Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Shingles help

Forgive the whining. Again.
It's spread from my whole arm to my back, shoulder and hand (all left side). The pain has also spread to my neck, ear canal, jaw, and throat. I'm not really sure what it means, if anything, if it's in your throat? Any guesses? I just hope it stops at the pain part, and doesn't turn to sores. I can't get in to see my doc before I leave for Palm Springs. But I do have a great out-of-country medical plan. lol
This is day 4 of the rash part, and I'm still on steroids and anti-virals, plus painkillers; skipped my enbrel shot. Just not sure what to think of it spreading this much.... we're up to about 5 dermatomes, and I thought it was supposed to limit itself to one?

Take care hope you feel better soon.
Gentle hugs, Yoly

Hi Megan,
FYI: You might want to check your medical coverage before you go. We went to Florida a few years ago and my son got sick with a UTI. The medical insurance was very fussy about ensuring that the UTI was not "a previously existing condition". They weren't going to cover the cost otherwise.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
Mary

Megan, I am so sorry. This must be extremely painful.

I don't know much about shingles, but if it is affecting anywhere near your face, I'm pretty sure you should see someone ASAP (even if means going to an ER). If shingles spreads into the eyes I think you can have permanent vision damage.

If you are already on anti-virals that's good. It is great that you got on them so quickly, because they are most effective at the start of an attack. But I'd really encourage you to see a doctor before you leave the country, just to make sure the shingles is progressing as expected and that nothing else is going on.

If you call your doctor and tell them that the shingles has spread to your face and that you are travelling out of the country, perhaps they will see you immediately.

Best wishes. Palm Springs sounds wonderful.

Oh honey, how awful. I just wanted to add my shoulder to the load.

Warm hugs,

I would see my doc if I could, trust me.
The shingles aren't on my face, just the nerve pain....
I'm sure it'll eventually clear up on it's own, I'm just being a big baby about it. lol

Goodness Megan, this sounds just terrible!

Since you have been on Enbrel and this is continuing to spread, I would really consider getting yourself in to an ER. If possible, pick a hospital that has a good Rheumatology dept., where hopefully someone with a clue about biologics might be handy or on call.

Also, I hate to say it, but if you have ticket cancellation insurance, I'd really consider changing your plans. I have a hard time imagining you're going to enjoy this trip or that the physical stress of flying can be anything but detrimental.

I am so sorry you are going through this nightmare!! You are NOT being a baby!

mig

I know this probably provides little to no help, but here's what helps me with skin and sore issues. Lots of rubbing alcohol. It hurts but it's always helped me with sores, rashes, burns, etc. I even use it for aftershave. Sorry about the shingles. I do know that it will get into your throat. I had the chickenpox when I was a teenager and it sucked.

Megan Megan Megan. This fom the Center for Disease Control;

"Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop."

You're not whining, you need to be taken care of!!
Please do... we all need you to be ok.
cc

Sweetie,

I have seen you...go to the ER before you go, I dont even know how you are going to be able to enjoy your weekend with Glen.

Am I gonna have to come and take care of you babe, you arer worrying me to death.

Please pm me or call me and let me know you have gone to the ER.

Hugs,

Lisa