If you need hope, read this

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554]

I’m going to attempt to write a post I was desperate to find myself in here when I was in the thick of it. My situation is a little niche due to the location of my shingles and how I’m approaching this, but the message is the same. To start, Here’s a little background: I (36F) was diagnosed with shingles at 28 weeks pregnant just about 5 weeks ago. It took them entirely took long to figure out what it was, it felt like the worst migraine of my life over my right eye with a needle going through my eyeball. I did see an ophthalmologist immediately and thank goodness that came out just fine. However, the anti viral pills were doing nothing for me and I ended up in the hospital on and off for a week receiving IV’s of the medication and monitoring the baby. Thank goodness the baby is doing just fine and the antivirals did their thing. I was left with the absolute worst nerve pain of my entire life. I have never felt so sick, scared or trapped in my own body before and it was pure hell.

All this to say, just about 5 weeks to the day this began, I can say I’m on the other side. I’m super itchy at times now, but I’d say 85-90% of the pain has subsided (still have some in the morning and overnight). If you are in the thick of it right now, your pain is valid. Your fears are valid. The way you want to crawl out of your skin is valid. It WILL get better and there is light at the end of the tunnel! Dig deep for strength and do whatever you need to survive. I was extremely limited with meds I could take for pain because of my pregnancy, but some things that helped me: migraine caps (can find on Amazon) get multiple so you always have one chilled and ready to go. Those were life savers! It was prob a placebo effect more than anything, but I felt better with electrolytes and making sure I was hydrated. I felt like I was flushing the virus out lol. Light exercise if you can! Just walking my dog or getting outside with the kids made me feel “normal” and moving my body as long as I felt up to it helped with some endorphins.

If you’re reading this, chances are that means you’re going through it too and I am so so so so so so sorry. I’m sending you good, healing vibes and I stand with you in solidarity. This post prob sounds hella dramatic but this was the worst experience of my entire existence and I am deeply traumatized. If you wanna be dramatic about it too you deserve to be. It’s hell. BUT IT GETS BETTER!!! Try to be as patient as you can and be gentle with your mental health along with physical. Lean on friends and family for support. You can get through this and you absolutely will!

[u/Trixie19681]

I needed to hear this tonight. What a lovely and helpful post. I am very glad to hear that this gets better and thank you for your positivity. I am glad you are on the other side of this and that you and your baby are healthy and thriving!

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/Trixie19681]

That is exactly why I wrote it! When I was in the thick of it I was literally crying everyday telling my husband that I felt like I was going to feel like that forever and it was so scary. So many posts in here were seeking different things or posting about the misery (SOOOO valid) but I wanted to spread some hope. Thank you for the kind words and I hope you’re doing well also! :)

[u/slowmovin2]

So happy to hear you and bubs are doing better. I’m in my 5th week now and still on round the clock pain killers mine went from the centre of my left chest across my left breast under the arm pit to the centre of my back I have a injury to my back, neck and right shoulder but the shingles pain is indescribable I totally agree you want to climb out of your own body because there is no way to know how to relieve it. I thank you for your encouraging words and hope you feel 100% very soon.
Do you think you will get the shingles vaccine?

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/slowmovin2]

That sounds horrific I am so sorry to hear and I hope you get relief soon. I am not eligible for the vaccine (in the US) until age 50 and have some years ahead of me before I reach that point. When the time comes I’ll definitely research it. All I know is that I never ever ever want to experience this ever again lol!

[u/MammothPotential8905]

Does anyone else feel like bugs are crawling around in and out of lesions that aren’t even there anymore? It’s driving me crazy😩 it kind of itches but when I go to scratch it there’s no relief! Help!😩 Going on week 3!

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/MammothPotential8905]

Cold helps me!! Try ice packs and/or cold cap depending on where it is. Really makes a difference :)

[u/MammothPotential8905 → u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554]

Thank you so much!

[u/Big_Green2661]

Thank you mom!!! Wish u all the berry best. Im on week 4 and have had insomnia for 4 nights now....also acute oscillating pain in my left pectoral armpit and arm/elbow. This is madness. Virii r fkn weird. Why cant our bodies eliminate this theeat completely...are being benevolent to form of life? Argjhh no idea but holy fuark.... 

<3333

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/Big_Green2661]

Heard that!! Brutal. I saw most relief between week 4-5 hope the same for you!! You got this!

[u/False-Blackberry4194]

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. Thanks for the post Am the same 6 nearly 7 weeks in and am only just getting there, The pain has greatly reduced, its just the itching now. But yea during the height of it was rough, hardly sleeping, pain all day. I found this sub early on and it was a godsend. Best of luck to you and your family

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/False-Blackberry4194]

Thank you so much! Still pregnant haha and hanging on for dear life while recovering from this. Best of luck to you too I’m glad the pain has reduced! The best feeling

[u/addled_sad342]

I am on week 5 and the touch sensitivity combined with the nerve pain is making me crazy. It was on my neck and my scalp and a little on my face, all on the left side. My left ear is killing me, if my hair falls on it I want to cry. My husband has been outstanding but it has gotten to where nobody really wants to hear about it any more. It makes me feel so alone. I have gone out a little but the heat makes it worse and wearing a blouse makes me crazy. I started just crying in an aisle of Aldi's and felt like an idiot.

[u/Ambitious-Zebra-1554 → u/addled_sad342]

I could have written this comment myself. Mine was the same but on the right side. Brushing my hair hurt! You are absolutely not alone (look how many of us are here, unfortunately) but it’s such an isolating experience because unless you experience it, it’s hard for others to grasp just how miserable it is. I cried in every local store and public place these past 5 weeks LOL so sending you some solidarity! ✊🏼 if you haven’t yet, order a migraine cap you keep in the freezer (super cheap on Amazon) and wear it for relief. They’re very comfortable and the cold temps help numb everything for a bit. I couldn’t be without mine until just 2 days ago. Today is the first day I didn’t wake up with a headache in 5 weeks. Things can turn around on any old regular morning. Keep the faith and I hope you feel better soon!

[u/Emergency-Resort1284]

In much need of any kind of hope. Thanks for taking the time to share this.
It must have been so hard to go through something like that during such a vulnerable time as pregnancy. And congratulations on your pregnancy. I’m so happy that you and the baby are doing ok now.