I'm in the process of trying to get over a case of shingles. It is quite unpleasant. It started August 7. I went to the ER several days wherelater-a Saturday. The doc didn't check the scalp, but based on palpating, and after a CT scan that ruled out mastoiditis. I got rounds of 2 different IV antibiotics, and was sent home with 2 weeks of po meds.
Sunday dawned with the swelling having spread, and considerably more pain, but I figured I needed to let the meds work for awhile. On Monday, it was clear that something major was up. Back to the ER, where the PA student took a picture of my scalp and neck, where the malady had spread to. I looked and said, "Shingles?" She didn't think so, but the head doc agreed with my suspicion. So, a week of antivirals, a scant script for Percocet, and back to the couch.
It's three weeks later, and the discomfort is real. Having said that, it's not going to kill me, and I have friends and relatives with situations that are so serious.
I was told about arthritis strength acetaminophen- really makes it easier. Take 2 every 8 hours- they have some time release, so last longer, and don't wear off as suddenly as the regular ones. Still, my hair hurts, and my ear feels like I slept with it flipped over. I'm also trying evening primrose oil, which apparently helps with diabetic neuropathy. This isn't diabetic, but I figure it can't hurt. And if it doesn't help, I'm just out a few bucks.
On the needles
I started Floozy, a pretty cardigan. I'm knitting it in Neighborhood Fibers Cobblestone Sock. I'm down to the arm separation, so I put in a lifeline, and will try it on. Here's hoping it's close enough in size that I don't need to make adjustments.
Floozy