Shingles - Joanne's story

'The best treatment is to keep your immune system in check'

Shingles: Joanne's story

Joanne has shingles, an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. She describes her symptoms and treatment and how she manages the condition.

Joanne, who has shingles, describes her symptoms and treatment and how she manages the condition.

Last reviewed: 22/06/2010

Next review due: 22/06/2012

Comments

2 Comments about ‘Joanne's story’

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Col m said on 23 December 2011

When I was suspecting that I had shingles I looked it up and watched this video and was horrified to what lasted ahead.

My symptoms started with tenderness around my belly button. The next day I had very small blisters and then suspected shingles. After watching the video I went to the doctors and was diagnosed with shingles. What I don't like about this video is the repeated attacks of shingles. The doctor told me that she had never seen anyone with repeated attacks of shingles so this video is not a good representation of most cases.

I was put on anti viral tablets. The next morning I had more blisters on my side and back but the viral tablets started working and the blisters stopped at small clusters. I had no pain at all and no other symptoms.

I think the key for me was that I was put on anti viral tablets very early and it stopped any of the bad symptoms comming out. So, if you suspect shingles get to the doctors as soon as possible!

Pollyfountain said on 04 February 2011

Not helpful. No reasons given for discontinuing tablets (presumably an anti-viral) which could lead others to do the same and in so doing miss out on benefits of this medication. Also - how are you supposed to "keep your immune system in check"? Does the NHS have any reliable advice on this topic which is normally the province of manufacturers of expensive supplements etc of dubious benefit.
Very disappointing.

Shingles - Joanne's story

'The best treatment is to keep your immune system in check'