Nerves?

laurid8967 · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:57 am Post subject:

Oh Cheryl -
The only thing for shingles is pain meds - usually Percocet or Vicodin. It is too late for any anti-virals (Valcyclovir, Alcyclovir, valtrex) as you REALLY need to get it in you within 3 days of onset (not onset of rash, but onset of virus - which you dont even know is happening half the time). Please see someone as soon as you can for some relief. Unfortunately, shingles can last a WHILE (like a month or so) but not always.
You can use Calamine lotion for the rash, but it wont do anything for the underlying nerves. Thats why only narcotics will even touch it. Do you have any at home that you use for your SLE?
Oh, gosh, I wish I could come and babysit for you!! Also, I forget (bad brainfog today) if you are contaqgious as well to the kids. I BELIEVE (dont quote me) that if one of the kids HASNT has chicken pox yet, that they can catch it from you.
Let us know how it goes - sending warm thoughts...
Lauri
_________________
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference...

cheryl_v · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

All the kids have had the chickenpox vaccine, does that count? I don't have SLE, I have FMS and CTD. I'm still seeing what I can manage for today. Thanks for the tip, I might have some itch lotion around in the first-aid kit. I haven't been sick, what could be causing this. How could I have got it? I'm a clean person and haven't been around anyone who was sick. I have a high pain tolerance, but the skin and little welts really hurt, wow. Is it possible to be anything else?

Thanks everyone for the concern, I appreciate it. I hope kids having the shot for chickenpox makes them ok. If child services find out, I'm screwed Shocked

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

Oluwa · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:49 am Post subject:

Cheryl....whaddyadoing here? Wink

You don't get shingles from being dirty....it is a second eruption of chicken poxs...

Hope this info helps, if it is Shingles...I think Jody had the shingles recently...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098

....Though the chickenpox vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get chickenpox or shingles, it can reduce your chances of complications and reduce the severity of the disease..says mayoclinic.com

How are the fingers? Did you injury your spine, neck? Shoulder?

Tap on the inside of your wrist, are there shocks? If so carpal tunnel.. I had CTS and the surgery. Pinky numb, not carpal tunnel.

Why do you think you would be in trouble if CPS became aware that you have the shingles...Shingles is out of your hands...like a cold..some get it, some don't. You didn't know...so worry not, okay...We don't even know what it is...

Keep calm....treat your symptoms the best you can til you see the DR...

as per Mayoclinic.com..home treatments in case.

he following are other tips to help minimize the pain and manage the symptoms of shingles.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).
* Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, can temporarily relieve the itch. A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if itching is severe.
* Wash the blisters twice a day with regular soap and water but don't bandage them.
* Apply cool, wet compresses to the blisters to relieve the pain and itch. Use water or water mixed with white vinegar — 1 ounce of vinegar to 32 ounces of water. Apply the compresses three times a day.
* Take a comfortably cool bath. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal that's made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others).

Head hug, hang in there..
Love,
Oluwa
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cheryl_v · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:34 am Post subject:

Doc office called back to see if i could definetly be in tomorrow. The nurse said it did sound like shingles, but need to see theirselves in order to do something. She gave me a crash course, so to speak, on shingles. With child-services, they're picky on who can watch kids. If you have anything contagious, your out. The link was helpful too. With kids, the shot is given in order to keep them from ever having chickenpox. Nurse said sometimes stress can cause it, sometimes nothing. My question: is it a one time deal, or does it reoccur? Forgot to ask nurse. Didn't find it in the medical link. Thanks for the tips.

With fingers, no shock but does feel wierd in those fingers. Most older women in our family does have CTS. I'd be the youngest, but then I have all these problems no other family member has.
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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

cheryl_v · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject:

OK, all set. My sitter is driving me, then watching kids in waiting room. I'll only have 3 kids(2 mine) with me tomorrow. Nurse set me an app., but said to come in when I can. Promised kids Taco Bell for those who are good, they're excited. Have permission from parent for child from child services, he said he's done it before when child needed to go somewhere with a sitter. All is working out good, yeah Very Happy

. I'll let you know when I get back what they say. Oh yeah (thought some may get a laugh), told mum-in-law and of course she's had the shingles "too" Rolling Eyes

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

cheryl_v · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:41 am Post subject:

