess.
I really think some of the pain is due to the fact that it's just so dry. My shirt rubbing against it feels like sand paper. Did you experience this? I know anti-fungals are drying so I'm trying to figure out if this is normal or if the drug created it and a little moisturizing lotion might help.
I'm trying my best to distract myself but being sick and alone brought my depression back in a BIG way. So the motivation to do anything is lacking right now. I skipped a meeting this morning and blamed shingles, but in reality I could have gone, I just dont want to leave my house. Tonight I have ballet class and I may go. The teacher gave me permision to wear a tshirt rather than leotard because there's no way I could handle something that tight rubbing on the rash (its on my lower back). I'm going to try to go. We'll see.Thanks for posting. I'm sorry to be so long winded with everyone... I think I'm just so desperate for someone to talk to right now, I take any chance I can get... haha. Take care.
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 22, 2007, at 13:31:43
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » Llurpsie_Noodle, posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 11:40:48
hey Wishing*
don't put just any lotion on it- might be too irritating.Use plain old vaseline or neosporin to keep the blisters from getting too crusty.
And hydrocortisone cream is really good. I bet you can do better, but if the itching is subsiding you'll do okay without anything in a few days.
do you think you can put a big gigantic gauze over it and tape it down, so that your shirt won't rub?
I'm thinking, neosporin and anti-itch nice and thickly daubed on, then perhaps 4x6 inch gauze and the least tape possible to hold it down? (don't use tape anywhere near your blisters!) change twice a day, or if it starts bothering you?
just a thought. when you start to get the pain, I have another suggestion- pain relief patches by salonpas. They are small and inexpensive compared to bengay or icyhot patches. again, you don't want to put the patches too close to the blisters, but they will infuse the nerves just under the skin with topical pain relief. That helped me SO much, and they last much longer and are much more convenient than rubbing some smelly ointment on. If you go for pain-relief ointment- tiger balm is good, so is icy hot.
best to you
~~~~sending you anti itch, anti depressed vibes~~~~-Ll
p.s. shingles happens when our immune systems are down. (stress?) Let's blame this one on Anne, what do you think?
Posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 15:24:45
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » wishingstar, posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 22, 2007, at 13:31:43
Yes!! This is all Anne's fault for sure. I plan to tell Ginny that very thing tomorrow! Hah. It's too bad it's not contagious, because I could go share the happiness with Anne. Oh well. :)
Thanks for those ideas... I hadnt thought of trying a pain relief rub or patch. I may have to pick some up tonight and try that out. I think I decided I am going to go to ballet tonight and just load up on ibproufen first. I'm going look like a giant goofball.. a tshirt, cotton shorts, and pink tights. Maybe even leg warmers if its too cold. Looks cute with a leotard, but I'm trying to set a new style here.
I think I will try the gause idea too, but I'm afraid that having anything up against it might be too irritating. But I guess with enough neosporin or something to keep it from being dry, it might do the job. I will try that too.
Posted by Kath on January 26, 2007, at 16:35:16
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » Llurpsie_Noodle, posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 15:24:45
I wonder who Anne & Ginny are.
How are you doing?
Kath
Posted by wishingstar on January 28, 2007, at 11:59:55
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » wishingstar, posted by Kath on January 26, 2007, at 16:35:16
Hi Kath, Sorry for not responding until now... I just now saw that youd replied.
And sorry also for listing names with no explanation. :) I normally stick to the psych board where I talk about them all the time, and I forget not everyone reads that board. Anne is my ex-therapist who is basically a real insensitive person who hurt me very badly a few months ago with a less-than-appropriate termination. Ginny is my current therapist, who I love. :)
I'm doing ok. Hanging in there, but barely. 2 job interviews tomorrow morning and getting myself out of bed is an effort... so I'm not sure how that'll go. We'll see. Some possibility I might admit myself back to the psych unit for a few days afterwards. I'm having a hard time being responsible for my own safety right now. But hanging in there. It could (and has been) worse.
I hope you're doing well. Your son gets out of the hospital today or tomorrow right? I seem to remember reading that. Take care of yourself.
Posted by Kath on January 28, 2007, at 12:57:00
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » Kath, posted by wishingstar on January 28, 2007, at 11:59:55
Hi - I'm glad you now have a T who you love.
Sorry you're having a very hard time of it.
Yes, he was released a couple of days ago. I'm doing a separate post about him coming home. I'm having a hard time.
hugs, Kath
Posted by wishingstar on January 28, 2007, at 15:42:33
In reply to Re: I just need to whine (long) » wishingstar, posted by Kath on January 28, 2007, at 12:57:00
Kath, I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I'll be watching for that post about what's going on. Hang in there. {{{kath}}}
This is the end of the thread.
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