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Author Topic: Shingles  (Read 6015 times)

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Offline PositivelyYours

  • Member
  • Posts: 133
Shingles
« on: February 19, 2007, 03:36:13 pm »
Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well.  I wish I could say the same for me.  I was told today by my doctor that I have the Shingles.  My face look like a sponge with bumps on it.  I don't guess I will be winning any beauty pageants especially not this week.  Anyways, I am on Valtrex, Levaquin and Vicodon.  And to think I just purchased a new car on Feb. 10th. I hope I get better soon because I have a car to pay for.  Anyways, take care and keep me in your prayers. 
PositivelyYours

Diagnosed: 08/10/2006
08/31/06 CD4:240/VL:39,000
09/12/06 CD4:359/VL:50,000
11/16/06 CD4:509/VL:76,000 (Flu Shot)
02/13/07 CD4:270/VL:69,000
02/17/07 Developed the Shingles
02/20/07 CD4:326/VL (Not Tested)
03/20/07 CD4:484/VL:54,000
06/19/07 CD4:488/VL:51,000
09/18/07 CD4:372/VL:27,000
10/09/07 Took Flu Shot
12/18/07 CD4:408/VL:85,000
03/18/08 CD4:394/VL:116,000 (Still No Meds)
05/22/08 CD4:412/VL:63,000
08/13/08 CD4:362/VL:67,000
09/23/08 Took Flu Shot
10/15/08 CD4:340/VL:54,000
11/14/08 Started Atripla @ 9:45 p.m.
1/30/09 CD4:641/VL:<48 Copies
5/07/09 CD4:667/VL: Undetectable
12/02/09 CD4:759/VL: Undetectable
03/05/10 CD4:537/VL: Undetectable
03/16/10 Rec'd TB Skin Test, Pneumonia & Hep B Vac
04/15/10 Hep B & Tetanus Vac
6/10 CD4: 748 VL: Undet.

Offline DanielMark

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,475
Re: Shingles
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2007, 03:43:54 pm »
You have my complete sympathy, PY. I haven't had any outbreaks in years but that's no fun. Hang in there!

Daniel
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline PositivelyYours

  • Member
  • Posts: 133
Re: Shingles
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2007, 03:48:44 pm »
You have my complete sympathy, PY. I haven't had any outbreaks in years but that's no fun. Hang in there!

Daniel
PositivelyYours

Diagnosed: 08/10/2006
08/31/06 CD4:240/VL:39,000
09/12/06 CD4:359/VL:50,000
11/16/06 CD4:509/VL:76,000 (Flu Shot)
02/13/07 CD4:270/VL:69,000
02/17/07 Developed the Shingles
02/20/07 CD4:326/VL (Not Tested)
03/20/07 CD4:484/VL:54,000
06/19/07 CD4:488/VL:51,000
09/18/07 CD4:372/VL:27,000
10/09/07 Took Flu Shot
12/18/07 CD4:408/VL:85,000
03/18/08 CD4:394/VL:116,000 (Still No Meds)
05/22/08 CD4:412/VL:63,000
08/13/08 CD4:362/VL:67,000
09/23/08 Took Flu Shot
10/15/08 CD4:340/VL:54,000
11/14/08 Started Atripla @ 9:45 p.m.
1/30/09 CD4:641/VL:<48 Copies
5/07/09 CD4:667/VL: Undetectable
12/02/09 CD4:759/VL: Undetectable
03/05/10 CD4:537/VL: Undetectable
03/16/10 Rec'd TB Skin Test, Pneumonia & Hep B Vac
04/15/10 Hep B & Tetanus Vac
6/10 CD4: 748 VL: Undet.

Offline Alain

  • Member
  • Posts: 679
  • I am.
Re: Shingles
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2007, 03:50:19 pm »
You poor thing,

It is so painfull and I sending you all the best for a prompt recovery.

Had them a few years back, under my right arm (elbow to arm pit), top of my right shoulder and down across my back. There was not a single comfortable position to be in.

I really sympathise and let us know how you are doing.

Take care. Alain.

Offline poet

  • Member
  • Posts: 934
  • Poet living and working in Central Maine
Re: Shingles
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2007, 03:52:23 pm »
Sorry to hear about your shingles episode. :(  I hope that you can work on stress reduction to keep them at bay.  Wishing you a quick recovery, Win
Winthrop Smith has published three collections of poetry: Ghetto: From The First Five; The Weigh-In: Collected Poems; Skin Check: New York Poems.  The last was published in December 2006.  He has a work-in-progress underway titled Starting Positions.

