The pain in my shoulder was intense. I had shoveled base out of Jim's truck two times that week, but was careful not to overdo it. The thoughts I had, believing I couldn't even do that kind of work right now was disappointing to say the least.
As the days went by, the pain didn't lessen, it in fact seemed to be moving around my whole shoulder area and even under my arm and onto my breast. I started to put heat on it and that helped a little. But then the tingling sensation that began on my breast brought even more confusion to me. When my oldest daughter heard about the tingling, she thought maybe it was a pinched nerve, and so I started to use ice.
We had spent the day at our family ranch and it was after that that I first saw the rash, I thought I had hives. I had a whole lot of pain that night and a difficult time sleeping. When I woke up in the morning, the rash was worse ... the word 'shingles' dropped into my head. I knew it was true and I knew it was God who was speaking to me.
I quickly looked up shingles images and descriptions and began to consider my next steps. I knew I needed to see a doctor and get on some sort of medication, but went back and forth a bit on whether or not I'd go that day. Thankfully I did!
The pain seemed to get worse as the hours went by waiting to see the doctor and then to get my pain medication. He prescribed Zovirax and some pain medication. After beginning the medication, the rash stopped growing, but did change over the next two weeks. The pain has been tremendous! More pain than I've ever experienced in my life. The nights have been miserable with not near enough sleep.
After about a week and a half, the sores that developed dried up and began to go away. A few more sores developed but didn't progress like the first parts. I actually currently still have some raised bumps and a whole lot of itchiness. I quit taking the pain medication because I didn't like the way it was making me feel, but have been taking Tylenol and Advil regularly.
Today is the beginning of week 3 ... and yesterday afternoon was my first day to do normal things and actually not have pain or discomfort to do them. Each time the medication wears off the pain in my shoulder and between my breasts returns with a vengeance. My hope and prayer is that it all go away real soon.
p.s. If you've been following, you know this isn't a normal post for me ... I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about how shingles affects a person. Praying you never get it! Have you had it? I'd love to hear about your experience.
That sounds just terrible, Carolyn. I’m so sorry this happened to you. It sounds like a horrible time for you yet you’ve kept shooting and posting. Good for you. I got my first shingles shot about 5 years ago and thought I would be protected forever. This year my doctor told me to get the new Shingrix shots as the old one I had isn’t as effective. I got the two shots just before Christmas, they aren’t cheap (two @ $140 Cdn each & not covered by our health program) but if they work, they are well worth it. I’m only relating this story in hopes that those who read it will go and get their shots.
I hope your healing continues and you are over this very soon. Thanks for sharing.
It is … has been and still is … Thank you! Yes … I actually shoot lots of pictures at a time and then post over the next several days. But I have done some shooting during this time. It has been challenging, but good to do something as well. Thank you for that information! My hope is the same as yours that people who read this will want to get their shingles vaccine. I appreciate your comment!
I have not had shingles. My husband did and it was so painful. I got the shingles vaccine soon afterwards. Hope you feel better soon!
Oh Carolyn, I am so sorry that this is something you had to go through. I remember when my grandmother got it. Hers was all around under her breast. She was so embarrassed going bra-less that regardless of the pain she was experiencing – she would not go out in public without a bra on. I think it is now time for me to get my happy self to get a shingles shot! I have probably put it off far to long!
Take care – I will be praying for you,
Love, Aunt (I still feel like that is my title!!) Sue
Thank you Sue! Around the breast is hard. I’ve stayed home as much as I can and yesterday was the first time I wore a. Yes, get your shot! This is no fun! I appreciate the prayers and yes of course you’re my Aunt Sue! You always will be!
Dear Carolyn,
I am so sorry to read you are dealing with this! My husband has his first outbreak of Shingles about a year ago so I’ve seen him experience exactly the symptoms you describe here. Thoughts and prayers to you dear lady as it’s a very uncomfortable situation. I hope it resolves very soon and that you will be resting well again! 🙏🏻✨ x Donna
Thank you Donna! Yes it’s terrible … and you’ve experienced it closely. I appreciate your prayers!
Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery. I have heard that shingles are very painful and feel bad for you.
Thank you Eleni! Yes it is very painful.
So glad you are continuing to improve!!🌸🌷🙏🏻
Thanks Rita! Me too!
Shingles is a terrible and painful condition. I’m so sorry to hear you are suffering with it. I will add you to my daily prayers for continued, and swift, recovery!
It is … thank you Martha! I sure appreciate it!
I’m so sorry you have been going through this. I’ve never had shingles, but I’ve heard people say how painful it is. I surely hope you will get through this soon. Sending hugs!
Thank you Lori! It is so painful … thank you for the well wishes!
Oh Carolyn I’m so sorry, my mom had shingles and it was a terrible experience, long after they left she would still feel some discomfort. She had it across her back and she would ask for us to rub her back in the area where the shingles broke out. This occurred months afterwards. I’ve had the shingle vaccine for that reason. Bless your heart, shingles are so painful. I will remember you in my prayers. Thx you so much for sharing with us, it’s important information for us to know. Take care my friend! ❤️
Thank you so much Tina! I truly appreciate your prayers … it is so painful. I’m praying I don’t have pain much longer. I’m so glad you had the vaccine.
Hi Carolyn. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. I’ve never had it myself but my mother had a real bad experience with it. She used to call it St. Elmo’s Fire and describe the pain like sticking her arm into a furnace (hers was from the fingertips to the shoulder on her right arm.) It lasted almost an entire year and she almost lost the use of her arm. My sister also had it a few years ago on her face but luckily it was a mild case and the medication stopped it immediately from spreading. I pray that yours is a milder case and heals quickly. I just found out recently that you don’t need to wait until you’re 60 to get the shot anymore so I’m planning on asking my doctor for it when I see her next month for my annual physical. Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Feel better soon!