POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: aztecan on June 23, 2009, 09:57:26 am
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I thought it was a cold sore, or, as I like to describe it, mouth herpes. ;)
It wasn't and I have another $40 copay receipt to prove it.
I have shingles.
I had heard that shingles could pop up virtually anywhere, but I never thought about it being on my face. :-\
The doctor, who started me on Famvir immediately, said he hoped to prevent the spread of the shingles into my eye, my right eye as luck would have ti.
It apparently can cause problems with the eyes, including the need for corneal transplants.
Of course, it couldn't be simple. All the meds taken to combat shingles interact with Truvada, which I just started taking a month ago.
Apparently, Truvada can cause elevated levels of the shingles meds in the bloodstream.
So, we are experimenting, my doc and I. I am taking the Famvir only twice a day, rather than three times a day, as normally would be prescribed.
I will take the Truvada as usual. I will have bloodwork done Thursday to make sure this combination of drugs doesn't cause any kidney problems.
We'll see what happens. Let's hope this experiment works.
I now understand what folks mean when they say shingles are a pain.
UGH!
HUGS,
Mark
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Oh dear. Sorry to hear of this. Sounds as if you caught it early though, right? I've also never heard of the truvada angle with shingles treatment, but then I've fortunately escaped this curse thus far.
You've really not had an easy year.
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Poor Mark...oucheeee
I had shingles under arm and across back, then another outbreak across the waist. The last outbreak was on my leg when I had the DVT.
I can't imagine how I would deal with them on my face or eyes. Are your eyes at risk because of the 'cold sore' and just being on the face?
Do you still have your moustache?
((A really big hug))
Ronnie
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Mark, you'll get thur this, and your still a sexy hunk to me, {{{NAKED BEAR HUGS}}} Dennis in NE Albuquerque ;)
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Hey Mark...
Well isnt that just the pits. On your face!
I am keeping you in my thoughts.
We dont want any eye complications!
Joel
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Hey Mark I feel for you been lucky so for mine has been on my lower mid section and behind yes the shingles can cause blindness.I always worry about my situation then a reality check comes along and then I realize how small my problems are.I will keep you in my prayers Mark hope it clears up soon.
Dwayn20
I thought it was a cold sore, or, as I like to describe it, mouth herpes. ;)
It wasn't and I have another $40 copay receipt to prove it.
I have shingles.
I had heard that shingles could pop up virtually anywhere, but I never thought about it being on my face. :-\
The doctor, who started me on Famvir immediately, said he hoped to prevent the spread of the shingles into my eye, my right eye as luck would have ti.
It apparently can cause problems with the eyes, including the need for corneal transplants.
Of course, it couldn't be simple. All the meds taken to combat shingles interact with Truvada, which I just started taking a month ago.
Apparently, Truvada can cause elevated levels of the shingles meds in the bloodstream.
So, we are experimenting, my doc and I. I am taking the Famvir only twice a day, rather than three times a day, as normally would be prescribed.
I will take the Truvada as usual. I will have bloodwork done Thursday to make sure this combination of drugs doesn't cause any kidney problems.
We'll see what happens. Let's hope this experiment works.
I now understand what folks mean when they say shingles are a pain.
UGH!
HUGS,
Mark
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Lord, honey....what next?
Shingles on the face? YIKES. I've been lucky enough to have them elsewhere (which was bad enough)....
Hope the Famvir does the trick. I'm on the daily prophylaxis dose of Valtrex.......
hugs,
Alan
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Hello Mark,
Sorry to hear about the shingles. The good thing is you caught it early. Yes,... you got to watch this if it spreads around the face and eyes.
Wishing a speedy recovery----Ray
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Wow, Mark. You've really not had a good year. I hope things improve, and soon! I'll be thinking about you.
Luv,
Betty
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aww mark.
yeah, this has been a raunchy year for you, hasn't it?
In the middle of summer, I can't imagine this god-awful infliction being anything but a royal pain. I hope your think adobe walls keep you cool. A few years ago I had the small pox all over my body, including eyes and mouth. It was dreadful. I quaranteened myself to the cool basement.
not sure what to think about the truvada/famvir issue. I can only hope that with increased levels of the shingles meds caused by the truvada, maybe it will clear up real fast.
my prayers....robt
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Mark,
How simply dreadful. I want to wish you quick recovery. It sounds like you've got a very good ID doc how wants to keep on top of things.
Hugs,
AA
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Dear Mark,
Ouch!
Sorry to hear about this latest development in your health. Good that your doctor caught it so promptly and I do hope the treatment works quickly for you.
I've had two bouts of shingles but never had an outbreak on my face; the first did spread into a rather delicate area though where no woman wants to be finding sores!
I'll be sending you some healing thoughts.
Best wishes,
Emma
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Mark, I wish you a speedy recovery! I will keep you in my prayers. Get well soon.
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Mark,
Damn! So sorry to hear that you have the dreaded Shingles...I had them in 1995 and I can still recall how painfull it was. I hope it's not that bad for you dear friend!
My Mom actually has had herpies in her eye, so if you need or want any advice let me know. But let's hope and pray it stays where it is.
I wish you the best. Are you able to work? I hope you are home, taking plenty of pain killers and relaxing.
Hang tough, I know you will.
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Mark!
holy crap, I hate shingles, sorry you are experiencing it!
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Hi Mark,
I hope your meds are working and you will be in a good shape soon.
Take care.
Lakis
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Hey Mark,
Are you all pretty again for the Holidays?
((HUG))
Ronnie
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I remember having severe shingles at the same time I was diagnosed 17 years ago. Although they were on my legs, the Doc gave me stict instructions not to touch them and spread it to my eyes. Kept washing my hands constantly and after a few weeks, they did disappear. I did have one small one on my chin, but it was not as serious as my legs.
Be very careful about transferring after dressing or touching your legs. It does spread easily during the 'messy' part of the outbreak.
Good Luck and hope the drugs don't interact...
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Hey all,
Thanks for all the wonderful support. Yes, it has been a trying year.
But, you know, it could always be worse. I am grateful I have been as lucky as I have.
The shingles are fading. I was really lucky. I caught them, or rather my doctor caught them, very early and started me on treatment immediately.
I think that made a big difference. Most of the pain/numbness has subsided. There is still one spot on my lip that is troublesome, but, its not oozing any more, so that's a plus.
I also did fine with the the Famvir (Famcyclovir). No interactions, the kidneys are just fine and the shingles were kicked in the butt.
I really do think "hit hard, hit early" was key for me.
Again, thank you all for the wonderful support.
HUGS,
Mark
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Glad to here Mark, I knew you'd beat this, I had a lot of faith in you, to do just that ;D
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Mark
Thats a relief! I know you are greatful for having a good doctor.
Joel
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Mark,
Glad to hear that you are improving.
Enjoy your 4th. Maybe a sparkler or two: nah: a bottle rocket.
(HUG)
Ronnie