Offline Lou-ah-vull

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,029
Re: Shingles
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2007, 04:01:02 pm »
I have had them twice!  Make sure you take the Valtrex until it is gone and do not miss a dose!  The important thing is that you caught it early enough to go on antivirals.  I hope your outbreak will be brief and that you will be enjoying that new car as soon as  you can.

Gary 
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline PositivelyYours

  • Member
  • Posts: 133
Re: Shingles
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2007, 04:10:02 pm »
Thank you so much everyone for your kind thoughts.

PositivelyYours
PositivelyYours

Diagnosed: 08/10/2006
08/31/06 CD4:240/VL:39,000
09/12/06 CD4:359/VL:50,000
11/16/06 CD4:509/VL:76,000 (Flu Shot)
02/13/07 CD4:270/VL:69,000
02/17/07 Developed the Shingles
02/20/07 CD4:326/VL (Not Tested)
03/20/07 CD4:484/VL:54,000
06/19/07 CD4:488/VL:51,000
09/18/07 CD4:372/VL:27,000
10/09/07 Took Flu Shot
12/18/07 CD4:408/VL:85,000
03/18/08 CD4:394/VL:116,000 (Still No Meds)
05/22/08 CD4:412/VL:63,000
08/13/08 CD4:362/VL:67,000
09/23/08 Took Flu Shot
10/15/08 CD4:340/VL:54,000
11/14/08 Started Atripla @ 9:45 p.m.
1/30/09 CD4:641/VL:<48 Copies
5/07/09 CD4:667/VL: Undetectable
12/02/09 CD4:759/VL: Undetectable
03/05/10 CD4:537/VL: Undetectable
03/16/10 Rec'd TB Skin Test, Pneumonia & Hep B Vac
04/15/10 Hep B & Tetanus Vac
6/10 CD4: 748 VL: Undet.

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Shingles
« Reply #7 on: February 19, 2007, 05:24:32 pm »
Yikes, shingles are no fun.

Keep taking those meds and I will send some positive, healing energy your way.

I hope you are rid of them soon and out joyriding in that new car.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Jeff64

  • Member
  • Posts: 256
Re: Shingles
« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2007, 10:23:39 pm »
I have em too...round my chest to tits...sensitive but thankfully no rash at all....
This is my third round with them...fortunately they go.


Jeff...who has a sore tit...


Offline RapidRod

  • Member
  • Posts: 15,288
Re: Shingles
« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2007, 11:00:43 pm »
PositivelyYours, I had them last year for the first time and I hope I don't get them again. Just don't get around anyone that has never had chicken pox. Nothing worse that getting chicken pox at an old age.  :D

Don't scratch or pop the blisters either. You don't want scaring.

Offline jinghua

  • Member
  • Posts: 138
Re: Shingles
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2007, 12:13:03 am »
Hi, i pray for you and don't feel too bad for it.....when i had it last year ( i took a month of medical leave to stay at home - and went to hong kong!!) it's painful and irritating!!! i hope i don't get it anymore...

Good luck and be brave!!!

JH
Live started to change...i wish i can have a better life...

Offline poodlelover

  • Member
  • Posts: 46
Re: Shingles
« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2007, 01:19:32 am »
I feel your pain.  Like others i have not had a break out in years but the first year I was diagnosed I had Shingles 4 or 5 times that year.  My i.d. doc even took a photo of one of my outbreaks to take to an AIDS conference because he said he had never seen someone with shingles like i had them.   Take your meds as prescribed and keep some on hand in case you feel another outbreak coming on.  Usually you have a sign like some tingling along the nerve. 
Connie

Offline Bucko

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,947
  • You need a shine, missy!
Re: Shingles
« Reply #12 on: February 20, 2007, 02:00:19 am »
Yet another veteran of the shingles-horrors commisserates with you, doll. All I can say is, believe it or not, they do go away, eventually.

And remember what Rod said, I have a scar on my forehead as a permanent reminder.

Brent
(Who never, ever wants to go back there)
Blessed with brains, talent and gorgeous tits.

