Shingles

[Tayside]

Hello folks.
Been nailed down with Shingles for the last 2 weeks, not much of a rash but as some of you may have experienced , it’s blinkin sore and I have been eating painkillers like sweets.
I realise that it is different for everyone and I am very much in the ‘don’t want to make it worse’ crowd, but for the people that have had this, how did you manage the pain/discomfort and what are the rules for returning to cycling/exercise. Any advice and stories much appreciated .
Cheers

 

[greencat]

Had it a couple of times. Thankfully, no more than a very painful rash/nerve reaching from nipple to somewhere on mid-back. I just carried on as normal with work/exercise as IIRC that was the only advice from my GP back then. I don't remember even bothering with painkillers (but probably built up pain tolerance due to Crohn's disease). Nowadays, I would be more careful around pregnant ladies, immunosuppressed etc.

NHS suggests call 111 for advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

 

[Tayside]

Thanks.
The rash is very minor and has almost gone,it's the constant pain/discomfort that's wearing.
I thought my pain tolerance was not bad but this is a real test.
I might try a pedal around to see how it goes,at least it would be distracting.

 

[Midlife]

I guess you are on Acyclovir ?

 

[Tayside]

Yup,that was the first thing they gave me,course now finished.
Just painkillers and will power now.The GP did offer some other meds,but has had the potential side effects linked to Alzheimer’s ,can’t remember what it’s called ;-)

 

[mdvineng]

Had it completely around the thorax, really painful to excruciating, the red marks itched like fire ants so I used the stuff of my childhood, Calamine lotion. The usual painkillers didn't have much effect but after 2 weeks it subsided and finally vanished. Mind over matter worked best for me though! This last occurrence was around 84 and since then nothing, but now I've mentioned it :facepalm:

 

[Midlife]

Good news on the acyclovir, reduces the length of the outbreak and most importantly reduces the potential for post heretic neuralgia.