Ok, I went and its shingles. The rash is a minimum and doesn't look exaclty like a shingle rash, but the pain and location is a definite dx of shingles. Gave me Rx for Valtrex, Methylprednisolone and Loratab (first pain script I ever had). Hope all this helps. I could hardly sleep, agony. Couldn't lay on the right, sheet hurt, night shirt hurt, everything. I told them I can handle pain, but this is a nightmare. I've had hives and anfintigo(sp?) before and they itch and hurt. This is itch and PAIN, feels as if there's a rash in the whole area. The skin feels inflamed. I hope it goes away soon. Thanks for the info and letting me know and telling me to call doc. Here I thought a pinched nerve, wow. Way off on that one Laughing

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

mnjodette · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

Ouch, Cheryl!!! I had shingles about a year (maybe more?) ago, as a result of taking Imuran. My rheumy warned me I might be susceptible and sure enough. It hurts like *%$&!!! Valtrex will help (even after onset.) I got in to the doctor within a day of the first sign of the rash and she put me on Valtrex. In less than a week it was much less painful - but it took several weeks for the sores to totally heal up. Mine was on my shoulder and chest. I still have scars. It follows a nerve trail, and it's not always the same for everyone. But I understand it's always on one side of the body only. Many, many verrrrry gentle hugs to you, Sweetie. It WILL get better.

Jody
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"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron

cheryl_v · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject:

Hi Jody, thanks so much. I only have a few, but right on the waist line on tummy and lower back. My neice's low-rise pants would be great right now Laughing

. Will it happen again and how long did it last for you? I feel sorry for all you who have ever had this, you poor things. It makes the hives I had once a walk-in-the-park!! I learned the hard way, don't scratch! I did without realizing, wow. Felt as if someone lit a match. Pool and bath have helped a lot. Not sure what caused mine, NP wasn't sure either. Wrote it in journal for new rhuemy I see monday.

Quick question: did the muscle in your back under the bumps feel swollen and little firm? I know you said yours was higher. I was leaning back in tub and could feel the lower right muscle slightly out more than the left. Just wondering if shingles can make the muscle swell. Thanks again for answering, I know everyone's busy. Thought I got lost and forgotten Laughing

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

Pretti in Pink · Cobra Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 451 Location: Texas

Cheryl,

I'm sorry you are experiencing such agony, I've never had them but it sounds like the pits, glad you went int to the doctor and maybe able to head off some of the worsening pain. Hang in there and wishing you well.

cheryl_v · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject:

Thank You Pretty in Pink Very Happy

, you guys are so sweet Wink

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

laurid8967 · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:03 am Post subject:

Cheryl,
Like I said in another post, I dont know how I missed this post! So, it was shingles after all...I think my initial info said anti-virals dont work after a certain amount of time, and Jody said they did. She's probably right, that is just what I was told by my neuro. I actually was on Valtrex for a couple of YEARS, due to chronic viral encephalitis. Thats what I was Dxd with at the time, and now we know its probably due to the lupus. Anyways...Im glad you didnt wait to see a doctor. Shingles is often seen in people with compromised immune systems like the elderly, and those under a lot of stress (stress decreases the immune system). When I got them, they were floored because I was in my 30's, they thought I was too young. But essentially, the virus that put me in respitory failure (the beginning of this WHOLE mess) really messed up my immune system, and I was really susceptible to infections. So, you could have gotten it from being sick recently, or someting else that weakens your immune system. My Jack was little when I had them (Ive had them a couple of times, but that is not common), and he did NOT get chicken pox as a result.
Hope you are feeling better soon!!
Love Lauri
_________________
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference...

cheryl_v · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:18 am Post subject:

Hi Lauri, thanks. NP and nurses thought I was a bit young for it too (I'm 34). Doing better, valtrex has toned it down to itch and sting only. The pains not bad during the day, does flare at night and early morning. Thanks for the info, it helped me keep an eye on the skin or else I may not have paid much attention. Your a good and helpful friend Very Happy

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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)

cheryl_v · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

You know what? Realized the 2 fingers causing the hand to shake (what started this post), cleared up. Haven't had a problem with them in a few days. Hope it stays that way Very Happy

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Have a Great Weekend everyone!!
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Cheryl

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (author: Nick Miller, I believe)