Blathering on AIDSmeds since 2005, provocative from birth

Offline thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: Shingles
« Reply #13 on: February 20, 2007, 02:07:40 am »
Ack!  Ouch!  I had those dreadful things!  Felt like the constant sting of 1,000 bees....and I caught mine ultra early.  Managed to get rid of the pain in just a few days, but still have a bit of a honey comb type scar on my shoulder blade.

Pretty.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline budndallastx

  • Member
  • Posts: 463
Re: Shingles
« Reply #14 on: February 20, 2007, 06:53:05 am »
I had them in 2004 and it was no fun.   It was on on my lower right back but the Valtrex helped out a lot.  Stay on the meds and Aveeno baths helped me out in the initial stage.  They still don't don't know why it flares like it does, but stress certainly is a contributing factor.

Wishing you a speedy and painless recovery!

Meds since: 11/20/2006
Sustiva / Truvada
12/08/2008 VL:<48 CD4 622 (38%)   
9/8/2008 VL:<48 CD4 573 (30%)
5/2008 VL:<48 CD4 464 (30%)
1/2008  VL: <50  CD4 425(28%)
9/2007   VL: <50  CD4 465 (27%)
6/2007   VL: <50   CD4 443 (26%)
3/2007  VL: <50   CD4 385 (25%)
12/2006 - VL: <50   CD4: 384 (25%)
11/2006 - VL:  22K  CD4: 208 (18%)

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Shingles
« Reply #15 on: February 20, 2007, 07:29:57 am »
OUCH,

I have had shingles several times, but never on the face. Be careful. I am not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but be very cautious, if they appear around the eyes or eyelids. If this happens, check with your doctor immediately. If shingles gets into the eyes, it can cause severe problems.

"THE EYES AND THE HERPES ZOSTER VIRUS

The eyes are sometimes affected by herpes zoster. This is due to the fact that the eyes are connected to nerves that may be infected with the herpes zoster virus.

If the infection occurs on the forehead near the eyes or on the tip of the nose, the eyes are likely to become involved. The usual shingles rash can spread from an involved area of the forehead or cheek to the upper or lower eyelids. Shingles may cause redness of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane covering the white of the eye). It can also cause small scratches or scarring of the cornea. The scratches on the cornea may increase the risk of bacterial infection in the eye and damage to the cornea can occur. Shingles may also cause inflammation inside the eye, known as iritis or uveitis. It can also affect the optic nerve or the retina.

Herpes zoster infections of the eye can lead to redness, swelling, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Severe or repeated episodes of herpes zoster infection are associated with other eye conditions, including glaucoma, scarring inside the eye, and cataract formation. "


Also, try using  calomine lotion. Gently dab any blisters ETC with cotton balls and the calomine. Don't rub your eyes. Try to rest.


Ray
« Last Edit: February 20, 2007, 07:31:49 am by J.R.E. »
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Coffeechick88

  • Member
  • Posts: 431
Re: Shingles
« Reply #16 on: February 20, 2007, 08:06:43 am »
I am sending you my wishes that you have a speedy recovery!  I had shingles really bad a few years ago so I can definitely sympathize.  I am glad you got something good for the pain.  To echo what Rod said, I have scars where I couldn't keep my hands off of them, so definitely try as hard as you can!
Lucas James is here
Born 6-14-08 at 1233 am
8 lbs 14 oz, 22 in long

Offline PositivelyYours

  • Member
  • Posts: 133
Re: Shingles
« Reply #17 on: February 20, 2007, 09:19:06 am »
Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all of your thoughts.  This is my first bout with Shingles, but I know it hasn't been a pleasant feeling.  I hope and pray things get better for me.

