Days 4 and 5

Days 4 and 5 have been pretty bad as well. I think I am getting used to the pain. It has spread under my left arm now. I have a patch there and also some more lesions moving to the front on top of my left breast. The pain, it is hard to describe. It itches and burns like road rash, but it also aches like a bruise.

Day 4, Sunday

Day 5, Monday
You can sort of see some of the small blisters popping up on the front. So far, I have gotten some relief from after sun spray containing lidocaine and aloe. The oral pain relievers are relatively useless. Ibuprofen has taken down a lot of the swelling. The Valtrex seems to have slowed the spread some, but not completely stopped it.

Yuck

Yes, these pictures are kind of gross to look at. I have had a few people tell me it looks like heat rash. I can assure you it is not heat rash. The only logical explanation is shingles. The blisters are starting to form and should rupture in the next day or two. I haven't found any relief yet. My grandfather suggested anything containing capsaicin. I have been using aloe and some after sun care with lidocaine. It helps for a few moments. The rash has started under my left arm now and the sensitivity across my chest remains. I took a Percocet last night and all it did was make me nauseous, even with food before bed. So back to ibuprofen and plain tylenol... and lots of deep breathing. I think I'd rather go through unmedicated labor, at least that is over in 24 hours or less!

Shingles! Not the kind on your roof...

Yep, I have shingles. I am 28 and other than being a little overweight, healthy. Stress, well yes, I have stress. So I suppose this is how it has chosen to manifest itself. It started with burning tingly skin. Then about 24 hours later the first set of rashy lesions appeared:
Another 24 hours later they have spread and hurt like hell and itch so bad at the same time. I am freaking miserable. I am on Valtrex and the doctor gave me a painkiller. Too bad that makes me super nauseous without relieving any discomfort.
I do not think I can handle months of this! Ugh, I will be updating here and there. I am mostly chronicling for my own record.