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[honeybun]

She has been feeling a bit off for a few days and this morning the rash came up.
It's high up on her breast. Not many spots but it's definitely shingles. I called the GP.
GP has given her anti viral medication but I am reluctant to give them to her as the side effects are pretty bad.
On the NHS website it said it should be used with care in the elderly.


What next....I am so tired. I feel sorry for her, this can last for up to a month and its going to be a fun filled time. She does not cope well with this kind of thing.

Want to run away and join the circus.


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

No, no, no - the sooner she gets the anti-viral meds the sooner she will get relief from symptoms.  If used within 72 hours of the rash appearing the patient has much benefit.  ......... Shingles in the elderly can be long-term.  I know your Mum is 91 but still, long-term can cause depression - ...........

[honeybun]

Side effects

Dizziness-----she does not walk well any way.
Sickness-------she has a very sensitive stomach
Diahorea------try getting to the loo fast when you don't walk well.


This is going to be a damned if we do and damned if we don't situation.


Honeyb
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[Taz2]

If you don't start them straight away they wont work anyway Honeybun. The symptoms of shingles, as the pain increases, can also include vomiting and upset stomach plus really dreadful pain. I would definitely give her the meds.

Taz x

[Taz2]

Does this help you decide http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Shingles/Pages/Treatment.aspx

The rash can be horrible as it develops and also because she is elderly it is important to try to stop it multiplying as much as possible and anti-virals are the only things that will do this.

I had it last year but without the rash -trust me - and even now my skin is extremely tender in one place.

Taz x 

[honeybun]

Oh I really don't know what would be best.

The GP said it was a mild case. My mother has reacted badly to pills all her life so she is almost guaranteed to react badly.
It's so hard to decide what's best for her.

Off to call big sis for a chat as to what's best.


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

There is never a mild case of shingles.  If left the pain will be the same and the after effects too.  Just because she has reacted to other medications she may not to these.  Let us know what you decide and what the eventual outcome is with regards pain levels etc..

[Taz2]

We are really lucky that the anti virals are now prescribed. A few years ago there was nothing for this horrible illness. I can see how you don't want your mum to suffer the side effects though but maybe short-lived side effects are better than months of pain?

I hope you've had chicken pox Honeyb!!

Taz x

[ann123]

My mum, age 85, has just had shingles. She was given the anti viral meds and was fine, no side effects. Shingle pain can last for years, better to take the meds than risk long lasting nerve pain!!!
Side effects are on all meds just to cover the pharma companies. She can always stop if they disagree with her.
That's what I had to do recently after a bad reaction to tramadol

[Joyce]

My mum had to put up & shut up. She had it for ages. Couldn't wear a bra, couldn't sleep with the pain.
Not sure what to suggest HB, apart maybe from some incontinence pants/pads if she gets the runs.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. It's just been one thing after another. I really feel for you. 

[honeybun]

She has started the tablets so we will have to see how it goes.

She says she feels ok although very tired.

Fingers crossed that she can tolerate the medication.
Thanks all for your input....it made the decision easier.


Honeyb
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[Joyce]

Hope she feels better soon HB! 

[Limpy]

You've done the right thing Honeyb.
The pain that can come with shingles, is really really bad.

[littleminnie]

I hope she's better soon and doesn't get any side effects.
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[Greyhoundgal]

Hope your Mum soon feels better and doesn't have too many effects from the meds.  My Mum had the same thing a couple of weeks ago - she was also lucky in that it was caught early and they put her on anti-viral medication straight away.  I think she did suffer from dire-rear for a few days but she didn't get any pain from the shingles and is now just left with some scabs where the blisters were.