PositivelyYours
PositivelyYours

Diagnosed: 08/10/2006
08/31/06 CD4:240/VL:39,000
09/12/06 CD4:359/VL:50,000
11/16/06 CD4:509/VL:76,000 (Flu Shot)
02/13/07 CD4:270/VL:69,000
02/17/07 Developed the Shingles
02/20/07 CD4:326/VL (Not Tested)
03/20/07 CD4:484/VL:54,000
06/19/07 CD4:488/VL:51,000
09/18/07 CD4:372/VL:27,000
10/09/07 Took Flu Shot
12/18/07 CD4:408/VL:85,000
03/18/08 CD4:394/VL:116,000 (Still No Meds)
05/22/08 CD4:412/VL:63,000
08/13/08 CD4:362/VL:67,000
09/23/08 Took Flu Shot
10/15/08 CD4:340/VL:54,000
11/14/08 Started Atripla @ 9:45 p.m.
1/30/09 CD4:641/VL:<48 Copies
5/07/09 CD4:667/VL: Undetectable
12/02/09 CD4:759/VL: Undetectable
03/05/10 CD4:537/VL: Undetectable
03/16/10 Rec'd TB Skin Test, Pneumonia & Hep B Vac
04/15/10 Hep B & Tetanus Vac
6/10 CD4: 748 VL: Undet.

Offline PositivelyYours

  • Member
  • Posts: 133
Re: Shingles - Update
« Reply #18 on: February 25, 2007, 10:33:35 am »
Hello All,

I hope everone is doing okay and enjoying their weekend.  I just wanted to give everyone an update on my Shingles episode.  I am doing much better since being on Valtrex.  I have about three pills left, so I will be taking them all until I have completely finished.  All of the lesions I had on my face have just about disappeared which I am really thankful for.  I plan on returning to work tomorrow, so I hope all will be well.  Although the Shingles are nothing to play with - I believe me keeping a positive attitude made my experience more bareable.  Anyways, I wish everyone continue good health and just know that I am thinking of each of you.

PositivelyYours

[

quote author=PositivelyYours link=topic=9256.msg112955#msg112955 date=1171917373]
Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well.  I wish I could say the same for me.  I was told today by my doctor that I have the Shingles.  My face look like a sponge with bumps on it.  I don't guess I will be winning any beauty pageants especially not this week.  Anyways, I am on Valtrex, Levaquin and Vicodon.  And to think I just purchased a new car on Feb. 10th. I hope I get better soon because I have a car to pay for.  Anyways, take care and keep me in your prayers. 
[/quote]
PositivelyYours

Diagnosed: 08/10/2006
08/31/06 CD4:240/VL:39,000
09/12/06 CD4:359/VL:50,000
11/16/06 CD4:509/VL:76,000 (Flu Shot)
02/13/07 CD4:270/VL:69,000
02/17/07 Developed the Shingles
02/20/07 CD4:326/VL (Not Tested)
03/20/07 CD4:484/VL:54,000
06/19/07 CD4:488/VL:51,000
09/18/07 CD4:372/VL:27,000
10/09/07 Took Flu Shot
12/18/07 CD4:408/VL:85,000
03/18/08 CD4:394/VL:116,000 (Still No Meds)
05/22/08 CD4:412/VL:63,000
08/13/08 CD4:362/VL:67,000
09/23/08 Took Flu Shot
10/15/08 CD4:340/VL:54,000
11/14/08 Started Atripla @ 9:45 p.m.
1/30/09 CD4:641/VL:<48 Copies
5/07/09 CD4:667/VL: Undetectable
12/02/09 CD4:759/VL: Undetectable
03/05/10 CD4:537/VL: Undetectable
03/16/10 Rec'd TB Skin Test, Pneumonia & Hep B Vac
04/15/10 Hep B & Tetanus Vac
6/10 CD4: 748 VL: Undet.

Offline bear60

  • Member
  • Posts: 4,105
Re: Shingles
« Reply #19 on: February 25, 2007, 12:51:50 pm »
Thanks for the update.  Let us know how returning to work went for you?
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Shingles
« Reply #20 on: February 25, 2007, 05:06:24 pm »
Hello ,


Glad to hear that things are going much better for you. Thabks for the update !



Take care of yourself---------Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Seven

  • Member
  • Posts: 108
Re: Shingles
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2007, 10:16:53 am »
Ugh I had Shingles back in 98-99 Can't remember which year. LOL
But I had it in the middle of my back on the bra line to the right side of where my arm goes alongside my body. NOT FUN! I was in tons of pain...lotsa jumping nerves. Only got it once, hope I never get that again.

Hope you are all better now :)

Offline Andy Velez

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: Shingles
« Reply #22 on: February 26, 2007, 10:20:21 am »
Big ouch, PY.

Along with the medical attention you're getting, stress definitely exacerbates the condition, so whether here or elsewhere, get whatever support you need to lower the stress.

Hoping your episode will soon be over.

Cheers, 
Andy Velez

 


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