Diabetes T2 and shingles

[Lazycat6]

Hi I am type 2 diagnosed March Hba1c 103 now down to 41,diet controlled only now, but have just been diagnosed with shingles, v painful and spreading, just started antivirals anyone else had this and did they avoid complications?

 

[Rachox]

I’m type 2 and had shingles a couple of years ago. I am a retired infectious diseases nurse so recognised it early and got antivirals very quickly, I had no complications. Let us know how you get on.

 

[In Response]

I have Type 1 and “caught” shingles a couple of years ago.
The pharmacist diagnosed it and I got anti virals on the third day.
The pain lasted about a week and I experienced no complications.

 

[Lazycat6]

Thanks for your replies x

 

[LivingLightly]

Congratulations on achieving a much improved HbA1c result in 7 months.

I am type 2 diabetic and developed shingles in early 2015, but thankfully no complications.
It's a painful and debilitating illness. I hope your GP has prescribed effective pain relief.

 

[Outlier]

Yes and yes. I wouldn't recommend shingles to anyone but it ran its course in a textbook manner and I took no meds for it at all.

 

[CatsFive]

Years ago, I got it in the back of my head and the edge of my ear. It started on a Friday, by Monday when I saw a doctor he said that unfortunately it was too late after the onset for drugs to make a difference. It wasn't too bad when I was awake & upright, but it kept waking me at night every time I rolled on the affected area.

I do get the odd cold sore and start treating that as soon as I get a 'strange' feeling in my lip, and I'll be putting my arm out for the shingles vaccine as soon as I can.

 

[LivingLightly]

Years ago, I got it in the back of my head and the edge of my ear. It started on a Friday, by Monday when I saw a doctor he said that unfortunately it was too late after the onset for drugs to make a difference. It wasn't too bad when I was awake & upright, but it kept waking me at night every time I rolled on the affected area.

I do get the odd cold sore and start treating that as soon as I get a 'strange' feeling in my lip, and I'll be putting my arm out for the shingles vaccine as soon as I can.

To be clear, shingles and chickenpox are caused by herpes zoster, while cold sores are due to herpes simplex. Currently, AFAIK, there is no vaccine to protect against cold sores.

That said, prompt treatment of cold sores tends to shorten healing time and avoids the risk of secondary infection.

 

[Rokaab]

And I'm joining the club now as well (well I'm T1 rather than T2) - found a rash yesterday, docs said it was shingles this morning - have now got antivirals - so far its only a really annoying itch (that I'm desperately trying not to scratch), and what seems to be an on and off mild headache (though that could be anything and not related)

 

[zand]

And I'm joining the club now as well (well I'm T1 rather than T2) - found a rash yesterday, docs said it was shingles this morning - have now got antivirals - so far its only a really annoying itch (that I'm desperately trying not to scratch), and what seems to be an on and off mild headache (though that could be anything and not related)

I had a headache with shingles both times too

 

[CATHYJAY]

I got diagnosed 3 weeks ago with shingles, I am Type 2, still have severe back pain, stomach bulge, still itchy and have a numbness around my stomach where the rash still is. Will need to go back the doctors. Problem I have is that I'm due for another diabetic blood test, concerned because reading medical reports state that your blood sugar can be affected up to 6 months! My last two blood tests taken last year have come back high, so God knows what this one will be!!!!!

 

[LivingLightly]

I got diagnosed 3 weeks ago with shingles, I am Type 2, still have severe back pain, stomach bulge, still itchy and have a numbness around my stomach where the rash still is. Will need to go back the doctors. Problem I have is that I'm due for another diabetic blood test, concerned because reading medical reports state that your blood sugar can be affected up to 6 months! My last two blood tests taken last year have come back high, so God knows what this one will be!!!!!

Morning @CATHYJAY. I woudn't put off the blood work, if I were you. Your GP knows your recent medical history.
If your next HbA1c result is high, s/he may suggest a further test in, say, 3 months time, when things have settled down.

Shingles is a painful and debilitating illness. I hope your GP has prescribed effective pain relief.