Herpes Zoster

 Hi everybody!

 Since i was diagnosed  with GBM, a year ago,i had to deal with several health conditions and side effects that usually come along when you have cancer (like diabetes, thrombophlebitis, localized infections, etc, etc). My latest acquisition is Herpes Zoster, a condition that usually shows up in patients with a weak immunitary system. It hurts like hell in my rib cage and the pain killers have almost no effect. Anyone else had to deal with this? Any feedback would be must appreciated.

 All the best, Rod.

Hi, I took care of my BIL who had shingles and a very large patch on one side of his back that was sore,blistery, oozy. Very painful for him.

Dx 4/09, died 8/10

Thank you very much for your reply. Sounds like the same thing. Was there anything that helped against the pain (apart from the pain killers)? I know that eventually I'll get better, but I just needed something that would help me cope with the pain until then. I've already gone through a lot of painful stuff since I was diagnosed in Sep'10, but this is really putting me through the test.

Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question (and sorry for my English).

All the best from Portugal, Rod.

Hi Rod

Paul also got shingles (we couldn't figure out what it was -ant bites, appendicitis etc.)  Finally got him to his GP and he was diagnosed with shingles (which I believe is a herpes virus).  There is medicatio for herpes but yu have to catch it pretty quickly or else it's ineffective.  The pain did eventually subside (I gather it wasn't a bad case) and he seemed better after a month.

With everything else you're fighting, you certainly don't need this.  Good luck

Sally

Hi there

I don't know if this method will help or scare you.  While I was caring for my late husband, it was I, not he, who developed shingles on the left side of my head.  As it is nerves which are affected, there isn't a lot once the time window for the medication has passed.  This being said, applying cold cloths or even ice helps to numb the pain.  Do not apply directly to the skin because of sores, but rather put in a ziplock bag and then wrap in a towel or put in  a cloth bag.  Even a bag of frozen peas wrapped in thin cloth works.

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this as well.  Hoping for the best

Donna E.

My husband is currently getting over a case of shingles (at least thats what they called it)that was in his mouth and around his nose.Very painful and they treated it with famciclovir for infection and extra strength tylenol.He also has now this week been diagnosed with steroid induced diabetes and started med for that and has had low platelets forover three months and not been able to continue on the clinical trial after his second surgery.Waitin g for platelets to one day rebound so can resume just avastin. Its like everything hits you sometimes. I am sorry you are hurting. I wish I had an answer for you.

ST

I'm really sorry about your husband. I feel the same way, it's like you don't get a break. When it seems you're getting better from something, another thing shows up (I already lost count of all the complications I experienced since I was diagnosed in Sep'2010). I get there's not much I can do about the shingles except for being patient, accepting the pain and waiting until it finally goes away.

All the best from Portugal,

Rod.

Hi Donna, thank you very much for your reply. I tried using some cloths soaked in cold Lemon Balm tea (I read about it in a natural healing by herbs book) and it did give me some relief (at least for a few noments). The ice also seems like a good idea.

Thank you once again.

Best wishes from Portugal,

Rod.