Shingles - how long?

**tinkerbell** · 02-06-2012, 09:24am

Hi, Just after a bit of advice really. I have just been diagnosed with shingles on my right hand. I have been prescribed aciclovir tablets and pain killers but my GP has signed me off for 2 weeks! In the next two weeks I have DHs 30th, DD's 6th birthday and party and a wedding to go to. I am absolutely gutted and just wondered realistically and from experience how long does shingles take to go? I feel fine to work once I'm dosed up on pain pills but the GP was having none of it. Also I do have 2 pregnant ladies in my office and obviously don't want to put them at risk. Its just come at the worst possible time

**Jeany** · 02-06-2012, 09:34am

It can take up to 4 weeks to heal completely. If the pregnant ladies are immune to chicken pox you are no risk to them. Hope you feel better soon.

**parkejm** · 02-06-2012, 10:09am

WSS, I caught Chicken Pox from someone who had shingles and didn't stay off work. I was TTC at the time so was pretty worried for a bit.

Apparently once the blisters have dried & scabbed over you should be non-contagious, and don't need to avoid anyone.

Hope it goes soon.

**Poppopity** · 02-06-2012, 10:10am

I was off Uni for a month when I had shingles. I was so exhausted I think I slept for most of that time.

**Dr Know** · 02-06-2012, 10:17am

I had shingles on my neck and only felt slightly tired for about a week I think. I didn't even take the medication the doctor gave me as it wasn't painful

Everyone's different though.

Take advantage of your time off work to rest and you'll probably be fine for all the rest of your engagements. You might want to take a good vitamin B complex supplement (as shingles is an attack on the nervous system) and also vitamin C to flush it out...

**tinkerbell** · 02-06-2012, 11:04am

Thank you for your replies, I guess its just a waiting game then.

**Rosa** · 02-06-2012, 08:28pm

Yes I'd say it is very individual. My aunt had it last year and it covered most of her torso and took several months for her to get back to fully functioning, and she still hasn't got sensation in the area that was affected. I hope you make a good recovery xxx

**Shoppie** · 02-06-2012, 08:39pm

I had it and was also signed off for 2 weeks. I think the thing is as parkejm said you just don't know who around you could be pregnant and/ or not immune to the virus so unfortunately I think you just have to wait and see how it goes. boo though