Monday, June 23, 2008

YUCK!! This sucks!!

Well the Dr took one look and said SHINGLES! huh? It is on my face not my body. But I guess you can get them there too. In fact it is fairly common to get them on one side of your face. The only blister like thingies are on my forehead, but he said that is common too. My glands are full and trying to fight off the virus.

Swell! and I just got notification on Friday, that there is a new Shingles immunization that my insurance will pay for, but it is too late now!! Not for at least 6 months!! Meanwhile just to be safe, he also prescriped some Keflex in case there is a bio-bug in there somewhere.

So I am sitting here with one eyelid so swollen I look like I have a black eye!! I was looking real close in the mirror at the bump and then I started really looking at my face. OHMIGAWD!!! When Did I get so DAMN OLD? wrinkles, and age spots, and saggy chin, and wild eyebrows. (they only grow in spots anymore, and most of them are grey so you cant see them anyway. )

Now with swollen eye I look like I have been on an all day cry.

16 comments:

Anji said...

The mirror is definately only for quick peeks these days for me too. Hope you're not feeling too uncomfortable. I've never heard if anyone getting shingles on their face before. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Shingles??!! I would have guessed it was a spider bite. I hope the medication helps and it clears up soon.

Granny Annie said...

What a relief! I know, I know, shingles would not be a disease of choice (remember my sister has them right now too) but of all the things I researched on the internet with your symptoms, Shingles sounds much better than the things that appeared. Also, Shingles didn't even come up as a possibility.

Stress is such a huge factor in bringing on Shingles and you certainly have enough going on in your life to cause them. At least they didn't appear until after your play.

Bless you heart. Thanks for telling us the results.

Dick said...

I agree with granny annie. Shingles would not be fun but there are a lot of things that it might have been that are a whole lot worse. And it is good to know what you are fighting. Too bad that the doc didn't prescribe something like two good mixed drinks a day!

It looks like our summer weather is finally here. This morning's Skagit Valley Herald is showing 79 for Fri and 85 on Sat. When it finally shows up it is coming with a vengeance.

Rain Trueax said...

I have been meaning to get in and get my shingles inoculation also but put it off. I have heard it's one of the big issues as we age. Hope yours is better soon. They do supposedly have drugs to shorten its duration. No fun at all. And I have a friend who had it on his face. He didn't deal with it and it became very serious; so glad you got treatment.

Brenda said...

Bless your heart! Those things make you so miserable! I had them twice within 8 months back about 9 yrs ago, on my back and shoulder, and didn't think the pain and itching would ever go away. The best relief I got was cool compresses made with epsom salts. Your resistance is down, that's the reason the virus acts all wonky. Please take care Miz Mary lou, get plenty of rest!!

Mary Lou said...

Well It is still swollen...How long does it take to go down? I am tired of reading one-eyed!!

Anonymous said...

I have been told that Shingles is a very painful disease to have to endure, and really, endure is what you have to do for a while. I feel really bad that you have to go through this. I know you'll try to get well soon.

NJ

Anonymous said...

Take care, Mary Lou and I hope you get better very soon.

Sally said...

Ouch, I feel for you!!

Mary Lou said...

I am NOT happy about this.... >:(

Granny Annie said...

Mary Lou, here are some helpful tips that I found on the internet when I learned my sister had shingles. Maybe they will help you too.
1. Make sure you get enough rest, avoid stress as much as you can, and eat well-balanced meals.
2. Simple exercises like stretching or walking can help. Check with your doctor first.
3. Dip a washcloth in cool water and apply it to your blisters to ease the pain and help dry the blisters.
4. Do things that take your mind off your pain. Watch TV, read interesting books, talk with friends, or work on a hobby you like.
5. Try to relax. Stress can make the pain worse. Listen to music that helps you relax.
6. Share your feelings about your pain with family and friends. Ask for their help.

Anonymous said...

It looks like Granny Annie has given you some very good advice. I know Shingles can be painful, but I'm glad it's nothing worse. Take care and I hope you feel better soon!

I didn't mind looking in the mirror when I was in my 30s. But now...there's always some old broad looking out at me! :-)

Anonymous said...

So sorry you have shingles. Nasty.

I hope they go away soon.

Cas

Joy Des Jardins said...

Oh Mary Lou...I'm sorry to hear you have been going through a bout with shingles. I know a few people who have had them..and they were miserable. I hope the worst is over....and that you are on the mend. Healing hugs....on the way sweetie....we don't mend as quickly as we use to....do we?

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